In the ever-evolving field of rheumatology, collaboration is key to advancing clinical research and driving innovation. Medpace’s cross-functional team of medical, operational, and regulatory experts is actively involved throughout the lifecycle of the project—from early planning through close-out. With deep scientific and therapeutic expertise, our teams are poised to lead the industry’s most innovative and challenging clinical trials.
Meet Two In-House Rheumatologists at Medpace:
Dr. Victoria Hernandez, Medical Director
Dr. Victoria Hernandez is a board-certified rheumatologist with extensive clinical experience in rheumatic and autoimmune conditions. She has over 15 years of clinical research experience at a large academic hospital and over 7 years of experience in the industry working in clinical development and as a Global Medical Director in Germany. Dr. Hernandez has broad therapeutic experience, including global collaborative studies and research projects in patients with autoimmune conditions.
Dr. Jennifer Lobert, Medical Director
Dr. Jennifer Lobert is board-certified in internal medicine and rheumatology with over 15 years of clinical experience in rheumatology, caring for a wide spectrum of autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. In addition, she has unique subspecialty experience in the diagnosis and management of chronic pain disorders including genetic hypermobility syndromes, fibromyalgia, myofascial pain disorders, and small fiber peripheral neuropathy. She brings this unique clinical perspective to her Medpace role with a focus on keeping clinical trials patient centric.
These highly qualified Medpace rheumatologists offer Sponsors deep expertise across a broad spectrum of diseases and technologies. In this brief interview, we explore the expertise of these two rheumatologists who are part of a dynamic team of four Medpace rheumatologists—within a broader team of over 75 physicians. Each Medpace rheumatologist brings a unique perspective shaped by their distinct backgrounds, training, and clinical experience.
Tell us about your background. How does your prior experience translate to your work at Medpace?
Dr. Hernandez: My prior experience translates through three different perspectives. First, my extensive clinical experience seeing patients with rheumatic and autoimmune diseases throughout the years has provided me with an in-depth understanding of the different pathologies and challenges these patients may face. Furthermore, my continuous involvement as a clinical researcher on global projects allows me to connect with other rheumatology researchers and deepen my knowledge of rheumatic and autoimmune conditions, including patients’ response to current treatments. Finally, my corporate experience—contributing to the approval of several drugs—supports the development of new drugs for patients.
Dr. Lobert: Prior to joining Medpace, I was in clinical practice for 15 years. My goal when caring for patients was always to treat the patient as a whole person, not just as an abnormal lab value, a malfunctioning organ, or an inflamed joint. In addition to managing a patient’s autoimmune disease, I felt it was important to address comorbid sleep problems, mental health symptoms, and non-inflammatory pain, as these are common and can drastically impact function and quality of life, even once the autoimmunity is brought under control. I believe this holistic approach to patient care has translated well into my role at Medpace. I continue to encourage clinical trials teams to put their participants first and to remember that participants are not just results in a spreadsheet, but they are people who may have unique needs and concerns.
What drew you to Medpace?
Dr. Hernandez: I was drawn to the company’s medical perspective and the involvement of numerous highly qualified physicians from diverse specialties across various aspects of clinical development. Moreover, their scientific focus facilitates the development of innovative treatments in collaboration with Sponsors. At Medpace, physicians are fully involved throughout the study from inception to completion. This approach provides support in the development of the protocol and maintains a global vision for development throughout the study. Finally, the structure of Medpace facilitates the collaboration among physicians from different specialties, whose expertise can be favorable for a specific aspect of the study.
Dr. Lobert: Over the years in clinical practice, I found it increasingly difficult to continue to care for the whole patient with mounting pressure to see more patients in shorter periods of time. I became resentful of the focus on the quantity of patient care rather than the quality of patient care. I also grew frustrated with the lack of options for treating patients with chronic non-inflammatory pain and its comorbidities. Pain was at the center of almost every patient conversation: pain from active inflammation, pain from chronic disease damage, and nociplastic pain. For many unlucky patients, they had to fight against all three, with limited choices for treatment.
What motivates you and your interest in clinical research – specifically in rheumatology?
Dr. Hernandez: As a rheumatologist consultant/physician who has personally been treating patients with severe rheumatic and inflammatory diseases for several decades in a large academic hospital, one of my main motivations for clinical research is to have an in-depth knowledge and understanding of the pathogenetic mechanisms of these complex diseases. Another motivation is the potential to establish biomarkers that allow us to identify patients who might benefit most from a specific treatment.
Dr. Lobert: I believe that we have just scratched the surface in understanding the complexities of the immune system and its involvement in generating disease. By leveraging advances in oncology care, increasing focus on patient-centric trials, and recognizing that not all pain is inflammatory in nature in autoimmune diseases, we truly have the opportunity to improve the lives of patients with autoimmune diseases.
From a clinical development standpoint, what new innovations are you most excited about?
Both: Advanced therapies—especially CAR T cell therapies, including T-effector (Teff) and regulatory T (Treg) cells—have represented a breakthrough for patients with severe autoimmune diseases and are currently one of the most exciting areas of drug development. Gene therapy has demonstrated promising results in conditions such as osteoarthritis, where treatments have traditionally been limited to controlling joint pain.
How do you envision rheumatology clinical development evolving over the next 10-15 years?
Dr. Hernandez: We are currently at a time of significant therapeutic development, especially with the relatively recent incorporation of advanced therapies in the field of rheumatology, particularly in autoimmune diseases refractory to multiple treatments. These novel therapies have shown encouraging results, including achieving drug-free remission in several patients, which is not expected in this patient population. I envision an expanding therapeutic range for patients, with more effective treatments that reduce off-target effects and prevent structural damage.
Dr. Lobert: There is still so much potential to further advance the field of rheumatology. I see us moving towards disease cures, with a focus on early detection of disease and thus earlier intervention. The development of targeted treatments based on specific biomarkers and patient profiles can lead to fewer trials and errors for patients. Increased patient involvement in shared decision making regarding clinical trial design ensures study results are meaningful and relevant to the patients. Additionally, I believe that we will enhance our ability to distinguish between the various mechanisms of pain, allowing for more accurate interventions early in the development of pain. This could help prevent the transition from acute to chronic pain over time.
You bring a unique perspective from your industry experience. Can you share some key considerations when conducting rheumatology clinical trials?
Dr. Hernandez: There are several key considerations in the design and execution of rheumatology clinical trials. One of the most important aspects is a thorough understanding of the condition, as well as the complex composite scores commonly used in clinical trials to evaluate the efficacy of a treatment for autoimmune diseases. In addition, having an active role in the development of the protocol allows the study to be tailored to the patient population and aligned with the current standard of care. It is also essential to provide comprehensive training to both the study team and the investigators to establish a solid foundation for the study. Finally, approaches such as cross-functional teams and continuous monitoring are key for ensuring study efficiency and high-quality outcomes.
Leading Rheumatology CRO
Medpace’s expertise and consistent track record of success as a full-service CRO across various therapeutic areas provides the flexibility necessary to meet the unique needs of rheumatology research. Our in-house board-certified rheumatologists have a thorough understanding of the complex conditions that cause these diseases, as well as the medical complications experienced by patients. Experts collaborate across therapeutic areas to create effective and efficient study designs for Sponsors of all sizes.