1. What is the functionality of the Clinical Research Center?

The CRC serves as a core clinical interactions resource. The CRC’s clinical trials unit and clinical coordinating center provide clinical research management, Biostatistical support, and regulatory support for translational research studies across MSM, thus assuring the highest standards for quality of science, statistical rigor, ethical evaluation, robust design, participant safety, and strict implementation, analysis, and reporting and GCP for all approved studies

2. How much space is there to conduct research protocols?

Studies are conducted in the 10,000 square foot state-of-the-art outpatient facility; there are five fully-equipped examination rooms. It includes shared use laboratories, a 12-bed study participant observation unit; and several cores available for conducting successful research.

3. What accreditations does the Center hold?

The CRC is accredited by the Joint Commission for Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO) to support overnight studies, for up to 14 consecutive days.

4. How long has the CRC been in existence/how many clinical trials has the CRC participated in?

The Clinical Research Center (CRC) at MSM has been continuously funded by the NCRR Research Centers at Minority Institutions (RCMI) since 1996 and has participated in several trials from pharmaceutical, NIH and other resources. It also serves as a core clinical interactions resource of the Atlanta Clinical and Translational Science Institute (ACTSI) and the RCMI Infrastructure for Clinical and Translational Research (RCTR) Studies.

5. Who can I contact if I am interested in using MSM as a site for a clinical trial or if you have an experienced investigator in the area I wish to research?

Please contact the Director and/or Medical Director to assist you with your research needs and to inquire about the qualifications of the investigators. Elizabeth Ofili, MD, Director Clinical Research Center (, 404-756-5051. Priscilla Pemu, MD, Medical Director (, (404) 756-6684

6. Do you have experienced research study coordinators or other staff?

The CRC has several experienced research coordinators/nurses and other research staff.

7. How frequently does your research team undergo training?

Research staff undergoes training on an annual basis or as needed. They are also required to have CITI training on good clinical practice.

8. What participant population have you been successful in recruiting?

The CRC has been successful in recruiting under represented groups in research and maintains a community board to support our recruitment efforts.

9. How frequently does your IRB meet to approval protocols?

The IRB meets monthly for studies that need a full board review.