My journey into clinical research was not a traditional one. As a Foreign Medical Graduate (FMG) arriving in the United States, I was eager to continue contributing to healthcare but quickly realized that the path forward would look different than I had initially imagined. That path led me to clinical research, a field that has challenged me, inspired me, and allowed me to make a difference in patient care over the years.
Today, I specialize in developing and scaling clinical research operations, with a focus on creating the processes, systems, and partnerships needed to support high-quality clinical research. I currently serve as Lead Consultant for the Stanford Medicine–Sutter Health Cancer Center Joint Venture, where I am bringing together Stanford Medicine and Sutter Health to align research, clinical, and technology programs and establish a shared model for conducting clinical research under one roof.
Throughout my career, I have had the privilege of holding key roles at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, Yale Cancer Center, and Northwell Health. In these positions, I have led complex clinical research initiatives focused on operational excellence, regulatory compliance, and improving patient outcomes.
While I am proud of these professional accomplishments, some of the most meaningful experiences in my career have come from working directly with patients.
Recently, I had the opportunity to serve as a guest speaker at the monthly meetup hosted by Sikhs in Clinical Research (SICR).
The topic of representation is deeply personal to me. As a research coordinator, I enrolled more than 50 Sikh patients into cancer clinical trials throughout my career. Many times, I was asked to assist because I spoke the same language as the patients and could help bridge communication gaps. These experiences taught me that language, cultural understanding, and trust can make a tremendous difference in a patient's willingness and ability to participate in research.
At that time, we often relied on short-form consent processes. I am now encouraged to see organizations such as SICR advocating for fully translated informed consent forms (ICFs) and greater language accessibility for patients. Every patient deserves the opportunity to fully understand their options in the language they are most comfortable speaking.
One of the misconceptions I often encounter is the assumption that certain communities are not interested in participating in clinical trials. Sometimes these assumptions lead to unintentional exclusion, where patients may not even be offered the learning opportunity.
My experience with Sikh patients tells a different story. I have seen Sikh patients participate in research. I have seen families ask thoughtful questions, carefully consider their options, and choose to contribute to advancing medical science. The issue is often not willingness; it is awareness, access, education, and opportunity.
That is why community engagement matters. We need more education and awareness at the grassroots level. People should understand what clinical trials are, how they work, and why they matter long before they or a loved one face a serious diagnosis. Clinical trials should not be introduced for the first time during a life-changing medical appointment. Communities deserve ongoing education that empowers them to make informed decisions when the time comes.
As both a clinical research professional and a member of the Sikh community, I believe we have an opportunity to build stronger bridges between researchers and the populations we serve. Greater representation in clinical trials leads to better science, more equitable healthcare, and treatments that are effective for everyone.
The future of clinical research depends on trust, education, and inclusion. By meeting communities where they are, speaking their language, understanding their concerns, and ensuring they have access to information, we can create a research ecosystem that truly reflects the diversity of our society.
I am grateful for the opportunity to share my experiences with SICR and look forward to continuing the conversation around representation, patient engagement, and health equity in clinical research. Together, we can ensure that every community has a voice in shaping the future of medicine.
