TrialBlazers is a PaTH-affiliated community created for curious, passionate adults who want to play an active role in shaping health research. Founded in February 2026, it brings together patients and caregivers from across the PCORnet community for lively virtual quarterly gatherings. Conversations focus on patient-centered comparative effectiveness research and, most importantly, the real experiences and perspectives that only patients and caregivers can bring. Through interactive presentations, storytelling, and structured dialogue, attendees explore the principles, practices, and real-world impacts of PPR within PCORnet and the PATH Network.

Attendees who have already partnered with a research team can share their stories, swap insights, and learn from others who have been in their shoes. Those who are just starting to think about getting involved in research as a patient partner, TrialBlazers find a welcoming place to learn what to expect and how to get started.

TrialBlazers occasionally invites research experts to join us, hear how patient voices have strengthened their work, and trade ideas about what makes research partnerships truly effective. We also brainstorm ideas for new study topics and share practical tips for helping patients, families, caregivers, clinicians, health system leaders, and others engage meaningfully at every stage of the research process.

In short, TrialBlazers is about learning together, sharing openly, and helping research work better for everyone. Below are links to the full recorded TrialBlazer sessions and associated brief podcasts.