Bridging the Gap
The Bridging the Gap podcast, sponsored by Elma Research, shares conversations with organisations representing patient needs and leading research into a wide range of diseases affecting people across the world. The aim of this podcast is to highlight some of the key challenges associated with living with various conditions and to explore opportunities to bridge the gap between today’s healthcare provision and the needs of different patient communities.
Episodes

Monday Feb 17, 2025
Monday Feb 17, 2025
Dave Bjork is a patient advocate working in the lung cancer space. In this insightful conversation, Dave shares his personal journey, from his surprising diagnosis as a young non-smoker to becoming a voice for lung cancer patients. We explore challenges in diagnosis, disparities in care, the critical role of biomarker testing, and how patients can empower themselves in their treatment journey. Plus, Dave highlights the importance of collaboration across healthcare to address these gaps.
More about Dave's work and his podcast can be found here: https://researchevangelist.com/

Monday Feb 03, 2025
Monday Feb 03, 2025
This episode features Alfred Samuels, a prostate cancer survivor turned patient advocate. We discuss his 13-year journey since he was first diagnosed, where he brings to life not just the physical pain but the financial and emotional burden from living with cancer. We then learn more about the pressing needs in the area of prostate cancer today, including improvements to education and better access to screening.

Monday Jan 20, 2025
Monday Jan 20, 2025
This episode features Sahara-Fleetwood Beresford, a passionate patient advocate and healthcare consultant specializing in inflammatory bowel disease. Diagnosed with ulcerative colitis in 2007, Sahara has faced surgeries, flares, and the challenges of navigating life with a chronic illness. Now, she’s using her experiences to support others, raise awareness, and drive patient-focused improvements in healthcare. Together, we look into the complexities of IBD and how patients can find empowerment and support.

Tuesday Jan 07, 2025
Tuesday Jan 07, 2025
This episode features Des Quinn, Chair of Fibromyalgia Action UK, where we discuss the realities and challenges of living with fibromyalgia. In this conversation, Des sheds light on what fibromyalgia truly is, the difficulties people face in getting a diagnosis, and the daily impact of this often invisible condition. We also explore the ongoing work to improve resources and support for those affected.

Monday Dec 09, 2024
Monday Dec 09, 2024
In this episode we explore the ongoing efforts to address hepatitis B and D with Beatrice Zovich from the Hepatitis B Foundation, a global organization focused on advocacy, research, and support for people affected by these viruses. In this conversation, we look at challenges in diagnosis, the stigma many patients face, and the Foundation’s work to increase awareness and improve policy. Whether you're a healthcare provider, a patient, or simply interested in public health, we hope you'll find this discussion insightful.

Monday Nov 25, 2024
Monday Nov 25, 2024
This episode features Robbie Currie and Angelina Namiba from the National AIDS Trust. They discuss the organization’s mission to fight HIV-related stigma, improve access to treatment, and uphold the rights of people living with HIV. Robbie and Angelina explore how far treatment has come, the barriers still faced by marginalized communities, and the importance of raising awareness to eliminate stigma. They also highlight the urgent need for education and support to ensure equitable access to care for all. We hope you enjoy this fascinating conversation.

Monday Nov 11, 2024
Monday Nov 11, 2024
In this episode we explore the world of diabetes with Claire Levy from the Diabetes Research and Wellness Foundation (DRWF). Claire discusses the vital work DRWF does in supporting individuals with both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes. From promoting self-management to raising awareness about the latest treatment options and technologies, their mission is to help people 'stay well until a cure is found.' We hope you enjoy this episode and learn more about the challenges, innovations, and how DRWF is making a difference in the lives of those living with diabetes.

Tuesday Oct 29, 2024
Tuesday Oct 29, 2024
This episode features Georgia Sturt from Bowel Research UK. Georgia shares her organisation’s mission to fund early-stage research into a wide range of bowel conditions. She discusses the crucial role clinician-led studies play in improving patient outcomes, especially for those facing conditions that aren't often prioritized by commercial research. We also explore the challenges of early diagnosis and the vital need for innovation in screening methods. We hope you enjoy this fascinating conversation on how Bowel Research UK is driving change and how you can get involved.

Friday Oct 18, 2024
Friday Oct 18, 2024
This episode features Nick Palmer from Kidney Care UK where we explore the critical topic of chronic kidney disease. The discussion covers the challenges of early CKD diagnosis, the impact of new treatments like SGLT2 inhibitors, and the ongoing needs of CKD patients. We explore the importance of raising awareness, particularly in high-risk populations, and examine the gaps in current treatment options. Nick also shares valuable insights on Kidney Care UK's efforts to support patients and improve outcomes in chronic kidney disease management.
https://kidneycareuk.org/
Let’s Talk Kidney’s Report: https://kcuk.cdn.ngo/media/documents/Kidney_Care_UK_-_CKD_Lets_talk_kidneys_report_-_Hyperlinks.pdf
https://www.elmaresearch.com/

About Elma Research
Elma Research is an independent agency, with over 15 years of experience in pharmaceutical marketing and insights. We are trailblazers, creating disruptive solutions that go beyond market research to transform insights into commercial assets. We blend research, design and scientific skills to generate unique insights and leverage them through design thinking and gamification workshops, trainings, educational materials and publishable content.