Clinical Research Program

Quick Links:

• Overview
• Clinical Research Experience
• Facility Description
  
• Clinical Investigators
• Staff Expertise
• Program Features
• Patient Demographics
• Contact Information

Center Overview

The Clinical Research Program at Women’s Health Care (WHC) offers comprehensive gynecologic, obstetrics, and wellness care for women, and participates in clinical research studies as a privately contracted entity.

The guiding principles are progressive women’s health practices. Patient care is our primary focus with a strong commitment to education and advancement of knowledge. WHC keeps current on new technologies and medical advances, offering state-of-the-art care in a new facility. WCH believes in the fundamental right of women to comprehensive care, including a strong belief in reproductive choices. WHC provides women with a full range of medical services and health options, promotes the health of the community, and provides a variety of educational programs and materials for the public. WHC is a member of the Association of Clinical Research Professionals (ACRP).

Clinical Research Experience

Over the last decade, our clinician scientists have participated in multiple local, national, and international clinical research efforts. Some notable projects include: PEARL–Postmenopausal Evaluation and Risk-reduction with Lasofoxifene (Pfizer); A Prospective, Double-Blind, Randomized Study of the Safety and Efficacy of Lower Doses of Premarin and Medroxyprogesterone Acetate in Postmenopausal Women (Wyeth-Ayerst); The Safety of a Cyclophasic Hormone Replacement Therapy Regimen of Estradiol and Norgestimate in Postmenopausal Women (Robert Wood Johnson); and Comparison of Raloxifene, Estrogen, and Placebo on the Uterus (Eli Lilly). Our researchers are published experts in several clinical areas, including menopause, hormone replacement therapy, infertility, adolescent gynecology, and surgical safety.

Facility Description

WHC is located in Dayton, Ohio, a dynamic community and the home of Wright State University and located at Miami Valley Hospital, the premier tertiary care facility in the region. Within our office complex are located a CLIA and CAP certified laboratory, vaginal and abdominal sonography (including 3-D ultrasound), office hysteroscopy, and office urodynamics. Also available through the center are comprehensive inpatient and outpatient medical and surgical services, DXA bone densitometry, and mammography.

Our outpatient clinical research program features:

• Experienced research staff
• Membership in Association of Clinical Research Professionals
• Onsite laboratory meeting CLIA and CAP moderate-complex certification
• Freezer to -70 degrees
• Locked and alarmed refrigerator
• Refrigerated centrifuge
• Locked storage for research supplies/drugs
• Large study recruitment population
  
• Web accessible medical records
  
• Twenty-four hour answering service

Clinical Investigators

Lawrence S. Amesse, M.D., Ph.D.
Associate Professor and Director of Resident Research

Dr. Amesse is board certified in Obstetrics and Gynecology as well as Reproductive Endocrinology. He has also completed a fellowship in adolescent gynecology. His basic research interests are in the area of molecular genetics of placental and endometrial development. Dr. Amesse received his Ph.D. from the University of Michigan and has had extensive post-doctoral training at Yale University and the National Institutes of Health.

Gary C. Ventolini, M.D.
Associate Professor and Chair, Obstetrics and Gynecology

He has completed residencies in both Obstetrics and Gynecology and Family Practice.

Staff Expertise

Susan Lemley-Gillespie, B.S., CRC
Clinical Research Coordinator

Ms. Lemley-Gillespie is responsible for study protocols, screening, and monitoring study patients. Susan has 20 years experience in research, with solid knowledge of clinical practice guidelines, FDA regulations, and the drug development process. Susan is a meticulous and conscientious researcher.

Zijin Zhao, M.D., M.S.
Clinical Research Associate

Dr. Zhao has been conducting medical research work for more than 15 years. She earned her M.S. degree in toxicology and pharmacology, and has special expertise in the absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion of a variety of drugs. She has extensive experimental experience in pharmacology and related fields.

Patient Demographics

The Greater Dayton area has a population of almost 1 million people, which provides a large study recruitment population. Our largest employer, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, is the largest single site employer in Ohio. Within the Dayton area is: Wright State University, known for its aeronautical engineering and generalist-oriented Boonshoft School of Medicine, the University of Dayton, and Sinclair Community College.

We care for patients of multiple nationalities, a broad range of ages, and various socioeconomic status.

For more information about the Clinical Research Program, please contact:

Susan Lemley-Gillespie, CRC

Phone: (937) 208-2287
Fax: (937) 222-7255
E-mail: susan.lemley-gillespie@wright.edu

Map and Directions

Academic Department | Residency Program
Wright State University Boonshoft School of Medicine