Wellstar Research Institute
Wellstar is fully committed to our research institute and we believe in its promise to change patient outcomes.
A Mission for Innovation
At Wellstar, our clinical research program strives to improve the lives of our patients, physicians and community. Since 2011, the Wellstar Research Institute (WRI) has been the centralized research administration arm of Wellstar Health System. Our work contributes to the development of cutting-edge therapies and the overall advancement of medical science. WRI supports all Wellstar team members and its Wellstar Clinical Partner (WCP) affiliates who conduct research. We also advocate for the protection of patients who heroically volunteer as research subjects in clinical trials. Wellstar team members have many years of experience in research, and these studies have led to important new ways to treat diseases and enhance practice. Today, more than 100 Wellstar team members and affiliate partners are involved in more than 300 research projects.
Accomplishments
- Wellstar has established a system-wide Institutional Review Board (IRB).
- Wellstar is registered with the System of Award Management (SAM) to compete for federal research grants and awards.
- The Wellstar Research Institute strategically aligns with system priorities which enable us to deliver world-class healthcare to every patient, every time.
Academic Partnerships
Emory University, Georgia State University, Kennesaw State University, Morehouse School of Medicine, Medstar Health Research Institute, Mayo, Brigham & Women's Hospital, Stanford, Duke Clinical Research InstituteInnovation, Integrity, Impact
Mission
To enhance the health and well-being of every person we serve by providing innovative clinical solutions that impact patient care, outcomes and quality of life.
Vision
To become a pioneering leader in transformative clinical research.
Values
- Collaboration
- Discovery
- Ethics
- Excellence
- Quality
How It Works
Patients get involved (enrolled) in research in one of several ways. They may read or hear about a trial and ask their physician for more information. In other cases a Wellstar doctor will recommend a study that seems appropriate for a particular patient.
Once enrolled, WRI does everything possible to make participation easy. Each patient enrolled in a clinical trial has a nurse coordinator to facilitate the research patient’s experience.
Some trials may involve an initial visit by the nurse coordinator during the regular medical test or procedure, a phone follow-up and just a few additional appointments. In other instances investigating doctors may follow a patient for years or even for a lifetime.
Research Trials
We are involved in more than 50 promising studies. Current studies involve leading-edge technology for the treatment of cardiovascular and vascular diseases and neurological conditions such as stroke. Other studies are investigating the newest treatments for pulmonary conditions and cancer. As well, WRI is active in trials that address urological research, orthopedic conditions and infectious diseases.
Beyond Clinical Studies
Wellstar participates in other research-related activities. In addition to conducting clinical trials on drugs and treatments we:
- Review and approve proposals for clinical trials from Wellstar physicians
- Collaborate with other research centers on large clinical trials
- Support Wellstar nurses, pharmacists and other non-physician researchers
- Partner with academic institutions including Kennesaw State University and Georgia Tech on medical research projects
- Host visiting scholars who share their cutting-edge research with Wellstar staff
- Serve on Institutional Review Boards (IRBs)
- Participate in research conferences where WRI doctors and staff members share findings with other medical researchers
Is a clinical trial in your future?
The decision to participate in a clinical trial is a highly personal one. If you still have questions after reading about the Wellstar Research Institute we’re here to help. WRI patient coordinators are available to answer your questions directly and confidentially.