Helping people gain better

Today’s clinical research trials could lead to tomorrow’s most promising treatments and cures. 

Clinical research trials test new forms of medical intervention (such as drugs or a procedure) in order to advance the care for so many serious conditions, like diabetes which we treat here at Texas Diabetes & Endocrinology (TD&E). 

At TD&E, we have been dedicated to actively participating in clinical research for the past decade, and we offer a variety of trials for patients to pursue in areas of Diabetes, Thyroid, Osteoporosis, PCOS, Cholesterol, and Obesity/Weight Loss. 

Our goal with clinical research trials at TD&E is first and foremost to improve the quality of lives of our patients.

Who are the key participants in a clinical research trial?

In addition to the patients, other key members of a clinical trial team include the principal investigator and the sponsor. 

Here’s a closer look at each of these roles: 

Patients: they are the ones who volunteer to experience/test out a new technology that shows promise in improving a certain condition or disease. They benefit from participating in clinical research trials by 1) having access to new treatments that are not yet available to the public, 2) playing a more active role in their own health by getting a really in-depth view of what they are suffering from, and 3) they are typically compensated for their time spent in the study and traveling to and from a doctor’s office. 

Principal Investigators: the principal investigator (or PI) is a doctor, or another member of the practice’s medical team, who leads the research efforts and monitors the patients’ medical results, experience, and feedback. 

At TD&E, the following members of our team of board-certified endocrinologists and medical professionals serve as PIs for our clinical research trials:

Central Austin Principal Investigators:

• Thomas Blevins, MD
• Luis Casaubon, MD
• Valerie Espinosa, MD

Round Rock Principal Investigators:

• Hein Tran, MD
• Sonie Sunny, DO
• Ishita Patel, MD
• Srujana Yada, MD

South Austin Principal Investigators:

• Jean Chen, MD
• Tira Chaicha-Brom, MD
• Lindsay Harrison, MD

Sponsor: the sponsor is responsible for initiating and funding the trial. It may be an individual doctor, company, or medical school/institution. Once the trial is completed and the data is compiled from the patients and PI, the sponsor works to take the new treatment or technology to the public sector so that others may benefit from it. 

How can I participate in a clinical research trial at TD&E?

More about our research trials can be found here. Please let your endocrinologist know you are interested in participating in our program and they can discuss with you which currently enrolling trials would be the most beneficial to you and your particular condition. 

We are always extremely grateful to our patients who consider volunteering their time to help us in the advancement of scientific research. 

Endocrine Research in Austin, TX

You can learn more about our research department and currently enrolling clinical trials here. Please feel free to contact us at (512) 334-3505, option 4, to speak to a research coordinator about our enrolling studies.

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