TRIALS TO TRIUMPHS: CARRYING THE TORCH OF HOPE

As we celebrate Scout’s 30th anniversary, Director of Project Management Puspanjali Bhatta reflects on her profound journey in Oncology and how it shaped her dedication to removing barriers for patients in clinical trials through compassion, resilience, and hope.

They say it’s the experiences we go through that shape who we are. No matter how many degrees we earn, it’s those real-life moments that teach us the most and mold us into the people we become. 

While I truly value the decades of foundational science and translational research that built the groundwork for my career, it’s the seven years I spent in Oncology that truly transformed me. Those years taught me humility, compassion, and deep empathy. They also instilled in me an unrelenting drive—a fight for my patients, my clinical teams, and everyone involved in the studies we conducted. 

Seven years in Oncology gives you a profound appreciation for life—something difficult to comprehend unless you’ve stood in the midst of it. Sharing in the tears of families, standing beside people at their most vulnerable—it’s humbling, and it stays with you. 

Working alongside tireless neuro-oncologists, neurosurgeons, and the most dedicated nurses and doctors, I gained invaluable lessons. The time spent in our pods and conference rooms was just as impactful. These moments shaped not only who I am but also my understanding of what truly matters in life and medicine. 

Running hundreds of clinical trials with large CROs and pharma companies also gave me a unique perspective. Sifting through protocols, eligibility criteria, and grueling visit schedules, I developed a profound respect for the sheer challenges patients had to overcome just to make their appointments. 

On the floor, you see hope in ways that words can never fully express. I’ll never forget the conversations I had with patients as I wheeled them to appointments, listening to their stories and hearing about the plans they’d made for the few remaining months of their lives. While some may see that as tragic, I found immense beauty in their resilience. Hope, after all, is what sustains us. Even in the face of adversity, it’s hope we cling to. 

There were heartbreaking moments, too. Patients would walk in, holding hands with their loved ones, trying to maintain a sense of normalcy—only to return days later, exhausted and immobile after facing surgery and chemotherapy. I remember meeting a mother who could only afford thrift store clothes for Christmas because her son’s treatments drained every financial resource she had. And yet, she smiled, hopeful for his future. Observing these moments, I often walked out of the room feeling helpless, wondering if there was more I could do. 

I remember the elderly woman who called, desperate to make her doctor’s appointment, but her family couldn’t afford to take time off work to help her. These moments stayed with me. I would rearrange schedules—doctors’ visits, labs, MRIs—doing everything in my power to make it work. Still, I found myself asking, could we do more? 

Then I found Scout—a place like no other. A place of hope. 

Scout presented a solution I hadn’t seen before. Here was a company dedicated to removing the logistical and financial barriers so many patients face while navigating clinical trials. That first phone call, that first interview, sparked hope in me. 

Joining the Scout team gave me a chance to not only rekindle my own hope but to help build something bigger. I’ve had the opportunity to assemble and lead a team of talented individuals who march with the same mission in their hearts—to make life easier for patients and caregivers. At Scout, we fill the gaps. We tackle challenges head-on to address unmet needs in clinical trials. 

Whether arranging trips, coordinating extended housing for international travelers, providing meals, or supporting caregivers, we do it all to ensure patients can make their clinic visits. We’ve worked tirelessly to overcome even the most difficult hurdles—and in some cases, supporting patients coming from active war zones. No matter the challenge, we fight relentlessly to make sure their hope stays alive. 

It’s also been a blessing to collaborate with so many clients, partners, and trusted vendors across the globe. The collective effort of these countless stakeholders has been remarkable. It’s moments like these that remind me of the incredible network of dedication and support Scout represents. This truly feels magical. 

Looking toward the future, nothing is certain. But what I do know is this: Even during times of crisis, like the pandemic, we’ve continued to serve thousands of participants and families. No matter where we go or what challenges arise—on a small scale or a large one—I’m confident we’ll keep serving patients, families, and clients in need. Because at Scout, keeping hope alive isn’t just an aspiration; it’s our promise. 

Here’s to 30 years of making a difference, and many more to come. Cheers to Scout! I’m honored beyond words to be part of this journey. 

Scout Clinical remains dedicated to relieving financial and logistical burdens for participants and their care circle. Click here to learn more! 

Puspanjali Bhatta joined Scout in 2020 as a Clinical Project Manager. As Director of Project Management since 2021, she leads and inspires her team to drive excellence in clinical trials and operational efficiency. Click here to connect with her on LinkedIn.