Clinical Research

Stormont Vail Health Brings Leading-Edge Clinical Research Close to Home

We have a large group of physicians, advanced practice providers, and research professionals involved in clinical trials. They collaborate with national and global research leaders from the National Institutes of Health, the National Cancer Institute, major pharmaceutical research companies, and leading research organizations.

We have more than 50 enrolling research opportunities and offer clinical trials in various therapeutic areas, including:

Alzheimer’s and Dementia
Cancer
Cardiology
Diabetes and Endocrinology
Digestive Health

General Medicine
Pediatrics
Pulmonology
Weight Management

The Stormont Vail Health Clinical Research team collaborates with medical teams nationwide and worldwide as part of our commitment to enhancing patient care and wellbeing. We support over 100 active clinical research trials at any given time to develop and refine new medical treatments and therapies, including Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, Skyrizi, Rybelsus, Keytruda, Opdivo and Imfinzi.

Clinical Research Stories

On the health side – I have spent decades with Crohn’s issues, and every time I tried to address it with medications, two things would happen –I would either have an adverse (way more painful and aggravating than just managing the symptoms of the disease itself), or I had to take prednisone for extended periods (and each time gaining way too much weight). So, I grew increasingly frustrated and decided not to address the disease and just manage the symptoms. However, this trial has given me hope to manage it without the frustrating side effects. I am happy to try to help others who may suffer these same issues in any way I can.

"On a personal note, not necessarily health-related – I have appreciated the support from the Digestive Health department and Research team. They have helped me to feel seen and have been considerate, knowledgeable, encouraging, and supportive; they are personable, genuine, and helped me to feel like more than just a number or another health problem.

Working with the doctors, nurses, and team has been a positive experience for which I am very thankful. I appreciate their advocacy for me and their addressing this as a legitimate concern, along with their personable and pleasant demeanor. It has meant a great deal."

"What being in a research trial means to me is hope. The hope of getting better and not stressing about the financial strain of specialty medication and countless doctor bills and co-pays."

"It gave me an option for treatment when I had none. And it allowed me to help others who suffer from this disease."

"Research turned into the only way I could afford to manage my disease. And it’s worked out pretty well! Even with insurance, the medications to treat my Crohn’s were so expensive; I would have had to go without."

"My experience being in the study has been 100% positive. The team has been so friendly and helpful; they made the entire experience a real pleasure to be a part of. I plan to join another study as soon as possible after this one."

"Participating in the clinical trial has also been an excellent experience for me. I have learned a lot about obesity, exercise, nutrition and weight loss, and I am hopeful my new routines and lifestyles will be sufficient to maintain my progress once the program ends. I am grateful for the opportunity to participate in this trial and am excited to see what the future holds for me."

Find Clinical Research Trials near You

Are you interested in participating or learning about clinical trials? Call the Clinical Research team at (785) 368-0744 for information, or click the button below to view a list of current clinical research trials.

Upcoming and Enrolling Trials at Stormont

Check out a full list of clinical trials that are now recruiting participants.

Current Clinical Trials

Trials Nationwide

If you are interested in trials at other locations please see www.clinicaltrials.gov.

Learn more

Clinical Research FAQs

Will I receive payment for participating?

Do I need to pay to participate in a clinical research study?

Typically, studies involving existing treatments don’t pay for standard treatments. With some studies, you or your insurance companies will receive a bill for anything considered a part of standard treatment. You usually do not pay for any treatment or tests done only for the study. Studies may also have indirect costs associated with participation. The potential indirect costs depend on the specific research. We will review them together in the consent.

Is my insurance company involved?

What is informed consent?

Informed consent is a critical part of any study. Each participant must review and sign this document, which details your involvement in the study as a participant. Topics might include what tests and procedures are involved, possible risks and benefits, privacy considerations, and more. When you sign the consent form, you state that you understand and acknowledge the potential risks and consequences of the study.

If I volunteer, am I guaranteed to be on the study?

Am I guaranteed to receive the new drug or treatment?

If the study looks at a diagnosis with an established therapy, some people will receive the standard treatment, and others will get the new treatment. The study may involve a placebo if it looks at a condition without an established therapy. A placebo is an inactive substance that resembles and is administered like the new treatment. In some studies, you will know if you are getting the new treatment, but in others, you will not, though we may tell you afterward.

If I get the new treatment, will I do better than people who don’t?

How do you protect my privacy?

Before we give your information and results to the study sponsor, we remove your name and put on a unique identifying patient ID number. Some people, such as the study sponsor or regulatory bodies like the FDA or ethical review board, can view our records and see your information with your name attached. These individuals usually review our work or verify data accuracy. HIPPA regulations bind any groups that view your information.

Where does my data go?

Is this treatment FDA-approved?

I see a study at another institution; can I participate at Stormont Vail Health?

Opening a study is a highly complex process that can take many months because each one we open involves a full review of our research team’s credentials, equipment, and physical setup of our location, and a thorough examination of the ethics and credibility of the study itself.

We have preexisting relationships with several organizations that have a faster process. If you see a study at another location, the best thing to do is tell us about it so we can evaluate the possibility of bringing it to Stormont Vail Health or refer you to that location.

Do you check with my doctors before I sign up for this?

How much time does study participation take?

What if I start a study and then change my mind?

What happens if you tell me about a study and I don’t want to do it?

More about Clinical Research

The Role of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Clinical Research

Physical health, lifestyle, and environment can influence how individuals experience a disease or treatment. For this reason, clinical research trials must include people with diverse lived experiences. Historically, white males have primarily participated in most clinical trials, though the number of white female participants has increased. Unfortunately, limited diversity among participants makes it difficult to determine how treatments will work for people with different life stories, namely, marginalized or minority populations. In turn, this shortcoming negatively impacts the health of those populations.

The reasons for the lack of diversity in clinical research studies are complex and systemic. In reviewing the history of clinical research, some investigators prioritized specific populations when selecting participants. When studies included minority populations, some participants received unethical and exploitative treatment, violating Good Clinical Practice. Although these ethical principles are now the internationally accepted foundation of all clinical research, the history of exploitation and abuse diminished trust and interest in clinical trials.

Additionally, modern disparities in healthcare (often based on race or culture) have further damaged the relationship between marginalized communities and healthcare organizations. Disparities in care, whether due to conscious or unconscious bias, are an issue of great importance and focus. Stormont Vail Health acknowledges the discriminatory history of clinical trials and its consequent damage to vulnerable communities. We recognize that the healthcare industry has more work to provide equitable healthcare access and outcomes.

Even people interested in clinical trials may lack access to information or a way to connect with opportunities. This page aims to help interested individuals locate information about clinical research and current available studies. An additional method to indicate interest in clinical research is also provided.

Stormont Vail’s Cotton O’Neil Clinical Research Department is committed to building trust with all communities and providing access and information to those interested in a clinical trial. If you have any questions or concerns, please call (785) 368-0744 to connect with one of our research team members. You can also view this Clinical Trial Fact Sheet from the Office of Minority Health and Health Equity.