FEBRUARY 2026
TrialBlazers Kicks Off!
On Tuesday, the 17th of February, a group of over 35 patient partners and potential patient partners met for the inaugural meeting of Trialblazers. TrialBlazers is a virtual community of patient partners, for patient partners – created for curious, passionate adults who want to learn together about how to play an active role in shaping health research. Conversations are focused 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 patient powered research within PCORnet® and the PATH Network.
Hosted by Greg Merritt, Megan Hamm and Natasha Norman, this first session was a robust conversation focused on defining and understanding Patient-Partnered Health Research. It included guest panelists such as Dr. Schuyler Jones, Duke University Medical Center, Ms. Tiffany Jones, a Patient Partner member of the PCORnet Steering Committee.
Participant input will guide the agenda for future sessions. TrialBlazers will also occasionally invite research experts to join us, hear how patient voices have strengthened their work, and trade ideas about what makes research partnerships truly effective. We will 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.
If you are a patient who is already partnered with a research team, this is your chance to share your story, swap insights, and learn from others who have been in your shoes. If you are just starting to think about getting involved in research as a patient partner, TrialBlazers is a welcoming place to learn what to expect and how to get started.
For more information, please see the Trialblazers website
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