Research

Premier Medical Group

Clinical Research

The Clinical Research Department of Premier Medical Group conducts ongoing research trials at our Poughkeepsie, and New Windsor locations.

During the past 20 years, the clinical research departments have collectively conducted over 300 clinical trials. These trials have led to the approval of such drugs as Viagra, Levitra, Cialis, Detrol LA, Vesicare, Sanctura, Gelnique, Rapaflo, Firmagon, Pegasys Pro-Click, Toviaz, and Xgeva, Myrbetriq, Zytiga, Xtandi, Viekira, Addyi, Trulance, and Stelara.

The clinical research department offers flexible scheduling and individualized attention to all our research participants. All study related procedures including lab work, physical exams, EKGs, and imaging studies are conducted at no cost, with most procedures performed in our own offices. Most studies also offer clinical research patients a small per visit stipend. Health insurance is not needed.

During the course of the study, the physicians and research staff are always available to answer any questions. Your privacy is protected, and your medical records are confidential.

If you are interested in participating in a clinical research study, please contact our Clinical Research Department, at 845.437.5010, to find the right study for your needs.

 

What is the role of a clinical research department?

Clinical research studies the safety, efficacy, and tolerability of medications and devices. It also tests their quality and outcomes. This research might involve medications or devices that are already FDA approved and are available to our patients, or those that are still in their study phase prior to their FDA approval.

Premier Medical Group participates in clinical research trials with pharmaceutical and device companies. Clinical trials involving new drugs are commonly classified into four phases. Premier Medical Group participates in testing new medications and devices in Phase I to Phase IV of development.

Each protocol is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) prior to being initiated. All patients interested in participating in a clinical trial are required to sign an informed consent form, which details the nature of the study, the risks involved, and outlines the study procedures and schedule of events that occur during the duration of the study.

Premier Medical Group’s clinical research program offers the opportunity for patients to receive the newest treatments in urology. In order to ensure that the clinical research patient’s rights and safety are protected, all research protocols undergo review and approval from an Institutional Review Board. The entire research staff is trained in Good Clinical Practice and follows FDA guidelines.

Urology studies include, but are not limited to treatments for overactive bladder, benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), prostate cancer, bladder cancer, kidney cancer, erectile dysfunction, female sexual dysfunction, kidney stones, hypogonadism, premature ejaculation, nocturia, vaginal atrophy and pelvic organ prolapse.

Current Clinical Trials

All trials can be found at www.clinicaltrials.gov

Biographies

Dr. Evan Goldfischer serves as the Medical Director for the Clinical Research Department for the Urology Division. He is an ACRP Certified Principal Investigator. Dr. Goldfischer has published over 115 articles, abstracts, and newsletters for peer reviewed medical journals based on his experiences and research outcomes. Dr. Goldfischer is a board certified urologist, and a fellow of the American College of Surgeons. He graduated from Cornell University Medical College, completed his residency in urology at the University of Chicago and his fellowship in endourology at the Long Island Jewish Medical Center. Dr. Goldfischer has also presented nationally and internationally at scientific meetings based on his research findings.

Dr. Peter Varunok serves as the Medical Director for the Clinical Research Department for the Gastroenterology Division. He is an ACRP Certified Principal Investigator and a board certified gastroenterologist. Dr. Varunok is the primary Hepatologist for Premier Medical Group. He graduated from SUNY Downstate Medical Center College in Brooklyn, and completed his residency at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York and his fellowship at New York Medical College in Valhalla, NY. He was elected Fellow of the American Gastroenterology Association and is a member of the American Association of the Study of Liver Disease, American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy, American College of Physicians, New York State and Dutchess County Medical societies.