Clinical Research Trials
What is a Clinical Research Trial?
Clinical research projects are scientific studies in which people help doctors to improve health and health care for themselves and others. Many of today's treatments for illness are based on the result of past clinical research.
The Rasmuson Foundation recognizes that clinical research provides a special opportunity for Alaskans to improve personal health and advance medical knowledge. The Benaroya Research Institute at Virginia Mason is honored to help in this effort to benefit current and future Alaskans. Clinical trials test new treatment for diseases. Translational studies look for the causes of diseases in order to prevent and treat disease in the future.
Benaroya Research Institute's Clinical Research Program
Benaroya Research Institute at Virginia Mason (BRI) is dedicated to exploring the causes and cures of human disease. Key to this mission is innovation in clinical research. We are committed to staying at the forefront of our changing medical and scientific environments by combining expertise in laboratory investigation with breakthrough research. This bench-to-bedside approach allows for rapid development of scientific findings into medical treatment advancements with the potential to directly benefit people living with disease.
BRI's state-of-the-art facilities have been designed to offer both patients and researchers the most comfortable and efficient environment in which to conduct clinical trials. Our Clinical Research Center (CRC) in the Virginia Mason Medical Center is committed specifically to providing patients with the best possible treatment and oversight of research procedures - from simple interviews to the most sensitive of care. It is staffed by experienced and caring personnel who are specifically trained in the oversight of clinical trials. The CRC also offers trial participants shorter wait times, a relaxing environment in which to receive care, video and reading libraries, and other amenities to make participants' visits relaxing and rewarding.
BRI's Clinical Research Program is directed by Chris Porter, MD, and Cheryl Weaver. Our vision is to conduct the highest quality innovative clinical research, deploying the best resources of our clinical, basic science and translational research programs. Our mission is to improve the health and well-being of our patients and the community, using the tools of discovery. The program provides skilled physicians who lead our trials as principal investigators, and empathic care of our clinical trial participants from a highly experienced staff in the conduct of clinical trials. Our team includes Unit Managers, Clinical Research Coordinators, Research Assistants and knowledgeable administrative personnel (Institutional Review Board; Regulatory Compliance and Education; and office personnel).
Our care of patients begins with a discussion with the patient which describes the clinical trial in detail, giving patients time to understand and ask questions to be able to make an informed decision to participate in a clinical trial. Our care of the patient continues with screening, or review, of the patient's medical history to determine if he/she meets entry criteria for a clinical trial; enrollment into a trial; and retention of the patient through the completion of the trial.
With hundreds of studies underway, there are many opportunities for both healthy volunteers and people living with disease to participate, and help contribute to a cure for diseases such as diabetes, arthritis, cancer, heart disease, and others.
Explore our research studies underway to get general information about research projects, or to find out about opportunities to participate in a clinical research study.
For more information about clinical research and specific diseases, see frequently asked questions, and other online resources.