Research studies have been conducted at Doylestown Hospital formany years—since 1992, to be exact. Studies proceed under a strict regimen designed to augment medical knowledge while providing the best possible care for study participants. An Institutional Review Board, in conjunction with Dr. Sol Epstein, the director of the research department, evaluates each study for ethical considerations and safety. If a trial gets the green light, one of four registered nurse coordinators manages participation and interfaces with hospital physicians acting as principal investigators. The department now oversees about 30 studies on topics ranging from infectious disease to neurology to sleep disorders.

When study participants arrive for appointments, they enter a haven apart from the typical hospital bustle. “Often they are the only patient in the office at the time,” says coordinator Theresa Wagner, “and they receive our undivided attention for as long as they need it.”