Member since May 2026
Dr. Sharon Nicholson Harrell is a retired public health dentist and former healthcare executive. She is the owner of One Way Forward, LLC, an organization dedicated to building trust and engagement around clinical research for everyone, including rural and underserved populations. Dr. Harrell is a speaker who breaks down complex medical concepts into everyday language and creates a safe space in which people feel comfortable asking questions. She provides the tools and resources necessary to make informed decisions about participating via clear, engaging, and interactive presentations. As a recent attendee noted, "Dr. Harrell makes learning fun!"
Community Engagement and Inclusive Clinical Research
Deamonte Driver was a young man who lost his life because of an infected tooth that a $75 extraction would have taken care of. However, because Deomonte had Medicaid insurance, which paid at a much lower rate than private insurance, his mother couldn't find a dentist to treat his tooth, and the infection spread to his brain. Despite hospitalization and brain surgery, he died...all because of lack of access. As a former public health dentist and dental director, I spent my career ensuring that our region would never have a Deamonte Driver. So, now, instead of providing access to dental care for children, I provide access to potentially life-changing information.
My experience with clinical trials began long before my professional work in this space. More than 20 years ago, my father participated in a clinical trial while facing a life-threatening illness. Although the treatment did not prolong his life, his participation gave our family something we desperately needed at the time, and that was hope. I honor his legacy by educating the community.
Ever wondered how drugs are tested, dosages decided, or side effects discovered? In this engaging talk, Dr. Harrell demystifies clinical trials, shares tools and resources to help you make informed decisions and explains why participation is vital to ensuing treatments work for everyone.
Deamonte Driver was a young man who lost his life because of an infected tooth that a $75 extraction would have taken care of. However, because Deomonte had Medicaid insurance, which paid at a much lower rate than private insurance, his mother couldn't find a dentist to treat his tooth, and the infection spread to his brain. Despite hospitalization and brain surgery, he died...all because of lack of access. As a former public health dentist and dental director, I spent my career ensuring that our region would never have a Deamonte Driver. So, now, instead of providing access to dental care for children, I provide access to potentially life-changing information.
My experience with clinical trials began long before my professional work in this space. More than 20 years ago, my father participated in a clinical trial while facing a life-threatening illness. Although the treatment did not prolong his life, his participation gave our family something we desperately needed at the time, and that was hope. I honor his legacy by educating the community.
Ever wondered how drugs are tested, dosages decided, or side effects discovered? In this engaging talk, Dr. Harrell demystifies clinical trials, shares tools and resources to help you make informed decisions and explains why participation is vital to ensuing treatments work for everyone.