Her Story
About Shannon
Shannon Coates is the Founder and Owner of Patient Connect and Physician Connect, a strategic patient recruitment and advocacy organization dedicated to advancing healthcare through meaningful connections between patients, researchers, and healthcare organizations. With 20 years of experience in medical research and rare patient recruitment, Shannon specializes in identifying and engaging hard-to-reach patient populations to support clinical research initiatives and accelerate the development of future treatments. Her expertise spans research, patient advocacy, and rare disease recruitment, helping bridge the gap between patient communities and the organizations working to improve healthcare outcomes.
Shannon launched her company in 2017 following the loss of her father to a rare form of lung cancer, an experience that inspired her lifelong commitment to improving patient care and expanding access to medical research opportunities. Through her work, she advocates for patients both domestically and internationally, focusing on healthcare access, supplemental patient needs, and ensuring that individuals and families navigating complex medical conditions have the support and resources they need. Before founding Patient Connect and Physician Connect, Shannon built her foundation in the biotechnology industry, where she worked in diagnostic research and developed extensive experience collaborating with physicians, research teams, and patient communities.
Today, Shannon continues to advance patient-centered research by developing trusted relationships with advocacy groups, foundations, healthcare providers, and research organizations. Her mission is to ensure that the patient voice remains at the center of clinical research while improving recruitment strategies and study outcomes. Through her leadership and dedication, Shannon is helping create a more connected and compassionate healthcare ecosystem. She maintains a professional presence through her website, www.patientstudyconnect.com, and shares her personal adventures through her Instagram account, Shenidian Adventures.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Shannon
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to hard work, perseverance, and a genuine passion for helping others. Throughout my career, I have believed that consistent effort, a strong work ethic, and a commitment to doing the right thing are the foundation of meaningful results. By staying focused on serving patients, building trusted relationships, and always giving my best, I have been able to make a positive impact while continuing to grow both personally and professionally.
02What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering this industry is to know your worth and never be afraid to say "no" when something doesn't align with your values or goals. Confidence comes from recognizing the value you bring and refusing to compromise it. Set ambitious goals, be willing to step outside your comfort zone, embrace new experiences, and always strive to do your very best. Your determination, resilience, and belief in yourself will open doors and create opportunities that others may not see.
03What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that guide both my work and personal life are rooted in spirituality, continuous learning, and the pursuit of truth. I consider myself a lifelong seeker of knowledge, studying different religions, cultures, and historical perspectives to better understand people and the world around us. This mindset has taught me to approach others with curiosity, compassion, and respect, and it inspires me to make thoughtful, purpose-driven decisions in both my professional endeavors and my personal life.
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