Episode
Ella Balasa- Cystic Fibrosis Patient Advocate
- Podcast
- Clinical Research Coach
- Published
- Feb 15, 2026
- Duration seconds
- 2881
- Processing state
not_requested
Actions
POST https://stenobird.com/v1/public/podcasts/clinical-research-coach-5690243/episodes/ella-balasa-cystic-fibrosis-patient-advocate/transcription-requests
Idempotently request low-priority transcript generation for this episode.GET https://stenobird.com/podcast/clinical-research-coach-5690243/ella-balasa-cystic-fibrosis-patient-advocate.md
Read the agent-friendly Markdown representation of this episode resource.
Summary
In this episode of the Clinical Research Coach, I sit down with Ella Balasa, a cystic fibrosis patient advocate whose lived experience is shaping how our industry understands trust, transparency, and meaningful patient engagement. Diagnosed in infancy with cystic fibrosis, a progressive genetic lung disease, Ella has spent her life navigating hospital systems, breakthrough therapies, and clinical trials — not as an abstract participant, but as someone whose health and future depend on research progress. Along the way, she has become a powerful voice for improving how industry partners with patients. In this conversation, Ella shares what sponsors, sites, and biotech leaders often overlook: * Patient experience is never one-size-fits-all — even within the same diagnosis. * Patients learn about trials through trusted networks, not just databases or digital ads. * Transparency builds confidence and drives long-term participation in research. * Dropout affects more than timelines — it influences trust and future enrollment decisions. * Technology should support patients, but never replace human connection. Ella’s perspective challenges us to think beyond enrollment metrics and toward something deeper: relational trust. Because sustainable progress in clinical research depends on listening to patients as individuals, partners, and experts in their own lives. To learn more about Ella: Https:/ellabalasa.com