At Profound Research, we're committed to highlighting the individuals who are advancing medical science and patient care through their work in clinical research. Today, we're excited to share insights from Dr. Barry Feldman, an Internal Medicine provider, and Principal Investigator at Profound Research. Dr. Feldman practices at Michigan Healthcare Professionals (MHP) TriAtria, a multidisciplinary health practice and research site in Farmington Hills, MI. MHP TriAtria, which encompasses a broad spectrum of medical indications including neurology, endocrinology, cardiovascular, and internal medicine, attends to approximately 36,000 annual patient visits. Join us as we explore Dr. Feldman's journey in clinical research, gaining valuable insights into his experiences and contributions to the field.
What led you to clinical research?
Dr. Feldman: My first endeavor into clinical research was at Northwestern University. I was working nights as a young graduate student and going to school during the day. I was working in the automated chemistry lab, supervising the night shift. We were running samples from the ongoing Framingham Cholesterol Study. Although the study began in 1948, we were still following participants in the early 1970’s. We had developed better testing abilities and computer technology. This study went on to change the way we looked at lipids and heart disease.
While there, I was recruited onto the Renal Transplant team, working in organ harvesting and preservation. This was an exciting and relatively new field with new and ongoing research. Tissue typing was in its early stages and far from perfect. HLA typing was standard practice. Northwestern had begun working on Mixed Lymphocyte Culture research as a confirmatory methodology. I became involved in the bench and clinical research - following organs from donor to recipient and witnessed firsthand how this changed lives. This experience was both exciting and incredibly rewarding.
2. What is your favorite part about working in clinical research?
Dr. Feldman: It’s all about the process - following the research process from being presented with a problem, to the concept of a possible solution, the challenge of proving it, and the real-life implementation. This was never more evident than in the past 3 years. During the COVID pandemic we worked at warp speed, developing testing, immunization, and therapeutic processes, that did not exist previously.
3. Do you have a particular success story that stuck with you?
Dr. Feldman: My favorite research period has been the past three years. On March 22,2020, like all the medical community, we went to war against COVID. I felt that I had to do something. With the help of my wife Lesley, and a small, dedicated crew, I put up a tent and trailer in the parking lot behind my medical building. Over the next two years, we went on to test over 160,000 lives and deliver 18,000 vaccines. We also treated those patients who were sick, keeping 16,000 out of ER’s and hospitals. We worked with research partners on Monoclonal Antibody infusion, for which I was one of the PI’s. This was an example of experiencing research in hyperdrive.
4. What would you want people to know about clinical research?
Dr. Feldman: Clinical research has and continues to make lives better and longer. When I was a medical student, the life expectancy of a man was 60 years. Today, it’s 78 years. In my lifetime, I have been blessed to see multiple infectious diseases controlled, devices and procedures that sustain, improve, and prolong life, as well as drugs that enable better quality and duration of life. All of this is the result of dedicated individuals doing research with the imagination to develop new paradigms.
5. What are some hobbies/interests of yours outside of clinical research?
Dr. Feldman: In addition to my dedication to clinical research, I’m an avid golfer and find solace and joy in time spent with my family.
Beyond personal pursuits, my passion for teaching extends to shaping the minds of future physicians. As an educator, I am privileged to impart knowledge, instill values, and inspire the next generation of healthcare professionals. Witnessing their growth and seeing the spark of curiosity ignite within them is immensely rewarding, reaffirming my commitment to perpetuating excellence in medical practice and research.
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In Closing
As we conclude this spotlight on Dr. Feldman, we are reminded of the profound impact that passionate individuals can have on our collective well-being. We encourage you to stay engaged with Profound Research as we continue to spotlight those who shape the future of science and healthcare. We eagerly anticipate sharing more visionary leaders in our upcoming editions of the Profound Research Spotlight Series.
