Unsung but Impactful Voices of Clinical Research: Thomas Hohing, Recruitment Specialist at the University of Pennsylvania
Behind every clinical trial that successfully reaches the right participants are people quietly making it happen. Thomas (Tom) Hohing is one of those individuals—someone whose work ensures that studies connect with patients in meaningful, human ways.
For Tom, clinical research has always been about people—understanding their needs, building trust, and creating pathways for them to participate in studies that could make a difference. With decades of experience in communications, marketing, and behavioral health, he brings a thoughtful, empathetic approach to a field often seen as technical or procedural.
“Clinical trials are essential to forward medical science and improve patient care; yet, about 85% of clinical trials fail due to lack of recruitment. As a Recruitment Specialist, I’m proud to dedicate my recruitment and communications skills to help Penn research teams meet their recruitment goals so their clinical trials can succeed,” he shares.
From Communications to Clinical Research
Tom’s path into research began in public relations and advertising, working to build trust and communicate effectively in behavioral health. But when he joined the University of Pennsylvania’s Office of Clinical Research, he discovered a role that let him apply those skills to make a direct, tangible impact on medical science.
For Tom, recruitment is never just about numbers — it’s about understanding people, what motivates them, the questions they have, and how to communicate clearly and respectfully. That approach ensures that study teams connect with participants in meaningful ways, creating a foundation for clinical trials to succeed.
Technology as a Bridge, Not a Replacement
At Penn, Tom works closely with research teams to leverage clinical trial technology for patient recruitment. “I believe technologies like TrialX iConnect can help research teams recruit patients and volunteers from a greater pool, which helps improve diversity and inclusion in clinical trials,” he explains.
But for Tom, technology is just one part of the story. “A lot of the technology didn’t exist 15 years ago. Most communication was by phone, some email. But the world keeps getting faster. Today we communicate mostly through texting and email, which has advantages such as speed and efficiency. Yet, sometimes I wonder if we lost the relationship building which grows from personal, two-way communication. I think the key is to balance the technology with personal connections.”
He likens recruitment to a careful balancing act: using technology efficiently while maintaining empathy and connection at every step.
The Reward of Connection
Recruitment is not without its challenges, but Tom finds fulfillment in the meaningful moments.
“Most rewarding part of my work is that I support the Penn clinical research professionals who are shaping the future of medicine through groundbreaking research,” he says.
Those victories—helping a patient participate in a trial, supporting a research team to meet enrollment goals, or mentoring colleagues—keep him motivated.
Neo, Yoda, and Rock ‘n’ Roll
When asked which superhero or character reflects his style, Tom says:
“I’d like to be Neo from the Matrix. I’d love to instantly download an enormous amount of knowledge and training directly into my brain. He can also fly, so that’s cool🤩.”
His favorite quote?
“Do or do not. There is no try.” – Yoda
It’s a line that mirrors his approach: practical, determined, and focused on action.
Guns N’ Roses on the speakers, MacGyver on the screen—this is Tom after hours. He’s a devoted fan of ’80s and ’90s hard rock and loves rewatching the original MacGyver. Much like Angus MacGyver, the secret agent who tackles complicated missions with his knowledge of applied sciences and trusty Swiss Army knife, Tom enjoys clever problem-solving and inventive thinking.
Making Research Accessible and Human
At the core of Tom’s work is a simple but powerful mission: making clinical research approachable, inclusive, and meaningful. He helps study teams communicate clearly, build trust, and engage participants in ways that truly empower them.
The impact of this work may happen quietly, behind the scenes—but it is profound. Better recruitment leads to better studies. Better studies lead to better treatments. And for patients, it means access to research that can genuinely change lives.
At TrialX, we celebrate professionals like Thomas Hohing, whose thoughtful, behind-the-scenes work strengthens clinical research and reminds us that the most impactful voices are often the quietest—those who make progress possible every day.
Stay tuned for more from “Unsung But Impactful”—a spotlight series honoring the everyday heroes of clinical research.
