At Apex Clinical Research Center, we are dedicated to pushing the boundaries of medical research to find innovative dermatological treatments for a wide range of conditions. Founded by Jorge Garcia-Zuazaga, MD, our experienced team boasts over 30 years of clinical trial expertise, working with both established and investigational drugs to improve patient outcomes.
We understand the challenges faced by patients who may not find relief with currently approved medications, experience insurance denials, or are seeking alternative treatments. Our ideal research patient is someone who is eager to advance therapy options and is open to exploring new possibilities.
Team
Meet our experienced research staff led by the founder and Primary Investigator Jorge Garcia-Zuazaga, MD.
Dr. Garcia-Zuazaga founded Apex Clinical Research Center in 2019. After spending the previous 10 years expanding Apex Skin and Surgery, he realized the need to offer clinical research to our patients across Northeast Ohio. Our Apex Skin patients are seen across 14 clinics with over 35 dermatology providers to choose from. Many were either underinsured or looking for new therapies to help with their dermatological conditions. Simultaneously, the pharmaceutical research networks were asking Jorge Garcia-Zuazaga, MD if he would be interested in helping with their respective research pipelines. It didn’t take long to realize this as an opportunity to get more involved- both in treating patients and offering the option of research to those who qualified. Soon, leading pharmaceutical companies were reaching out and Apex Clinical Research Center came to fruition.
Jorge Garcia-Zuazaga, MD is an entrepreneur and leader in both the medical and biomedical engineering fields. His experiences in life and education have contributed to his love for research and helping others. Having served as a top-flight surgeon in the U.S. Naval Academy, a contributor to the advancement of heart valves in biomedical engineering, and a fellow surgeon at top universities across the U.S., as well as a business-minded dermatologist with an MBA from Weatherhead, Jorge Garcia-Zuazaga, MD role as a quality Principal Investigator came as no surprise.
Jorge Garcia-Zuazaga, MD is an entrepreneur and leader in both the medical and biomedical engineering fields. His experiences in life and education have contributed to his love for research and helping others. Having served as a top-flight surgeon in the U.S. Naval Academy, a contributor to the advancement of heart valves in biomedical engineering, and a fellow surgeon at top universities across the U.S., as well as a business-minded dermatologist with an MBA from Weatherhead, Jorge Garcia-Zuazaga, MD role as a quality Principal Investigator came as no surprise.
Here’s a glimpse into what it’s like to be a Clinical Research Coordinator at Apex Clinical Research Center.
Frequently Asked Questions
1What do clinical research coordinators do at Apex Clinical Research Center?
Clinical research coordinators help manage study visits, procedures, documentation, and communication with participants. They work closely with investigators to help each clinical study follow its established protocol.
2How does the research team support clinical trial participants?
Our research team helps participants understand study requirements and guides them through scheduled visits and study procedures. Participants can also ask the research staff questions throughout their clinical trial participation.
3What type of research does the ACRC team conduct?
The Apex Clinical Research Center team primarily focuses on dermatology clinical research. Our clinical research investigators work on studies involving a variety of skin conditions.
4What does a principal investigator do in a clinical trial?
A principal investigator oversees the clinical trial, provides medical oversight, and helps ensure the study is conducted according to the approved protocol.
5Who will I work with during a clinical trial at Apex Clinical Research Center?
Depending on the study, you may work with a principal investigator, sub-investigators, clinical research coordinators, and other ACRC research staff.
6How does the clinical research team help protect participant safety during a study?
The research team follows the study protocol, monitors participants throughout the study, documents relevant health information, and addresses study-related concerns. Participants are also encouraged to report symptoms, side effects, or concerns to the research team throughout their participation.
7Can I speak with the research team before deciding to join a clinical trial?
Yes. Potential participants can ask questions about the study, including eligibility, procedures, visit requirements, potential risks and benefits, before deciding whether to participate.