An experienced team of health professionals within Western Michigan University Homer Stryker M.D. School of Medicine (WMed) is helping advance medicine and patient care through clinical research.
WMed’s Center for Clinical Research (CCR), launched in 2016 through a merger of the clinical research programs at Ascension Borgess and Bronson Healthcare, provides access to innovative clinical trials in a variety of areas, including trials aimed at Alzheimer’s Disease, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and various neurological diagnoses, among others. CCR also works seamlessly with WMed Psychiatry Research with active studies in the areas of schizophrenia, depression, addiction and artificial intelligence.
“The Center for Clinical Research provides opportunities for patients with various health conditions to participate in clinical trials,” said Nabil Ghazal, director of Clinical Research Operations at WMed. “Even though someone may have not received the investigational drug or device during a clinical trial, they are helping determine whether that drug or device might help somebody else with that condition.”
The CCR supports both industry and funded investigator-initiated trials. CCR staff has extensive experience in Phase II, III and IV trials spanning a wide range of therapeutic areas in both drug and device studies.
CCR staff are available to answer questions from patients and volunteers regarding participation in clinical trials, addressing questions like patient rights and the potential benefits and risks of participating in research. Once enrolled, CCR staff will guide patients through every step of the process.
The CCR is currently supporting about 15 different clinical trials, according to Ghazal.
“Being able to conduct clinical research at WMed and its affiliates keeps physicians engaged in the forefront of research,” Ghazal said. “Evidence-based medicine is what we practice and what we teach. The evidence comes from clinical trials.”
Physicians, residents, or students interested in conducting research have numerous avenues to receive support at WMed. CCR is one of the resources. Most CCR services are focused on funded research. CCR resources and expertise include:
- Protocol consultation
- Feasibility analysis in collaboration with the Data Analytics Services Unit (DASU)
- Regulatory document preparation and submission
- Assistance with Institutional Review Board requirements and submissions
- Budget development and negotiations in collaboration with Sponsored Programs Administration (SPA)
- Study management by experienced clinical research coordinators
- Subject recruitment and enrollment
- Completing trial assessments, sample collection and processing
- Data entry and query resolution
- Managing sponsor monitoring visits, audits, and regulatory inspections
- Grants and contracts expense accounting in collaboration with SPA
- Training and education
“We’re hoping to expand clinical research expertise at WMed and at our affiliated institutions,” Ghazal said. “We want to have more clinic staff become familiar with research and the trial opportunities available to patients. The partnerships are very important.”
Ghazal said he and his colleagues at the CCR remain committed to providing an environment where people can conduct quality research while following all applicable regulations.
“My biggest joy is teaching people how to conduct clinical research and being part of an industry that brings new treatments to patients,” Ghazal said. “I really enjoy working at WMed. The people I work with are fantastic and that makes a big difference when I come to work every day. We have a tight group that works very well together and go out of their way to support each other.”