# Ella Balasa- Cystic Fibrosis Patient Advocate

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/clinical-research-coach-5690243/ella-balasa-cystic-fibrosis-patient-advocate
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/clinical-research-coach-5690243/ella-balasa-cystic-fibrosis-patient-advocate.md
Podcast: [Clinical Research Coach](https://stenobird.com/podcast/clinical-research-coach-5690243)
Published: 2026-02-15T23:23:59+00:00
Episode link: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/clinresearchcoach/episodes/Ella-Balasa--Cystic-Fibrosis-Patient-Advocate-e3f4v83
Audio file: https://anchor.fm/s/af13ef84/podcast/play/115555011/https%3A%2F%2Fd3ctxlq1ktw2nl.cloudfront.net%2Fstaging%2F2026-1-15%2Fec18e06d-ea13-658c-416c-09c7997591e0.mp3
Processing state: not_requested
JSON: https://stenobird.com/v1/public/podcasts/clinical-research-coach-5690243/episodes/ella-balasa-cystic-fibrosis-patient-advocate
Duration seconds: 2881

## Resource

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

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## Transcript

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