By Anthony Miller
Ashay Shah is a healthcare professional and clinical researcher based in Chicago with a deep passion for medical science, patient education, and driving innovation in health and business. With a background in Dental Surgery, an MBA, and a Ph.D. expected in August 2025, Ashay brings a unique blend of clinical knowledge and strategic thinking to the field.
As a Clinical Research Site Manager, he oversees the coordination of clinical trials across multiple therapeutic areas, including endocrinology, infectious diseases, cardiology, and rare diseases. His daily responsibilities include reviewing study protocols, managing regulatory documentation, coordinating with sponsors and CROs, overseeing patient recruitment, and ensuring full compliance with GCP and ICH guidelines. He also mentors clinical staff to ensure all trials are both scientifically rigorous and ethically sound. “Each day brings new challenges, but it’s incredibly rewarding to see how our work directly impacts patient care and scientific advancement,” he says.
Ashay is also a volunteer reviewer with the Center for Information and Study on Clinical Research Participation (CISCRP), where he helps make clinical trial results more accessible by reviewing lay language summaries. “It’s about turning complex medical data into clear, accessible information,” he explains. He just joined CISCRP in March 2025 to support its mission of improving public understanding and trust in clinical research.
His journey into research stems from a clinical background. “Coming from a healthcare background and having trained as a dentist, I’ve always been passionate about improving patient outcomes. But I realized that true transformation in healthcare happens when research meets real-world application,” he says. Clinical research allows him to bridge that gap and bring cutting-edge treatments to patients. He’s especially driven by the need for better patient education. “Informed patients are empowered patients. Helping people understand clinical trials can dispel fear and encourage participation, which ultimately drives innovation forward.”
According to Ashay, a major barrier to trial participation is public misconception. “People think they’ll be treated like guinea pigs or receive substandard care, but in fact, trials are highly regulated and closely monitored,” he says. “Many don’t realize that trials often offer access to advanced care and are not only for last-resort situations.”
Looking to the future, Ashay believes tools like biomarkers and genetic screening will be central to the evolution of personalized medicine. “These tools allow for more precise patient selection and tailored treatment plans. That means better outcomes, fewer side effects, and faster development timelines,” he notes. “I see a future where every phase of research—from recruitment to treatment—is shaped by individual genetic data.”
Outside of research, Ashay continues to pursue innovation. He authored the book AI in Wound Healing and Management, One Research paper, Few Articles in well Known Journals and enjoys exploring new ideas in medical technology, reading finance and science books, and brainstorming future entrepreneurial ventures.
Through his research, writing, and advocacy, Ashay Shah is helping shape a more informed, innovative, and patient-centered future in healthcare.
