The UGA community is invited to attend the Clinical and Translational Research Unit’s anniversary celebration and open house Jan. 27 from 3-5 p.m. on UGA’s Health Sciences Campus.
The event celebrates the success of CTRU as a resource for investigators at UGA conducting clinical and translational research that advances the understanding, prevention and treatment of human disease. Tours and refreshments will be available.
“This is a great opportunity for the UGA community to learn more about CTRU pilot grants, services available to investigators, opportunities for expanding your research and collaboration through the CTRU as well as clinical and translational science experience and education for trainees,” said Brad Phillips, CTRU director. The Millikan-Reeve Professor, Phillips also is head of the clinical and administrative department in the College of Pharmacy.
In the last year, more than 250 participants have enrolled in a variety of studies conducted by principal investigators at UGA, the Augusta University/UGA Medical Partnership and physicians in the Athens medical community. UGA investigators using the facility represent the College of Public Health, the College of Family and Consumer Sciences, the College of Pharmacy, the College of Engineering, the College of Veterinary Medicine and the Franklin College of Arts and Sciences.
Elizabeth Fite, a student in the health and medical journalism master’s program in the Grady College of Journalism and Mass Communication, is one of the many campus and community members who have volunteered to be part of a CTRU clinical trial.
“This year was the first year in a while that I hadn’t received a flu shot,” said Fite. “When I heard about the clinical trial on influenza vaccine it appealed to me because I could get a free flu shot while helping further important research.
“I feel strongly about supporting researchers and know that sometimes it can be difficult to find study participants,” she said. “Participating was a surprisingly simple process and everyone was so nice; it really made me feel like I was helping a good cause.”
Six studies are in progress, including four that are currently recruiting patients:
• Immune Response to Influenza Vaccine. Principal investigator: Dr. Ted Ross, UGA Center for Vaccines and Immunology, College of Veterinary Medicine. Participants ages 65-90 who have not yet received the flu vaccine are especially needed.
• Investigation of Epigenetic Regulation of Body Weight and Heart Disease among Individuals with Obstructive Sleep Apnea. Principal investigator: Brad Phillips, clinical and administrative pharmacy, College of Pharmacy.
• Investigation of Self-Regulation as a Predictor of Transition Readiness in College Students With and Without Medical Conditions. Principal investigators: Cynthia Suveg and Ronald Blount, psychology department, Franklin College of Arts and Sciences.
• Computed Tomographic Evaluation of Atherosclerotic Determinants of Myocardial Ischemia (CREDENCE). Principal investigator: Dr. Erick Avelar, AU/UGA Medical Partnership.
For more information, visit ctru.uga.edu.