Clinical Research Update: Patient Perspectives After a year during which COVID-19 restrictions curtailed many aspects of its day-to-day operations, the Kellogg Clinical Research Center (KCRC) is once again humming with activity. KCRC research coordinators currently manage 54 sponsor-initiated clinical studies involving 15 faculty members. Another 13 studies will begin within the next year, with three more faculty investigators. “While we had to do things differently during the pandemic, we never lost our focus on providing exceptional service and support to our investigators and sponsors, and especially
“
Callie Gordon, COA, OSC, Clinical Research Coordinator, with Brandon Gibbons
OF COURSE, I HOPE
I’LL EVENTUALLY BENEFIT FROM
letter from Kellogg, notifying him
TREATMENTS THAT COME OUT OF
that he met the initial criteria to be considered for a study.
to our valued research volunteers,”
CLINICAL RESEARCH. BUT IN THE
says KCRC Medical Director Grant
MEANTIME, I’M GLAD TO PLAY SOME
Two recent study participants
“
Comer, M.D., M.S.
SMALL ROLE IN THE PROCESS.
typify the selflessness and commitment that make research volunteers so special.
— Brandon Gibbons
Both live with rare, genetic eye conditions that cause progressive vision loss; and for
a leading institution with access to the latest advances, including experimental treatments. My wife and I discussed it and decided to look into it.” KCRC Clinical Research Coordinator
a comprehensive initial screening, and has
Brandon Gibbons, 27, began seeing an ophthalat age 13. He and his parents first traveled to the Kellogg Eye
much thought,” he admits. “But I came to Kellogg to connect with
Stephanie Wietholter walked Fries through
which there are no effective treatments. mologist close to his home in Florida after being diagnosed
“At first, I didn’t give it
remained his primary point of contact. “Because many trials require frequent and lengthy visits,
Center in 2008. He returned to Kellogg regularly until starting
we get to know our volunteers very well,” she says. “That’s
college in 2012.
one of the best parts of what we do – building relationships
Curious about any new advances that may have been available, Brandon again traveled from his home in Florida to the
with wonderful patients like Brice and their families.” “From my first trip to Kellogg through my time in the study,
Kellogg Eye Center in 2017. During his examination, he learned
everyone has gone out of their way to help and encourage me
about a clinical trial and decided to participate.
and my family,” says Fries. “It has made a lasting impression
Gibbons works as an ophthalmic technician, and is studying for a graduate degree in pharmacology. “I’ve always been fasci-
on us.” Both volunteers know that their participation in these stud-
nated by science and research, and I’ve always been impressed
ies will not directly improve their vision. Yet both agree that the
with the high degree of professionalism and skill I encounter at
experience is one they would recommend to others.
Kellogg,” he says. “So stepping up to participate in a clinical study was not a difficult decision for me.” Clinical Research Coordinator Callie Gordon is Gibbons’
“I knew from the start that this experience is about helping people down the road, not myself,” Brandon Gibbons says. “Of course, I hope I’ll eventually benefit from treatments that
primary contact at the KCRC. “All of our trial participants are
come out of clinical research. But in the meantime, I’m glad to
terrific, but Brandon was especially engaged and motivated,”
play some small role in the process.”
she says. “It’s not every day that a patient already ‘speaks our language.’” Brice Fries, 37, began traveling to Kellogg from his home in northern Ohio in 2011 for annual exams to monitor his
Brice Fries agrees. “Because I had such a high level of trust in my Kellogg care team, I had no reservations about volunteering. It’s especially important for people like us, with conditions that are currently untreatable, to get involved.”
condition. He first learned about clinical trial possibilities in 15
