April 20 GLSA | FOCM Networking Event Recap
On April 20, GLSA and FOCM hosted an online clinical research networking event designed to foster learning, collaboration, and meaningful industry connections. Each session begins with a featured presenter who spends 10–15 minutes sharing insights related to clinical research and their area of expertise.
Featured Presentation: Addressing Needle Fear in Clinical Research
This event featured Amy Baxter, MD, CEO and Founder of Pain Care Labs. She introduced attendees to the company’s NIH-funded pain relief device and discussed how needle fear impacts both public health and clinical research participation.
Dr. Baxter shared compelling research showing that 25% of Americans are averse to needles, a factor that has contributed to slower-than-expected COVID-19 vaccination rates. Notably, needle fear has increased significantly over time. In 1995, studies showed that 10% of adults and 25% of children feared needles. By 2012, research from Canada found that 63% of people born after 2012 exhibited needle phobia.
She explained how changes in vaccination schedules have contributed to this rise. Prior to 1980, most children completed vaccinations by age two. Since then, booster injections between ages four and six have become common—an age when fear responses often develop.
Innovation to Improve Patient Experience
Pain Care Labs developed Buzzy, a device that combines cold distraction with vibration to block pain signals. This approach has proven effective in managing needle fear across age groups.
Managing needle phobia is critical not only for improving vaccination rates, but also for clinical trials, especially vaccine studies or protocols requiring multiple needle sticks. Fear of needles can lead to lower enrollment and higher dropout rates. Tools like Buzzy offer a practical solution to improve patient comfort and trial retention.
Discussion, Networking, and Best Practices
Following the presentation, the group engaged in a lively Q&A session. Newer participants then introduced themselves, shared their backgrounds, and discussed how the group could support their current work.
After the event, Heather Hollick shared observations on what makes GLSA’s online networking events effective:
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Starting with casual, welcoming conversation
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Including a focused 15–20 minute learning segment
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Rotating through small breakout groups of 2–4 people
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Closing with group reflections and takeaways
She also noted that online networking benefits from light moderation, since visual cues and body language are limited.
Dr. Baxter suggested adding a simple icebreaker question at the start of future events. GLSA plans to implement this beginning in July. The July and August sessions will remain relaxed and informal, while September will return to more structured presentations alongside networking.
Attendees
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Amy Baxter, MD – Pain Care Labs
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Nicole O’Brien – Pain Care Labs
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Peter Payne – Consultant
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David Rodrin – IMA Clinical Research
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Daniel Paszterko – Myonex
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Ari Cofini – VeriSIM Life
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Neil Banerjee – QMS Integrity
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Nancy Zeleniak – Atrium Health
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Mike Minor – IMA Clinical Research
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Brittany Barber – Syneos Health
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Nicole Aubrey – Aubrey Cole Consulting
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Maria Frane – Simbec-Orion
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Ravipal Luthra – University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine
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Heather Hollick – Rizers LLC
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Mike O’Gorman – Life Science Marketplace
GLSA Team
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Hannah Lloyd
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Denise McNerney
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Joe Buser
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Zulma Varela
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Sally Haller
A few screenshots from the meeting are shared below:
About GLSA
Global Life Sciences Alliance (GLSA) connects biotechs, pharma, CROs, and clinical research sites with the right experts, advisors, and solutions to accelerate development and reduce risk. With a network of more than 200 trusted partners spanning pre-clinical and clinical research, GLSA offers flexible, cost-effective access to specialized expertise and services that support early-stage biotechs, mid-size pharma, and global pharmaceutical companies.
When you need trusted, global resources to accelerate your research, GLSA helps you scale smarter and move you forward with confidence.
To learn how GLSA can support your organization, connect with Denise McNerney or Chris Matheus for a conversation about your goals and challenges.