Rethinking Recruitment and Retention with Empathy and Innovation: What if Patients Chose You?

Alicia Asgari, Director of Technology Solutions, StudyKIK, a Syneos Health Company

Alicia Asgari is the Director of Technology Solutions at StudyKIK, a Syneos Health Company, where she advises on best practices for technology solutions for patient recruitment and retention.  She has been serving clinical research for over 18 years in various capacities. Her passion for research began as a graduate research assistant and continued during her tenure at UC Irvine working in the central office for human research protections.

Alicia also spent several years with the Department of Medicine at UC Irvine, where she expanded into general clinical research operations and clinic support. She has been a technical solutions consultant in e-clinical, regulatory and life sciences for over 13 years, helping to implement thoughtful and functional technology practices that inspirelong-term success and sustainability across all research indications.

Meredith Wilson, Executive Director, Advocacy and Patient Affairs, Syneos Health

Meredith Wilson is a strategic powerhouse with over 25 years of experience leading advocacy, patient engagement, education, and health equity initiatives across clinical and commercial teams.

Leveraging extensive experience in advocacy, patient engagement, and healthcare communications, Meredith launched the Advocacy & Patient Affairs (APA) Team at Syneos Health in early 2022. Under her leadership, APA collaborates closely with pharmaceutical and biotech clients to develop and implement patient engagement and advocacy strategies. The APA team specializes in creating innovative, patient-partnered approaches that ensure patient needs, burdens, and preferences shape the development and delivery of transformative therapies. This unique model delivers flexible, meaningful solutions that keep patient communities at the forefront, driving impactful change and improved outcomes.

Meredith’s expertise covers numerous therapeutic areas, including rare disease, gene therapy, neurology, and oncology. She has successfully led large teams responsible for strategic account service, brand development, content strategy, and execution, consistently aligning objectives to support growth and enhance patient care.

Previously, as the founder of the Healthcare Partnerships Strategy and Education Departments at the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA), Meredith developed innovative partnership methodologies and educational platforms to support individuals and families impacted by neuromuscular disorders.

Meredith holds a double degree in international relations and Russian language from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, with additional studies at Moscow State University.