VAPAHCS Center for Clinical Research (CCR) Update
New Advisory Board and CCR Medical Director
Earlier this year the CCR Advisory Board started meeting to discuss the strategic direction of the CCR. At its initial meeting in June, it discussed the need for a VA-based CCR and its desired functionality. The major needs included:
- Support VAPAHCS's strategic intent to be an effective site for translation of MVP data to medical practice
- Strengthen our ability to conduct clinical research at the VA
- Provide a point of contact for starting clinical research projects.
Initial long-term goals:
- Serve as a one-stop-shop for information on how to go about starting clinical research projects
- Provide opportunities to access/develop relationships with mentors for clinical research
- Build access to a clinical study coordinator "bank" for hire
- Create dedicated CCR space plus overflow space
- Provide space for clinical research procedures and specimen processing
- Deliver defined opportunities for nursing rotations
The Advisory Board is currently working on creating a web-based information portal where clinical researchers can obtain information and share best practices to support clinical research at the VAPAHCS. Initial design review is anticipated later this fall. In collaboration with PAVIR, the first study coordinator for the "bank" was hired in October. For more information, contact info@pavir.org.
Effective immediately, Dr. Catherine Curtin is leading the CCR. Dr. Curtin is a Staff Physician in the VA Surgery Service; she clinically focuses on hand surgeries. Her clinical research interest focus on post operative care and improving the quality of care of the upper limb. Her research often is interdisciplinary working with colleagues in medicine, anesthesia, PM&R, surgery and radiology.
Dr. Curtin also holds an Associate Professor appointment at Stanford. Dr. Curtin shares, “The VA has supported my research providing an environment to do my clinical work and research. I appreciate the opportunities given to me and look forward to help shape our VA CCR."
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