November 18, 2024

Spotlight on Jacqulyn Bowers: Bringing Mission, Vision, and Values to Life in Talent Acquisition 

At Profound Research, every team member plays a crucial role in advancing our mission of improving lives through advanced therapeutic options. Today, we’re excited to highlight Jacqulyn Bowers, our dynamic Talent Acquisition Lead, whose thoughtful approach to recruiting ensures that every new hire is aligned with our mission, vision, and values. 

Jacqulyn’s path to clinical research recruitment is as unique as her approach. A resident of North Carolina, she earned her degree in Environmental Science from Western Carolina University, fueled by her passion for the natural world. After a successful career as a Realtor and mentor, Jacqulyn transitioned into clinical research—a move that enabled her to combine her love for helping others with her knack for connecting the right people with the right opportunities. Whether exploring the outdoors, chasing chickens on her small farm, or baking bread in her kitchen, Jacqulyn approaches life—and work—with curiosity, determination, and a human touch. 

We recently caught up with Jacqulyn to discuss how she embodies Profound Research’s mission, vision, and values in her work. 

Q: How do Profound Research’s core values of Compassion, Urgency, Solution Orientation, and Excellence guide your approach to recruiting talent? 

Each core value is essential to talent recruitment. When speaking with applicants, I focus on their story and their "why," often discovering their genuine compassion for patients. Urgency is equally important—every position we fill impacts our patients, site operations, and business. For me, solution orientation is personally fulfilling. Whether overcoming a tough hiring challenge or improving a process, I’m always looking for the most efficient path forward. Lastly, striving for excellence ensures we deliver a first-class experience for everyone involved—applicants, hiring managers, and ultimately, our patients.   

Q: What qualities or attributes do you look for in candidates that align with Profound Research’s mission of improving lives through advanced therapeutic options? 

I approach each candidate as a whole person, not just a résumé. While skills and experience are critical, I want to understand their motivations, passions, and values. Candidates who can communicate their commitment to something bigger than themselves—such as improving patients’ lives—are the ones who bring our mission to life. We’re looking for individuals who are driven, eager to learn, and capable of thinking outside the box to make a meaningful impact.   

Q: How do you ensure that new team members will contribute to creating the “best patient-physician experience” in clinical research, as outlined in our vision? 

Patient centricity can be tough to screen for, but you can hear it in someone’s voice. I often ask myself: Would this person make me feel safe and cared for as a patient? Do I trust their expertise? These are the people we want—those who view their work through the lens of patient care, even if their role isn’t patient-facing.   

Q: What strategies or methods do you find most effective in attracting top talent to Profound Research in a competitive clinical research environment? 

I believe in finding the right individual for the right role, even if it means thinking creatively about their skills and experiences. Sometimes, the best fit isn’t the person with the most years on their résumé but someone who aligns deeply with our culture and values. Networking is also key—many of our best hires come through employee referrals or relationships built within the clinical research community.   

Q: Can you share an example of how you work with other departments to meet urgent hiring needs, ensuring we can act swiftly to meet our patients' and partners’ needs? 

Collaboration is critical. I partner closely with department heads and leadership to understand their specific needs and challenges, fostering open communication and trust. Aligning their priorities with my own allows me to act with urgency and deliver the right people for their teams.   

Q: Tell us something interesting about yourself—have fun with this one! 

I’m a proud Appalachian with a small farm full of more chickens and animals than I can count! I love learning and challenging myself, whether it’s knitting, baking bread, or chasing a chicken that’s escaped. My grandmother taught me to cook when I was young, so the kitchen feels like my happy place.   

Jacqulyn’s Impact at Profound Research 

Jacqulyn’s thoughtful, values-driven approach to recruitment positions Profound Research for continued success and industry disruption. By finding candidates who align with our mission, vision, and values, she ensures we’re building a team capable of delivering innovative therapeutic options and creating the absolute best patient-physician experience in clinical research.   

Thank you, Jacqulyn, for your commitment to excellence and for being such an integral part of the Profound Research family!   

November 14, 2024

Behind the Scenes of Clinical Excellence: Mackenzie Schranck on Ensuring Quality at Profound Research

At Profound Research, our commitment to quality goes beyond compliance; it's a core value that guides our mission to improve lives through advanced therapeutic options and our vision of creating the absolute best patient-physician experience in clinical research. This World Quality Week, we’re thrilled to feature Mackenzie Schranck, our Associate Director of Quality Management, in the third installment of a Q&A series highlighting our quality team’s contributions. Mackenzie, an experienced Clinical Quality and Compliance Professional, holds a Bachelor's degree in Health Services from the University of Missouri-Columbia. Her background spans essential aspects of quality management, including quality assurance and control, patient safety, and regulatory compliance, making her an invaluable asset to Profound’s pursuit of excellence.

Mackenzie’s journey into clinical quality was, as she describes, somewhat serendipitous. Clinical research found her, but she quickly recognized how well the role aligned with her strengths and personal values. Her motivation stems from a desire to see investigational products successfully reach FDA approval, so they can benefit patients in need. She explains, “It became a personal mission to ensure data integrity in each trial to support the FDA in determining the efficacy and safety of investigational products, so they can reach the market as quickly as possible.” Mackenzie’s dedication reflects Profound Research’s value of Compassion, which prioritizes the patient-physician relationship and drives our team to serve patients with empathy and purpose.

In her role, Mackenzie ensures that clinical trials across Profound’s nationwide network adhere to strict regulatory requirements, industry standards, and internal policies. This includes conducting meticulous clinical trial data reviews, guiding trial personnel with regulatory insights, and supporting both customer audits and FDA inspections. As a Solution-Oriented leader, Mackenzie plays a vital role in identifying and implementing practical solutions to uphold quality and consistency across our network of sites. She and her team also monitor quality management metrics and spearhead initiatives to continually improve Profound’s quality standards, emphasizing our value of Excellence and our commitment to best-in-class service and integrity.

Mackenzie’s favorite part of her role is the camaraderie within the Profound Quality team. “We’ve built a really amazing team of quality professionals who are so knowledgeable and always willing to lend an ear or brain whenever it’s needed,” she shares, underscoring how Profound’s culture of collaboration and mutual support aligns with our mission of creating a patient-physician experience marked by trust and understanding.

Outside of work, Mackenzie is an avid hockey fan with a unique goal—to watch the St. Louis Blues play in every NHL arena. Her enthusiasm and commitment to achieving her goals are yet another example of the spirit she brings to Profound’s Quality team, helping to drive our mission of improving lives through advanced clinical research.

November 13, 2024

Celebrating Quality: A Q&A with Sarah Darnell, Profound Research Validation Engineer

As we continue our celebration of World Quality Week, we’re excited to spotlight one of the talented team members who drives Profound Research’s commitment to excellence, innovation, and compassion in clinical research—Sarah Darnell, Validation Engineer at Profound Research. Sarah is an experienced Validation Analyst with a robust background in the pharmaceutical industry, bringing expertise in FDA regulations, Electronic Data Capture (EDC), and clinical research. With a Bachelor’s in Psychology from Texas State University, Sarah’s unique perspective and skill set empower her to elevate Profound’s mission of "Improving lives by providing advanced therapeutic options."

What motivated you to pursue a career focused on quality in clinical trials?

Sarah: “In my past careers, quality departments were often viewed as a roadblock to business operations. Coming from the business/site side of clinical operations, I am dedicated to changing that narrative and upholding strong ethical standards in conducting clinical trials. Being part of the quality team at Profound allows me to be innovative. Our team has been integral in shifting the stigma, showing that we’re here to foster an environment of continuous improvement and innovation—not to make anyone's job harder. We are partners in making trials more effective and ethical.”

Profound Research’s commitment to "Creating the absolute best patient-physician experience in clinical research" shines through Sarah’s dedication to not just maintaining, but improving quality standards, building trust with her colleagues and fostering a collaborative atmosphere that drives true progress.

Describe your role on the Profound Research Quality Team.

Sarah: “The primary focus of my role is to ensure that electronic systems are properly qualified and validated. This is essential for regulatory compliance and the integrity of the data we handle. During the implementation of an electronic system, we test business processes to identify and mitigate risks early, ensuring trials run smoothly and adhere to the highest quality standards. Quality systems validation is fundamental in preserving the integrity of data collected throughout a clinical trial, contributing directly to the efficacy of new treatments and improving patient lives.”

In her work, Sarah embodies Profound’s values, particularly Excellence and Urgency. By swiftly identifying potential risks and creating high-quality validation processes, she ensures that every data point gathered is reliable and contributes to the company’s mission to improve lives.

In your role, how do you ensure quality and consistency across multiple sites in a nationwide network like Profound Research?

Sarah: “Ensuring quality and consistency across all Profound sites is the cornerstone of quality systems validation. To support a nationwide network, validation provides the assurance that our electronic systems not only meet the operational needs of our sites but also perform consistently for our end users. We achieve this by creating clearly defined, standardized processes so that every site in our network can consistently execute clinical trial activities and deliver high-quality data nationwide.”

Profound’s values of Solution Orientation and Compassion are evident in Sarah’s approach to supporting consistency across a diverse network of sites. She is focused on delivering efficient solutions and maintaining the integrity of data, which is crucial to patient outcomes and the trust of healthcare professionals.

What do you enjoy most about working as a member of the Quality Team at Profound Research?

Sarah: “Being part of the quality team at Profound allows me to make a tangible difference in the patient’s experience in clinical trials. Problem-solving and improving processes has always been a passion of mine. It’s exciting to apply this passion to advance Profound’s mission. Every improvement we make brings us one step closer to our vision of creating the absolute best patient-physician experience in clinical research.”

Sarah’s dedication to Compassion drives her work, aligning with Profound Research’s vision. Her commitment to making a positive impact on the patient experience strengthens the bond between patient and physician, while her focus on innovation ensures that Profound continuously enhances clinical trial processes for all involved.

Can you share an example of a challenge that led to a triumph—an experience where you faced difficulty while maintaining Profound’s high standards for quality?

Sarah: “Validating and implementing electronic systems has been my greatest challenge. Profound has a diverse group of employees with extensive experience in the clinical trial landscape. Collaborating with these experts presents varied perspectives, which can sometimes lead to differences of opinion. However, through collaboration, we’ve been able to turn those varied perspectives into opportunities for innovation. Together, we’ve developed high-quality processes that elevate our standards even further.”

Tell us something fun or unique about yourself.

Sarah: “My parents used to own a small-town restaurant in Aransas Pass, Texas. I started working for them when I was in the 4th grade; my aunt taught me how to count back change, and since I was the only employee not stealing money, I ended up as the head cashier. It taught me responsibility early on and gave me a unique start in understanding the value of integrity.”

Sarah’s journey to Profound Research has been filled with valuable lessons and unique experiences that have shaped her into the passionate and skilled professional she is today. Her commitment to excellence, compassion, and continuous improvement truly reflects the values at the heart of Profound Research. We’re thrilled to have Sarah on our team, driving forward our shared mission of improving lives by setting new standards for quality in clinical trials.

November 12, 2024

Celebrating World Quality Week with Tabitha Campbell, CCRC: A Commitment to Excellence at Profound Research 

As Profound Research celebrates World Quality Week, we’re excited to highlight one of our Quality Team members whose dedication exemplifies our mission and values. Meet Tabitha “Tabi” Campbell, CCRC, our Learning and Development Specialist and a Clinical Research Professional with experience spanning Phase I-IV trials. With her deep-rooted commitment to quality and continuous improvement, Tabi plays a pivotal role in shaping a culture that places patient-physician relationships and high-quality research at the forefront. 

What motivated you to pursue a career focused on quality in clinical trials? 

“My research career started on the operational end, so having had the opportunity to conduct visits and coordinate trials has allowed me to see firsthand the importance of conducting trials with high standards,” Tabi shared. Her early experiences underscored for her that quality is essential—not only in terms of regulatory compliance but also in protecting the rights, safety, and welfare of every participant. This dedication aligns perfectly with Profound’s mission to improve lives by providing advanced therapeutic options while maintaining the highest ethical standards. 

Describe your role on the Profound Research Quality Team. 

Tabi’s role on the Quality Team centers around fostering a learning-focused culture. “I build a culture of learning within Profound by designing, implementing, and monitoring training that promotes continuous professional growth and aligns with organizational goals and industry standards,” she explained. Tabi works closely with various departments to develop an onboarding program that introduces new employees to Profound’s culture and core values. 

How do you ensure quality and consistency across multiple sites in a nationwide network like Profound Research? 

Consistency in quality across Profound’s expansive network is essential for maintaining our high standards and commitment to patient care. Tabi ensures this by aligning all employees with Profound’s quality compliance standards, offering standardized training programs, consistent onboarding, and ongoing professional development. “Using an LMS (Learning Management System) has allowed us to provide seamless, standardized training delivery and maintain consistency across all locations,” she said. This approach empowers each team member to deliver best-in-class service. 

At Profound Research, our core values are Compassion, Urgency, Solution Orientation, and Excellence. Which core value(s) do you align most within your role on the Quality team? 

Tabi resonates most strongly with Compassion and Excellence. Her commitment to creating a welcoming, supportive environment speaks to her compassionate approach, while her drive for continuous improvement reflects Profound’s emphasis on excellence. “It’s about being compassionate with each other and holding ourselves accountable to the highest standards,” she noted, underscoring her alignment with Profound’s core values. 

What do you enjoy most about working as a member of the Quality Team at Profound Research? 

Tabi appreciates the camaraderie and support that define her experience on the Quality Team. “Since joining, I’ve been able to share my passion, talent, and voice, and have been greeted with nothing but collaboration and support,” she said. This sense of teamwork reflects Profound’s commitment to a service-oriented, collaborative approach in everything we do. 

Can you share an example of a challenge that led to a triumph – a time you’ve faced difficulty while maintaining Profound’s standards for the highest of quality? 

One significant challenge for Tabi involved launching Profound’s Learning Management System. “Manual tracking of training completion left room for inconsistencies,” she explained. Implementing the new system required intensive collaboration and problem-solving, but the process allowed her to turn a potential weakness into a triumph. Her approach reflects Profound’s Solution Orientation, finding direct and effective answers to challenges in pursuit of excellence. 

Tell us something fun or unique about yourself. 

Tabi has a unique story that speaks to her resilience and passion for helping others. “When I was 5, I was involved in an accident that left me terrified of escalators,” she shared. “I overcame this fear in third grade with the help of a kind and patient teacher, whose compassion and support inspired me.” This experience not only impacted her personally but ultimately led her to a career in education, which eventually opened doors to her work in clinical research. 

At Profound Research, professionals like Tabi Campbell exemplify our mission of improving lives, our vision of creating the best patient-physician experience, and our values of Compassion, Urgency, Solution Orientation, and Excellence. As we celebrate World Quality Week, we recognize the dedication of our Quality Team and the essential role they play in fostering an environment where patients, partners, and colleagues alike feel supported, valued, and empowered. 

September 20, 2024

Profound Research Collaborates in Development of New Fingerstick Blood Test for Early Detection of Alzheimer’s Disease 

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a major global health issue, with over 55 million people affected worldwide. Early detection of AD is challenging, as there is currently no simple molecular test for diagnosing the disease. Many people, particularly those in underserved communities, are often diagnosed late when treatment options are limited. 

Profound Research, in collaboration with BioSpyder Technologies, is working to change this. We are working to develop a new gene expression test using TempO-Seq® technology, which analyzes blood samples collected from a fingerstick. This sample is dried on filter paper, making it easy to collect in a doctor’s office or at home. The goal is to create a fast, minimally invasive way to screen for Alzheimer’s disease. 

The Problem with Current Testing Methods 

Currently, diagnosing Alzheimer’s involves a complex and time-consuming process. Patients typically undergo cognitive testing, brain scans, and biomarker tests for proteins like tau and amyloid-β (Aβ). These tests require specialized equipment and trained medical professionals, making them inaccessible to many, particularly in underserved areas. In the U.S., Alzheimer’s disease affects 6.5 million people, with higher rates among non-Hispanic Black and Hispanic Americans who often face barriers to healthcare. 

To address this, Profound Research aimed to help BioSpyder Technologies develop a test that is easy to use and widely available. The TempO-Seq® testing platform uses a small blood sample that can be self-collected or collected in any doctor’s office, making it more accessible to people who may not have easy access to specialized care. 

The TempO-Seq® Gene Expression Test 

In this study, we tested blood samples from three groups: patients diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s disease (PD), and healthy controls. From these samples, we identified a gene signature made up of 68 key genes. Using this gene signature, the test was able to accurately classify patients with AD, with an area under the ROC curve (AUC) of 0.9, and patients with PD with an AUC of 0.94. These high accuracy rates show that the test can potentially be used to detect AD and PD early on. 

“Our goal is to improve access to early diagnosis for everyone, especially those in underserved communities,” said Gregory Sahagian, Chief Scientific Officer at Profound Research and Principal Investigator at The Neurology Center of Southern California. “This test has the potential to transform how we detect Alzheimer’s and get patients the help they need sooner.” 

Addressing Health Disparities 

One of the most significant benefits of this new test is its ability to reach people who might not have access to specialized care. Current diagnostic methods require multiple visits to specialists, which is not always possible for people living in rural areas or underserved communities. By allowing patients to collect their own samples at home, the TempO-Seq® test could help close this gap in care. 

Looking Ahead 

While further research is needed to confirm whether this test can detect Alzheimer’s at its earliest stages, the initial results are promising. As we continue to refine the test, Profound Research is committed to making it available to all patients, helping to improve early detection and reduce health disparities in Alzheimer’s care. 

For more details on this study, see the original publication: 
Seligmann, Bruce et al. ‘Molecular Gene Expression Testing to Identify Alzheimer’s Disease with High Accuracy from Fingerstick Blood’. Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease, 1 Jan. 2024: 1–10. https://content.iospress.com/articles/journal-of-alzheimers-disease/jad240174 

August 6, 2024

Profound Research Accelerates Growth Trajectory with New Chief Commercial Officer 

Profound Research, a leading clinical trial site network, today announced the key leadership appointment of Michael Shipton as Chief Commercial Officer, a move aimed at driving innovation and continued growth.  

Shipton brings extensive experience to his new role. He most recently served as Chief Commercial Officer at Science 37, where he led transformative initiatives and overhauled their go-to-market strategy, resulting in increased market competitiveness. As a proven commercial strategist, Shipton has over three decades of experience designing, implementing, and delivering customized business solutions. All in all, Shipton has a broad track record of success in steering large global teams to address intricate business challenges. 

“I am honored to join an organization that understands how commercial growth in our vertical market can directly enrich patient lives by expanding access to innovative treatments and advancing scientific progress,” said Shipton.  

Lora Parahovnik, PhD, Chief Executive Officer of Profound Research, shared her excitement about the appointment, stating, "We are delighted to welcome Michael Shipton as our Chief Commercial Officer. His expertise and leadership will be pivotal in advancing Profound Research as an industry leader focused on medical innovation and enhancing patient access to treatments.” 

About Profound Research 

Profound Research is an integrated clinical research network comprising trial sites embedded into independent physician practices. With a mission to expand access to clinical research for community patients and offer more therapeutic options to community physicians, Profound Research operates across Southern California, the Detroit metropolitan area, and is expanding nationwide. The company boasts a team of experienced research professionals dedicated to providing high-quality clinical research support to physicians and their patients. 

July 3, 2024

Eli Lilly Achieves FDA Approval of Kinsunla™ 

Celebrating a Milestone in Alzheimer's Treatment

Profound Research extends our heartfelt congratulations to our sponsor partner, Eli Lilly, on the recent approval of Kinsunla™ by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This groundbreaking development marks a significant step forward in the battle against Alzheimer's disease, providing new hope to individuals and their families affected by this debilitating condition. 

To learn more about Kinsunla™, read the full release at Eli Lilly. 

Kinsunla™, now the second drug on the U.S. market aimed at slowing the progression of early-stage Alzheimer's, has demonstrated remarkable efficacy. According to Eli Lilly, the drug slowed cognitive and functional decline by up to 35% compared to placebo at 18 months in its pivotal Phase 3 study. Furthermore, it reduced participants' risk of progressing to the next clinical stage of the disease by up to 39%. These promising results underscore the potential of Kinsunla™ to transform the landscape of Alzheimer's treatment. 

Profound Research at Neurology Center of Southern California (NCSC), under the leadership of Principal Investigator, Benjamin Frishberg, MD, is proud to serve as a site for the TRAILBLAZER program. Dr. Gregory Sahagian, CEO of NCSC and Chief Scientific Officer for Profound Research, emphasized the significance of this achievement, stating, "This is why we do clinical research. This is an advancement over previously approved therapies and a step forward in our fight to overcome Alzheimer’s Disease. Our patients have been enrolled in the study and were provided the opportunity for early access to a disease modifying therapy." 

April Tenorio, CCRC, Clinical Research Site Manager for Profound Research at NCSC, sharing her appreciation, stating: "As Kisunla™ steps into the market, the lasting impact of our site stands strong, showcasing the importance of teamwork, determination, and advancements in science. It serves as a reminder that behind every clinical research setting, there exists the opportunity to make a difference in people’s lives and shape the course of medical advancements. It has been a remarkable journey that we are all proud to be a part of!" 

This most recent achievement aligns with Profound Research's mission of contributing to continued innovation in medicine while improving health outcomes. Our involvement in the development and approval of Kinsunla™ highlights our commitment to progress and our dedication to supporting advancements that enhance the quality of life for patients.  

Once again, we commend Eli Lilly on this momentous development. With this promising new treatment, clinical research is paving the way for a brighter future for patients with Alzheimer's, bringing hope and potential benefits to those affected by this challenging disease.

June 28, 2024

Dedicated to Integrity – a Spotlight on Susana Wallace of Southern California 

At Profound Research, we are dedicated to delivering clinical trials and advanced therapies to diverse communities across the nation. Today, we are thrilled to feature insights from Susana Wallace, a Patient Recruitment Specialist in Southern California. As a Native American and lifelong San Diegan, Susana’s passion, dedication, and alignment with our core values play a crucial role in connecting cutting-edge medical advancements with the communities that need them most, making her an invaluable asset to our team. 

What is your role at Profound research and how long have you been doing it? 

For the better part of the last year, I have served as aPatient Recruitment Specialist at Profound Research for the Neurology Center of Southern California (NCSC), Dermatology Medical Group of North County (DMG) and Arthritis Consultants of North County (ACNC).  

Before coming to Profound, I was a research coordinator for University of Southern California at San Diego (UCSD) School of Medicine. I have also worked for the County of San Diego Public Health Department, as well as the California Department of Public Health (CDPH), doing surveillance, epidemiology, and communicable disease investigations. 

Please tell us a little about you personally. 

Born and raised, I am a Native San Diegan- I grew up in Valley Center, spending time between La Jolla Indian Reservation and Rincon Indian Reservation. I am married (19 years) and have two kids. We spend a lot of time outdoors hiking and going to the beach. I personally love running, gardening, and spending time with my family. 

What is your favorite part of your role at Profound Research? 

My favorite part of my role is connecting with the patients; listening to their stories and finding out what brings them to Profound. Most of all, getting them scheduled for a visit for one of our clinical studies is extremely rewarding. 

What is one thing all people should know about clinical research with Profound Research?  

People should know that when they choose to come to Profound, they will be well taken care of. 

Of our values - Compassion, Efficiency, Progress, and Integrity, what is one that resonates with you in your current role and tell us a time it applied to an interaction with a patient or co-worker? 

While compassion comes to mind, I still would have to say it is integrity. Integrity strongly resonates with me. Coming from a culture that is deeply affected by our healthcare system, public health programs, and past research practices, my community is suspicious. Integrity is a personal responsibility and obligation I have to all our patients, and especially those who may not have access to appropriate care. Some examples would be patients under-represented in research, uninsured and unable to access care, and under- served populations that do not know how to navigate the healthcare system. Although integrity comes in all forms, for me, it comes in the way we offer and extend services to patients. I want to do all I can to remove any fears or suspicions they may have. 

From working in academia and government, I have learned one thing - when doing research, it is so important to have a diverse team. Patients want to see someone that looks like them, can relate to them and most importantly, understand them. Profound Research offers that to the communities we are currently trying to reach and that is a form of INTEGRITY. Having a research team that looks like the population they are serving is so special. 

I am so fortunate to have found a space at Profound Research where I am at peace with the work I am doing. 

To learn more about clinical trials at Profound Research by click here.

April 18, 2024

Profound Research: Spotlight on Barry Feldman, M.D., Internal Medicine 

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. 

April 17, 2024

Exploring Promising Avenues in Neurological Research

Skin Biopsy as a Potential Diagnostic Tool for Synucleinopathies Exploring Promising Avenues in Neurological Research

The groundwork for a notable advancement in establishing new diagnostic procedures for Synucleinopathies through skin biopsy has been laid by a recent collaboration of 28 research organizations across the United States. Among the participants in this study was The Neurology Center of Southern California, a respected member of the Profound Research site network. 

Central to this study is a fundamental question: Can phosphorylated α-synuclein be detected in individuals with synucleinopathies such as Parkinson's disease (PD), multiple system atrophy (MSA), dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB), and pure autonomic failure (PAF) through skin biopsy? The findings, revealed through a thorough cross-sectional analysis of 428 participants, are indeed promising. 

According to the study, a significant proportion of individuals with PD, MSA, DLB, and PAF exhibited the presence of cutaneous phosphorylated α-synuclein, as detected by skin biopsy. The numbers were particularly notable: 92.7% for PD, 98.2% for MSA, 96.0% for DLB, and an impressive 100% for PAF. These findings shed light on a hopeful avenue for improving diagnostic accuracy in neurological disorders. 

Gregory Sahagian, CEO of the Neurology Center of Southern California and Chief Scientific Officer for Profound Research, shares his perspective on this groundbreaking endeavor, remarking, "The implications of these findings are profound. They offer hope for earlier and more accurate diagnoses and open doors to potential breakthroughs in treatment strategies." 

However, amidst the excitement stirred by these findings, it's crucial to proceed with caution. As with any scientific inquiry, further validation and exploration are necessary. While this study presents compelling evidence of the effectiveness of skin biopsy in detecting phosphorylated α-synuclein, there remains a pressing need for broader research in unselected clinical populations to confirm these findings and fully understand their clinical implications. 

In summary, the emergence of skin biopsy as a potential diagnostic tool for synucleinopathies represents a promising development in neurological research. As we navigate this evolving landscape, we remain steadfast in our pursuit of bringing about meaningful advancements in healthcare for the communities that stand to benefit the most. 

For a full review of the study and it’s participants, visit https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/article-abstract/2816441  

JAMA is a peer-reviewed medical journal published by the American Medical Association. 

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