In this episode of "Moving Medicine Forward" - The Podcast, Greg Ruf, Founder & Executive Director of the DCM Foundation, and Bret Marshall, Senior Director of Business Development & Client Management at CTI, discuss the vital role of patient advocacy groups and the partnership between CTI and the DCM Foundation. Greg shares his journey in founding the DCM Foundation, and they explore key projects, achievements, and strategies for patient education and sponsor engagement. Tune in to learn how collaboration can enhance clinical research and advance patient advocacy. 

0:24 Introduction of guests Greg Ruf and Bret Marshall. 

1:06 Explanation of patient advocacy groups. 

2:30 Overview of CTI and DCM Foundation partnership. 

3:22 Greg’s journey in founding the DCM Foundation. 

4:41 CTI's criteria for selecting advocacy group partners. 

6:30 Highlights of joint projects and initiatives with DCM Foundation. 

8:33 Key achievements of the DCM Foundation. 

13:28 Methods used by the DCM Foundation to educate patients. 

18:20 Ways for listeners to contribute. 

23:16 Discussion on the timing of genetic testing. 

25:40 Strategies to engage sponsors with advocacy groups. 

28:36 How the DCM Foundation connects with patients. 

34:42 Advice for enhancing collaboration between CROs, pharma, and advocacy groups.