Meet Sprout – Kara Giannone, Scientist

1. What does your role at Sprout involve?

I work on the Sprout Health Outcomes Team to provide clients with patient-centered expertise and strategy to meet their research and regulatory needs along the drug development pathway.

This includes evaluating the literature to assess which clinical outcomes assessments are fitting for the current project aims, interviewing patients or caregivers to determine the most important symptoms and impacts they experience related to a particular condition, and conducting qualitative analysis.

2. What led you to this career?

I was able to take courses in my graduate studies relating to qualitative research and fell in love with the work. My first professional role at a university allowed me to continue to develop my qualitative research skills in a more patient-centered space. I enjoy being able to connect with patients and caregivers and not only provide a place for them to tell their stories but also ensure that their stories are being told to those who directly impact patient care. It is extremely rewarding and I am so happy to continue this work at Sprout!

3. What do you value most about the work you do at Sprout?

When you look at Sprout’s website, one of the first sentences that catches your eye is “The patient voice is central to everything we do.” This sentiment resonates with me and it is so exciting to be part of a team that also shares that passion. The collaborative team environment also allows me to learn from others’ experience and broaden my knowledge of patient-centered research and COA strategy projects.

4. What recent area of work are you most excited about?

Sprout is presenting a new opportunity for me to work in the rare disease space. A lot of my experience has involved oncology-focused work and while I have enjoyed that I am really excited to learn more about rare diseases and the patient experience surrounding rare diseases.

5. What three words would your friends use to describe you?

I followed what a lot of my Sprout colleagues did and surveyed a few of my close friends. I chose a few that came up the most frequently:

• Caring
• Supportive
• Organized

6. If you could choose a superpower, what would it be?

Most days I feel as though the day has slipped away from me or I blink and it’s already 7pm. I wish I had the superpower to pause time because there are always a few minutes in my day that I would like to stretch out. I also follow my colleague Roxy in that I love a nap and the opportunity to pause time and take one would be amazing.