Residents & Fellows Research Opportunities
The CPMC Residents and Fellows Research Program is a unique opportunity for residents and fellows to pursue research during their time at the medical center. The goals of the program are to help residents and fellows gain a deeper understanding of the medical literature in the chosen focus area, to understand new technologies/ developments related to that area, and to obtain a better general understanding of clinical research methodology and the interaction between research and clinical medicine. A list of current industry-sponsored clinical trials can be found here: CPMC Clinical Trials
Introduction
We have compiled a list of physicians from many different disciplines who have active, ongoing projects and are eager to collaborate with interested residents and fellows. Motivated residents/fellows may also want to explore opportunities to design and conduct their own research projects with one of these physicians. The CPMC Research Institute has many resources available to residents and fellows to help facilitate their foray into research. Prospective participants should contact Lesley Scott-Skye, MS, at 415-600-1593 or scottlx@cpmcri.org with general questions.
Residents and fellows are encouraged to present their research projects at national scientific meetings.
CPMC staff physicians who wish to be included on this website should contact Lesley Scott-Skye, MS, at 415-600-1593 or scottlx@cpmcri.org.
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Addiction Pharmacology
Contact
John Mendelson, MD: (415) 641-2105, mendelje@sutterhealth.org
Gantt Galloway, PhD: (415) 641-3383, gantt@cpmcri.org
The disease of addiction is produced by interactions between individual biological organisms (people), specific pharmacological agents (drugs) and the social, economic, cultural, biologic and geographic milieu (environment). The Addiction Pharmacology Research Laboratory is dedicated to understanding how specific pharmacologic compounds (drugs) contribute to developing or treating addictive disease. We believe that deciphering the biological effects of drugs is essential for developing effective therapies to treat addiction. We exist to conduct human research on the effects of addictive and abused drugs and to develop new medications and treatments for drug addiction. We use the tools of clinical pharmacology – pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, clinical trials – to assess the effects of addictive and abused drugs and to develop new treatments for addiction. We are dedicated to the safe and ethical human study of addictive and abused drugs, both in controlled laboratory settings and in people living and functioning in the community.
Ongoing Research:
Human Pharmacology Laboratory Studies:
- Methods to quantify illicit methamphetamine intake – the pharmacokinetics of deuterium labeled l-methamphetamine and the utility of using l-methamphetamine-d3 in clinical trials.
- A combined safety and efficacy evaluation of guanfacine to treat methamphetamine dependence.
- Interactions between prazosin and MDMA
- The pharmacology of MDA
- Clinical features of MDMA withdrawal and discontinuation
- The pharmacokinetics of buprenorphine in hepatic failure
- The effects of sublingually administered Salvinorin A
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Cardiology
Contact:
Dick Shaw, PhD: (415) 600-5897, shawr@sutterhealth.org
The Division of Cardiology and the Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery are involved in a variety of investigator initiated and industry-sponsored trials. Industry-based clinical trials include studies on devices used to improve heart function in patients with end-stage heart disease, the use of left ventricular assist devices (VADS) for bridging patients to heart transplant as well as for use as destination therapy, a new test to determine if a patient is rejecting a transplanted heart without the use of tissue biopsy, antiplatelet drugs used in the treatment of patients with acute coronary syndromes, new coronary artery stents used in the cardiac catheterization laboratory, drugs used to treat metabolic syndrome, and several studies assessing the efficacy of catheter-based ablation of atrial fibrillation. There are also a number of collaborative efforts with local institutions to conduct multicenter clinical studies on rare cardiac conditions and evaluation of new imaging modalities, such as Multislice Computerized Tomographic Angiography for assessment of coronary artery disease and structural heart disease. Faculty members of the program are also involved in investigator-initiated studies, many of which utilize data from the Sutter-wide Apollo cardiac database that is supplemented with long-term follow-up of patients. There is an extensive surgical database that can be used for study of patients undergoing cardiac surgery. Recent projects include long-term studies of patients who have had coronary stents used in the treatment of unprotected left main disease and late outcomes of HIV patients treated with drug-eluting coronary stents.
Ongoing Research:
- Collaborative project to evaluate long-term outcome of PCI in treatment of left main disease – Matt LaBarbera, M.D., Peter Hui, M.D., Richard Shaw, Ph.D.
- Influence of concentric remodeling of the left ventricle on outcome – Jamie Berger, M.D., Xiushui Ren, M.D., Mary A. Whooley, M.D., Nelson B. Schiller, M.D.
- Review of the Literature and Follow-up of 3 Cases of Unoperated Mitral-Aortic Intervalvular Fibrosa Aneurysm – Amy Gin, M.D., Helen Hong, M.D., Bryan Ristow, M.D., Richard Shaw, Ph.D., Robert Popper, M.D.
- Association of bisphosphonate use with incident atrial fibrillation – Samir Thadani, M.D., Peggy Cawthon, Ph.D., Bryan Ristow, M.D., Richard Shaw, Ph.D.
- Association of AlloMap Gene Expression Testing with Hemodialysis and Low White Blood Cell Count – Bryan Ristow, M.D., Richard Shaw, M.D., Ernest Haeusslein, M.D.
- Evaluation of Cardiac Performance by Phonocardiography – Samir Thadani, M.D., Nelson B. Schiller, M.D.
- Comparison of Indexing Methods to Adjust Echocardiographic Measurements (Heart and Soul Study) – Bryan Ristow, M.D., Mary A. Whooley, M.D., Nelson B. Schiller, M.D.
- Echocardiographic stroke distance predicts heart failure and mortality (Heart and Soul Study) – Bryan Ristow, M.D., Mary A. Whooley, M.D., Nelson B. Schiller, M.D.
- Left Ventricular End Systolic Volume Response to Stress Echocardiography – Anna Beyer, M.D., Richard Shaw, Ph.D., Nelson B. Schiller, M.D.
- Nomenclature of peripheral vascular disease by CT angiography – Rajan Hundal, M.D., Tony DeFrance, M.D.
- Effect of Body Mass Index on Mortality in ST elevation and non-ST elevation MI – Bryan Ristow, M.D., Richard Shaw, Ph.D.
- Comparison of drug eluting versus bare metal stents for saphenous vein graft stenosis – Marina Trilesskaya, M.D., Richard Shaw, Ph.D.
- Risk of Stent Thrombosis by Ethnic Group – Robert Kumar, M.D., Richard Shaw, Ph.D.
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Gastrointestinal Motility
Contact:
William Snape, MD: (415) 600-1138, snapew@sutterhealth.org
Approximately 35 million Americans suffer from gastrointestinal motility disorders. These disorders range from gastroparesis, affecting a small number each year, to common gastrointestinal disorders — irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and fecal incontinence. Motility disorders can involve any part of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract including the esophagus, stomach, small intestines and colon. Our goal is to help patients gain control over their symptoms and improve their daily life. Results obtained from the motility tests lead to new therapies helping to relieve the patients’ symptoms. New therapies include gastric electrical stimulation (Enterra), endoscopic gastric plication (Endocinch), and anal sphincter retraining (biofeedback).
Ongoing Research:
- Novel techniques and treatments in gastrointestinal motility disorders
- Clinical outcomes in GI disorder populations
- Quality of life evaluations in GI disorder populations
- Clinical findings and patient-reported symptom correlates in GI disorders
- Environmental contributors to GI disorders
- associated with the use of manometry testing in clinical practice
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Hepatology
Contact:
Maurizio Bonacini, MD: (415) 600-1026, bonacim@sutterhealth.org
Our Liver Disease Management & Transplant Program offers a continuum of care for patients with liver disease. We bring our specialists to local communities through outreach efforts and support our patient care with the latest advances and research. Our Hepatology Research Center has a comprehensive clinical research program, offering concurrent trials for various liver diseases. We are proud to be at the forefront of advances and research affecting our patients. Multiple pharmaceutical studies and clinical research trials using new, ground-breaking medications and procedures in the areas of viral hepatitis, liver cancer, gastroenterology and liver transplantation are being pursued in our Research Center.
Ongoing Research:
- Clinical outcomes in liver transplant populations
- Treatments, observations and outcomes in cirrhosis
- Hepatitis: HIV co-infection, therapies and transplant outcomes
- Liver disease and HIV
- Autoimmune liver disease
- Liver cancer
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Interventional Endoscopy
Contact:
Kenneth Binmoeller, MD: (415) 600-3478, binmoek@sutterhealth.org
Janak Shah, MD: (415) 600-1151, shahj@sutterhealth.org
The Interventional Endoscopy Service at California Pacific Medical Center features state-of-the-art facilities for interventional endoscopy procedures in the gastrointestinal and bilio-pancreatic tract providing a wide range of specialized diagnostic and treatment modalities not commonly provided in the medical community. We emphasize personalized patient care that is delivered through our physicians' commitment to excellence and endoscopic expertise.
Ongoing Research:
- Clinical outcomes in interventional endoscopy
- Clinical utility of real-time capsule endoscopy
- Novel endoscopic techniques for drainage of pancreatic pseudocysts and fluid collections
- Novel endoscopic imaging for the detection of precancerous and cancerous lesions
- Novel endoscopic techniques for visualization and evaluation of the small bowel
- New Forward-viewing echoendoscope for single-scope transvisceral therapy
- Spyglass cholangio-pancreatoscopy for the detection and treatment of bile and pancreatic duct disease
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Kidney Transplant
Contact:
Ram Peddi, MD: (415) 600-1063, peddir@sutterhealth.org
Kimi Ueda, PharmD: (415) 600-1517, uedak@cpmcri.org
Our Kidney and Pancreas Transplant Program is proud of being at the forefront of advances in transplantation that enhance the quality of care for our transplant recipients. Our comprehensive clinical research program offers both pharmaceutical industry sponsored as well as investigator initiated research trials for kidney transplant recipients. In addition, we are continually evaluating and enhancing our quality of care by conducting retrospective chart reviews. Our pursuit of excellence through leading edge techniques and research allows our patients to benefit from the latest developments and discoveries.
Ongoing Research:
- Clinical outcomes in kidney transplant recipients
- Novel immunosuppressants in preventing rejection
- Influenza treatment and prophylaxis in the immunocompromised
- Pharmacokinetic trials of immunosuppressants
- Prevention and treatment of opportunistic infections
- Preservation of long-term renal function
For a complete list of clinical trials in kidney and pancreas transplantation, please view the following link: http://cpmc.org/professionals/research/trials/kidneylisting.html
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Neurology Critical Care
Contact:
Nobl Barazangi, MD, PhD: (415)600-5760 barazan@sutterhealth.org
David Tong, MD: (415) 600-5760, tongdc@sutterhealth.org
As a Comprehensive Stroke Center, we have developed an exceptional stroke management team that meets or exceeds national benchmarks for stroke treatment. We are able to rapidly examine and treat patients experiencing stroke symptoms and have a high level of clinical expertise to deal with many different forms of cerebrovascular disease. We have a full range of advanced neurointerventional capabilities including:
- Emergent thrombolytic administration
- Cerebral thrombus manipulation or extraction
- Clipping and endovascular coiling of aneurysms
- Cervical and cerebral angioplasty and stenting.
We also follow rigorous standards for stroke management, to assure the highest quality care for our patients.
The Comprehensive Stroke Care Center, is available to help with disease management and risk-reduction of future events. The Stroke Program's Medical Director, David Tong, M.D., has instituted a specialized program dedicated to the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of this devastating brain disease. Staffed by neurological experts, the Center provides comprehensive care to patients whether they have suffered a stroke, a transient ischemic attack (TIA), or are at risk for these disorders.
Ongoing Research:
- Novel therapies for treatment of acute stroke
- New advanced neuroimaging techniques to evaluate stroke patients
- Optimization of stroke acute treatment and prevention therapies
- Stroke prevention
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Oncology-Melanoma
Contact:
David Minor, MD: (415) 885-8600, minord@sutterhealth.org
Metastatic melanoma is an aggressive cancer that kills over 8,000 Americans every year, frequently affecting young individuals. It is the most common cause of death from a solid tumor in American women aged 20-29. CPMC is a major referral center for melanoma patients from Northern California, Oregon, and Nevada seeing over 50 new stage 3 and stage 4 patients yearly.
Ongoing Research:
Research this year includes analysis of predictive and prognostic factors for the 130 patients treated with 5-drug biochemotherapy over the last 5 years; a clinical trial of anti-angiogenic therapy (bevacizumab) in combination with chemotherapy, and a clinical trial of a new monoclonal antibody immunotherapy with the drug ipilimumab which releases the brake on the immune system by blocking the CTLA-4 protein. In addition we are the recipient of a $200,000 grant from Pfizer for a investigator-initiated study of the drug sunitinib in metastatic melanoma patients with KIT gene aberrations.
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Orthopedics
Contact:
Lesley Anderson, MD: (415) 923-3029, Lesley@lakneedoc.com
Orthopedics is the medical specialty focusing on prevention and correction of disorders of the skeleton, joints, muscles, connective tissue and other supporting structures of our bodies (i.e., cartilage and ligaments). This complex system allows one to move, work and be active. Seventy percent of all ailments in young active people involve the musculoskeletal system. As people age their chance of developing the debilitating joint affliction, arthritis, increases. The Department of Orthopedic Surgery at California Pacific Medical Center (CPMC) provides specialized services for treating conditions of the foot and ankle, knee, hip, shoulder, elbow and hand as well as spinal ailments. The orthopedic surgeons at CPMC also offer specialized care for nonunions and deformities of bones and bone infections (osteomyelitis).
Ongoing Research:
Dr Anderson is developing and following techniques to use growth factors to facilitate healing of tendons and ligaments in the knee and shoulder. She has an ongoing project in the use of growth factors in the healing of rotator cuff tears.
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Pediatric Gastroenterology & Nutrition
Contact:
Antonio Quiros, MD: (415) 600-0750, quirosj@sutterhealth.org
At California Pacific Medical Center, our Pediatric Gastroenterology & Nutrition Team specializes in the diagnosis and management of both routine and complex digestive disorders. We couple this expertise with personalized care, working closely with each patient, family and referring physician to determine the best treatment plan. Our specialists provide multidisciplinary diagnosis, therapy and long-term care for children ranging in age from 0 - 18 who have nutritional, gastrointestinal, liver and pancreatic disorders. We see children with the entire range of GI conditions including: Inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis), malabsorptive disorders (celiac disease, chronic diarrhea), Recurrent pancreatitis and hepatobiliary disease, chronic hepatitis, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), peptic ulcer disease, feeding dysfunction / failure to thrive, functional bowel disorders (IBS, chronic constipation), and gastrointestinal manifestations of allergic disease. Additionally, the Feeding Disorders Clinic provides comprehensive assessment and treatment for young children with feeding problems and oral-motor concerns. Our team is active in clinical research, offering patients entry into relevant studies.
Ongoing Research:
- Multi-center study looking at genetics and serologic diagnosis in children with IBD. (PI: Dr. A Quiros)
- Multicenter clinical outcomes study on children undergoing Endoscopic retrograde cholangio-pancreatopgraphy (ERCP). (PI: Dr. A Quiros)
- Study looking at the effect of the circadian rhythm on Gastroesophageal reflux in children. (PI: Dr. A Quiros and C Nguyen)
- Effect of diet in intestinal microbial populations in patients with IBD. (PI: Dr. A Quiros)
- updated December 2011
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