OCR-Staff

Staff

William A. Pulsinelli, M.D., Ph.D.
Medical Director

Oversees clinical research development process (research sites, IRB liaison)
Oversees development of oversight policies to monitor, document, and assure research compliance
Oversees and promotes collaborations with researchers affiliated with the University of Tennessee Health Science Center (UTHSC) and with the UTHSC Clinical Translational Science Institute

Alisa M. Firehock, MHA, FACHE
Director

Responsible for developing and maintaining the necessary administrative infrastructure to support industry sponsored clinical research studies
Develops policies and procedures to guide business operations for the Office of Clinical Research
Directs the contracting process
Assists investigators and other research personnel in working with external clinical research organizations and institutional review boards
Participates in outreach efforts with local and national research community, including promoting clinical research and investigator and volunteer participation

Derita F. Bran, RN, CCRC
Manager, Clinical Trials Operations

Develops site operation procedures and oversees the management of activities associated with clinical research education and compliance
Oversees and monitors activities of study coordinators and other research personnel
Guides development of Master Service Charge lists with outpatient sites, affiliated hospitals and laboratories
Develops and implements educational programs for investigators and study nurse coordinators

Laura B. Cummins, J.D.
Manager, Contract Administration

Responsible for contracting process, including contract drafting, reviewing, negotiation and timely completion of industry sponsored research agreements
Works with and advises Director on defining performance metrics for comparison to industry standards
Assists the Director in working with internal or external customers on issues and developments relative to assigned contracts

Carol E. Hendrix, R.N.
Coordinator, Clinical Research

Joined the Office of Clinical Research on November 10, 2008
Organizes and implements clinical research studies, including protocol and budget evaluation and feasibility, regulatory submissions, performance of study procedures
Manages assigned research protocols and performs data analysis, data management, and quality assurance activities
Assists the Manager, Clinical Trials Operations on regulatory compliance issues and education

Michelle A. Conrad
Senior Accountant, Department of Accounting

Records and tracks contract receivables in the financial accounting system
Gathers and prepares data and documents for financial reports
Maintains appropriately filed documents for easy retrieval, report processing, and for audit purposes
Prepares and submits budget and financial reports to advise Director of budget status and expenditure activity

Patsy A. Walker
Senior Executive Assistant

Provides administrative and technical support for the Office of Clinical Research

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This page
last updated
11/18/08