The Department of Orthopaedic Surgery is pleased to partner with the Clinical Research Enterprise (CRE)–housed in the Department of Medicine (DOM) Chair’s Office–that will support clinical research.

The new research group aims to support clinical research across the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery by providing graphics, budgeting tools, and research implementation support for researchers across the department. The CRE generally supports all aspects of a clinical research study.

Currently, the CRE manages trials in the Divisions of Rheumatology, GI/Hepatology, Endocrinology, Hematology, and Infectious Disease. The group has support of 36 CRE staff, from nurses to financial coordinators, to data managers.

On average, studies that began their startup with the CRE completed site initiation visits 55 percent faster than currently enrolling trials that were later transferred to the CRE.

The CRE will work with the UAB Center for Clinical and Translational Science (CCTS) to transition research services as the CCTS is phased out of department operations. Patrick Frazier, Director of the CRE, says the transition will be seamless as they work with faculty across the department to ensure all research projects are transitioned correctly.

Research trainees, including residents and fellows, should reach out to Patrick Frazier as early and as often as possible to get studies started. Research fellows should also expect a meeting invitation soon with the new team to discuss studies and new processes.