Our FDA-backed, clinical research program is a vital part of improving our patients’ well-being. We have participated in hundreds of innovative trials surrounding a variety of retinal diseases. Substantial strides have and continue to be made in therapeutics, immunology, noninvasive imaging, and more, because of our participation. Our commitment to research allows our patients early access to life-changing, novel treatment options. For many, trials provide hope for a healthier future. With each trial, we advance our understanding of neurological disorders and disease so we can alleviate the severity of symptom presentation with a focus on improving quality of life.
Potential Benefits
Clinical trials can benefit both new and existing Neurology Associates of Ormond Beach (NAOB) patients. For our shared patients who are eligible to participate in a study, new treatment options in a controlled environment can challenge the status quo. Enhanced access to novel diagnostic techniques, technology, and equipment are provided at no additional cost to an enrolled patient. In addition, each patient benefits from comprehensive care, additional attention, and consistent monitoring to prevent, delay, or decrease symptoms and severity of the disease. Clinical trials are an opportunity to provide hope to those patients who either have not responded to market treatment or have reduced access to treatment due to prognosis or financial burden.
For Doctors: Refer a Patient to Research
We encourage study referrals from our partnering providers who share in our mission to elevate the standard of neurological care. To participate in a trial, your patient doesn’t need to be a patient of Neurology Associates of Ormond Beach but will need to complete an initial evaluation to confirm diagnosis and assess eligibility. To refer a patient to a trial, please note interest in research on the referral form, we will take it from there.
Eligibility and Enrollment
To participate in a clinical trial it isn’t necessary to be a patient of our practice. During your initial examination, your NAOB physician will determine eligibility. If eligible, your doctor will provide you essential information so you can make an informed decision for next steps in your care.
Safety and Efficacy
Our physicians only refer a patient to research when it is safe and medically appropriate. Every clinical trial is held to impeccable safety standards and must be approved and monitored by an Institutional Review Board (IRB), Data and Safety Monitoring Board (DSMB) and report to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to make sure potential benefits greatly outweigh any risk. Only a small fraction drugs developed in laboratories ever make it to the clinical trial stage. If the drug does make it to the trial phase, it has undergone rigorous, documented pre-clinical laboratory studies and/or animal testing. If at any time the side effects go beyond normally expected limits, or if the risks outweigh the benefits of the experimental treatment, the study will be halted or modified.
Staff
Frank Garcia, BS, MHA, CCRP Director of Clinical Research and Growth
Deb Hrusa, RN, B.S., CCRP Sr. Clinical Research Nurse
Heather Schutz, CCRC, ACRP-CP, Sr. Clinical Research Coordinator and Regulatory Specialist
Terrie Hartman, RN, Clinical Research Nurse
Shatara Bivins, Recruitment and Community outreach Specialist
Jennifer McDaniel, LPN, BS, Psychometric Rater, and Clinical Research Coordinator
