Chevy Chase Clinical Research is the largest research center of its kind in the region with approximately 90,000 patients in its database. Under the direction of Medical Director Dr. Robert Hardi, more than 300 studies have been conducted in all areas of Gastroenterology and some areas of Internal Medicine. Dr. Hardi is Board Certified in Gastroenterology and Internal Medicine and is a Certified Principal Investigator. Working closely with a medical staff that includes physician and physician assistant sub-investigators as well as a registered nurse (RN), a certified licensed practical nurse (LPN-C) and certified clinical research (CCRC) coordinators, he oversees the seamless operation of the center and the integration of studies focused on digestive health and liver conditions. For patients enrolled in the research program, all trial related tests and procedures are provided at no charge to the patient or their insurance company and, generally, a stipend is provided to cover other incremental expenses, such as, parking and transportation. The majority of studies are Phase II and Phase III, a designation that indicates the testing of a new drug or therapy to observe and/or measure its effectiveness.
