Clinical Trials Center
Discover the Clinical Trials Center: Who We Are and What We Do
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VMRF’s Clinical Trials Center (CTC) is committed to advancing clinical research at the VA San Diego Healthcare System.
Through expert coordination and personalized support, the CTC empowers investigators conducting VMRF-administered studies by providing flexible, high-quality research services. These services are especially valuable for investigators without dedicated study teams, ensuring seamless execution and guidance throughout every phase of the study lifecycle.
The CTC plays a pivotal role in facilitating a wide range of studies supported by a diverse array of sponsors—including federal agencies, state organizations and industry partners.
With deep expertise across multiple disciplines such as infectious diseases, cardiology, dermatology, gastroenterology, and more, the CTC fosters innovative research that drives scientific discovery and improves patient care.
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Services Provided
Our Clinical Trials Center offers a wide range of flexible, high-quality research support services, including:
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Clinical Research Nursing
Infusions, medication administration, clinical monitoring, assessments, and participant safety and support. -
Data Management
Accurate and secure handling of study data. -
Study Coordination
Part-time or limited-effort coordination tailored to study needs. -
Patient Visit Coordination
Scheduling and managing participant visits. -
Phlebotomy
Skilled blood collection services. -
Project Management
Oversight and coordination of study timelines and deliverables. -
Specimen Handling
Collection, processing, and shipping of biological samples. -
Study Start-Up & Regulatory Support
Assistance with IRB and RDC submissions and regulatory documentation. -
Vitals Collection
Routine collection of vital signs for study participants.
Location & Accessibility
​​​​Located on the campus of the Jennifer Moreno Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, the Clinical Trials Center is conveniently located on the 1st Floor of VMRF Building 13, a distinctive reddish brick building situated just east of the Main Hospital.
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Entrance: Look for the Clinical Trials Awning marking the main entrance.
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Transit-Friendly: Just a short walk from the San Diego Trolley, making it easily accessible by public transportation.
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ADA Accessible: Our facility is fully ADA-compliant for all visitors.
Dedicated Clinical Space
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Our facility offers purpose-built clinical spaces designed to support a wide range of research activities in a comfortable, efficient, and professional environment. The space includes:
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5 Private Exam Rooms – Fully equipped for confidential and comprehensive clinical assessments.
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2 Interview/Intake Rooms – Designed for participant screening, informed consent, and study-related discussions.
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1 Vitals Collection Room – Streamlined for accurate and efficient measurement of participant vital signs.
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1 Specimen Processing Room – Equipped for secure and compliant handling of biological samples.
Exam room with an infusion chair
Interview room
Exam room with an infusion chair
Exam room with a phlebotomy chair
Additional Amenities
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ADA-accessible, all-gender restroom for inclusive and convenient access.
Specialized Research Equipment​​
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Our facility is equipped with advanced tools to support high-quality clinical research, ensuring precision, safety, and efficiency throughout every phase of study execution.
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Two Centrifuges – One ambient and one refrigerated, supporting a range of specimen processing needs.
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-80°C Freezer – For secure, long-term storage of biological samples.
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Automated Blood Pressure Monitors – Ensuring accurate and consistent vital sign collection.
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Calibrated Height and Weight Scales – For precise anthropometric measurements
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The Clinical Trials Center ensures that all equipment calibrations are conducted annually in alignment with research requirements. Calibration records are meticulously maintained and regularly updated to be in full compliance with study protocols, regulatory standards, and Good Clinical Practice (GCP) guidelines.
Processing room with -80 Freezer and centrifuges
Exam room with a clinical grade automated blood pressure monitor
Meet the Clinical Trials Center Team
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Our dedicated team brings together diverse expertise in clinical research, regulatory compliance, patient care, and operational excellence—working collaboratively to support high-quality, impactful studies.
Clinical Trials Center Manager
With over 17 years of experience in clinical research, she has been a dedicated member of the VMRF since 2007. Her professional background encompasses a wide range of responsibilities, including study coordination, project management, and post-award administration, providing her with a well-rounded and in-depth understanding of research operations across diverse therapeutic areas.
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In her current role as Manager of the Clinical Trials Center, she is responsible for overseeing the center’s daily operations and ensuring the effective execution of clinical research activities. She partners closely with investigators to support regulatory submissions, facilitate participant recruitment through adaptive and compliant strategies, and oversight of protocol adherence. Her approach is grounded in collaboration, flexibility, and a deep commitment to regulatory excellence.
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Her comprehensive knowledge of institutional policies and federal research regulations continues to be a driving force behind the sustained success and growth of the CTC.
Clinical Research Nurse
A board-certified Registered Nurse with over 16 years nursing experience, she earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) in 2008. Before transitioning to clinical research, she gained extensive experience in intensive care, progressive care, medical/surgical oncology, special procedures, and chemotherapy administration.
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For the past four years, she has served as a Research Nurse, contributing to trials in infectious disease, wound care, cardiology, and more. Her skill set includes study coordination, regulatory and IRB submissions, phlebotomy, lab processing, and administration of study drugs via infusion and injection. She is certified in both BLS and ACLS.
Her diverse clinical background and strong regulatory knowledge make her a vital asset to the success and compliance of the CTC.
Clinical Research Coordinator III / Phlebotomist
With over 25 years of experience in clinical research, she has contributed to Phase I through Phase IV studies across a wide range of therapeutic areas in both inpatient and outpatient settings. A certified medical assistant and phlebotomist, she also brings specialized expertise in clinical research laboratory processes.
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Her extensive hands-on experience and adaptability make her a key contributor to maintaining high-quality standards and ensuring efficient trial execution at the CTC.
Clinical Research Coordinator II
A bilingual clinical research coordinator with over five years of experience in outpatient clinical care and three years in academic research, she holds a Bachelor of Science in Global Health from UC San Diego. She brings strong hands-on expertise in patient coordination, data auditing, and participant recruitment.
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In her current role at the CTC, she supports investigators with study coordination, regulatory and IRB submissions, patient follow-up, and protocol compliance. Her attention to detail, adaptability, and dedication to research integrity make her a valuable asset to the success of the CTC.
Clinical Research Coordinator II
A dedicated clinical research coordinator with extensive experience in managing and coordinating clinical trials, particularly in vascular surgery, she brings a strong background in regulatory compliance, patient recruitment, and protocol adherence. She specializes in supporting multidisciplinary teams to advance research that improves cardiovascular health outcomes.
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At the CTC, her attention to detail, proactive coordination, and collaborative approach play a key role in strengthening site performance and driving study success.
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Billing Information
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Our billing model is designed to provide clarity, flexibility, and alignment with the unique demands of each research study.
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Time-Based Charges: Billing is based on the actual hours worked by research staff, ensuring you only pay for the support you use.
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Role-Specific Rates: Costs are calculated using the fully loaded salary rates of the specific team members assigned to your study. This includes not only base salary, but also associated costs such as benefits, and payroll taxes — providing a comprehensive and realistic reflection of personnel expenses.
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Transparent & Tailored: This approach promotes transparency and allows us to tailor support to your study’s scope, complexity, and budget.
Contact Us
Interested in learning how the Clinical Trials Center can support your research? We are here to help
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For inquiries, collaboration opportunities, or to discuss your study needs, please reach out to:
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We look forward to supporting your efforts to advance impactful clinical research.