The acronym CRCLE suggests a system whose components are interrelated and interdependent. Within the Centers for Research in Clinical Excellence (CRCLE) at California Pacific, the acronym stands for a program in which researchers and clinicians work together to search for clues in patients' medical histories, diagnostic studies, and responses to treatment that can be used to improve care.

Physician-investigators chosen for the CRCLC program apply rigorous research methods and data collection techniques to their studies. Each CRCLE project studies a cohort of patients, who have agreed to participate and are cared for at the Medical Center. They receive intensive diagnostic work-ups, treatment and follow-up care. Patient outcomes such as hospitalization, metastasis of a tumor, complications of treatment or death are assessed at predetermined intervals. Biological specimens, such as blood or tissue, are collected and stored for potential future analyses.

Since its inception, the CRCLE program has funded six projects: BRACES (Bariatric Research and Cohort Evaluation Study), BHIVE (Biobank for HIV Evaluations), The Breast Health Study, COMPP (Cohort of Complex Pregnancy Problems), DGE (Delalyed Gastric Emptying), and RKIVE (Bio-archive in Recipients of Kidney Transplants ).

In addition to assistance with funding, CRCLE provides methodological and technical expertise. By providing some initial momentum, CRCLE will be able to ensure that new and potentially breakthrough projects get off to the best possible start.