Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is a complex and often misunderstood autoimmune disease that affects millions worldwide. In our latest podcast, Donna Hanson, VP of Strategy and Optimization at Advanced Clinical, sits down with Sheri Hone, Solutions Client Relationship Manager and an RA patient herself, to discuss the evolving landscape of RA treatment and the patient experience. Together, they explore key findings from Advanced Clinical’s recent RA survey, conducted in collaboration with Stuff That Works, highlighting the challenges of diagnosis, treatment efficacy, and the ongoing need for patient-centered clinical research.

Sheri shares her personal journey with RA, detailing the hurdles she faced in receiving a diagnosis and the impact of various treatment options on her quality of life.

This insightful conversation underscores the urgent need for continued innovation in RA drug development, including the potential role of precision medicine and biomarker-driven treatments. With 47% of surveyed RA patients reporting that their diagnosis took over a year, it’s clear that early detection and personalized therapies remain critical priorities.

Tune in to the full discussion to hear firsthand about Sheri’s experience, the latest research trends, and how clinical trials are shaping the future of RA care.

To learn more about how Advanced Clinical provides a better clinical experience, please contact us today.

About the Speakers

Donna Hanson, Vice President of Strategy and Optimization, Advanced Clinical

Donna Hanson is a dynamic Strategy and Optimization Executive with over 20 years of experience in the clinical research industry. A leader in clinical development strategy, feasibility planning and patient engagement she has worked across most therapeutic areas and phases to optimize trial success.

As Vice President of Strategy & Optimization at Advanced Clinical, Donna specializes in working to support more inclusive research studies and has a proven track record of driving corporate growth, cross-functional collaboration, and operational innovation to enhance trial outcomes.  An active leader in the Healthcare Businesswomen’s Association, she fosters mentorship and professional growth within the industry.  Recognized with multiple awards for her leadership and track record, Donna brings a strategic mindset and deep industry knowledge to each study and conversation. She remains dedicated to advancing clinical research through strategic innovation and operational excellence.

Sheri Hone, Solutions Client Relationship Manager, Advanced Clinical

Sheri V Hone, Solutions Client Relationship Manager at Advanced Clinical, has extensive experience across a variety of sectors in project management, business development, and customer success. Her professional career began in the treasury and trade business with Citigroup in NYC, where she was the Director of Business Development for commercial card purchasing, T&E and ERP interface solutions. Sheri’s passion for corporate and community partnerships led to the launch of her own firm dedicated to sourcing grant funding from Fortune 500 companies to build sustainable programs focused on solving food insecurity. Her strengths in identifying gaps and improving processes, conflict resolution and collaboration, data analytics and CRM positioned her well for the role she now holds supporting the Advanced Clinical CRO Solutions business development team.  

She serves on Advanced Group’s patient advocacy committee, Advanced Voices, and social impact advisory group, Advancing Futures. She holds a BA in Economics & Business from Villanova University.  Sheri furthered her education with certifications in Marketing, Not-for-Profit Greater Good Project, from Northwestern University and Master Gardener from University of Illinois. She is passionate about organizations and initiatives pursuing the path to improve education and access to nutrient dense produce in food deserts with the ultimate goal of decreasing diseases attributed to poor nutrition.  

Rheumatoid Arthritis impacted Sheri 12 years ago, with an excruciating attack that began in her right wrist, with no prior symptoms or warning. The pain was not what most think of, “achy”, but rather very sharp shooting pain mixed with the sensation of broken glass that subsequently has traveled through different joints at different times. There have been times when holding a toothbrush, opening a jar or walking were impossible. The road to finding the right doctor, proper diagnosis and treatment were painful, long and frustrating. Unfortunately, this is all too familiar to most dealing with similar autoimmune diseases.  She is grateful for the clinical trials that led to the medication she now takes, that has put her RA into remission and speaks out to provide hope to others that they find what they need for health span quality.