In this episode of Clinical Research Coach, host Leanne Woehlke sits down with Dr. Rohan Lall for a candid, thought-provoking conversation on what it truly takes to modernize clinical research—without losing sight of patients, providers, or purpose.

Dr. Lall brings a rare dual perspective as a practicing physician and clinical research leader, offering firsthand insight into the structural, cultural, and operational challenges that slow progress across trials today.

Together, Leanne and Dr. Lall explore how clinical research must evolve to better reflect real-world care, rebuild trust with patients, and support sites and investigators who are stretched thin.

In this episode, you’ll hear about:

• Why many clinical trials still feel disconnected from everyday clinical care—and how to close that gap

• The growing tension between protocol complexity and patient participation

• What physicians actually need to stay engaged in research long-term

• How trust, communication, and operational empathy impact enrollment and retention

• Where technology helps—and where human connection remains irreplaceable

• Dr. Lall’s vision for a more sustainable, clinician-friendly, patient-ready research ecosystem

This conversation is a must-listen for sponsors, CROs, sites, and innovators who believe the future of clinical research depends not just on better technology, but on better alignment between medicine, operations, and the lived experience of patients.

Rohan Lall, MD M Health FarviewUniversity of Minnesota Medical Center

Spine Surgery / Neurosurgery/

Chief Medical Officer SynerFuse BIO:Dr Rohan R. Lall is a neurosurgeon in Edina, Minnesota and is affiliated withmultiple hospitals in the area, including M Health FairviewUniversity of Minnesota Medical Center and M Health FairviewSouthdale Hospital. He received his medical degree from University of Chicago Division of the Biological Sciences The Pritzker School of Medicine. He has expertise in treating spinalfusion, spinal stenosis and spondylosis, among other conditions

Dr Lall is a former investigator of the SynerFuse Proof of Concept trial and pioneered the e-TLIF procedure He performed the world’s firstsolo SynerFuse e-TLIF procedure as well as the first 2-level procedure. SynerFuse®e-TLIF™ procedure, a ULE™ Therapy (Ultra Low Energy), is used to addresschronic low back and leg pain for spinal fusion patients.

Dr Lall specializes in robotic and minimally invasive surgery, complex spinal surgery, brain for brain and spinal tumors and skullbase surgery/ pituitary tumor surgery. He has been a leader in robotic spinal surgery and actively involved in the development of new technologies in spine surgery. The Innovative procedure integrates conventional spinal surgery techniques with targeted nerve stimulation to address chronic back pain at its source. These nerve stimulators fundamentallyalter the nerve’s ability to transmit pain signals to the brain. The innovative implant allows patients to control nerve stimulation via smartphone, with early trial participants reporting significant pain reduction and improved quality of life without opioid dependence.