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LifeBridge Health Research

Committed to advancing care

Research

Advancing Treatments, Saving Lives

Have you ever wondered what clinical research involves or how it could impact your health? Maybe your medical team has mentioned a study or you’ve seen an ad for one. Clinical research is key to addressing health challenges and discovering new ways to improve care. At the LifeBridge Health Department of Research, we support innovative studies to develop better treatments and enhance health outcomes for the communities we serve.

 

Whether you’re curious about participating or simply want to understand more, we’re here to answer your questions and provide support. Together, we can create a healthier future.

Image of a Physician talking with a research participant

    What is Clinical Research?

    Clinical research is the comprehensive study of the safety and effectiveness of medical treatments. Unlike laboratory studies, clinical research involves real people to help doctors and scientists understand what works best.

     

    Our department conducts:

    Observational Studies

    Researchers collect information about participants’ health, habits or conditions without giving specific treatments. Participants continue their regular care while researchers study their data to understand health trends or how a condition progresses naturally. 

    Clinical Trials

    Researchers test new treatments or medical devices to learn how they work in people. Participants may receive investigational treatments not yet widely available. Trials are carefully designed to prioritize safety and answer important research questions. 

    Every medication, device or diagnostic tool used today began with research and the help of volunteers. By participating, you contribute to medical advancements while receiving close monitoring and care.

     

    Who Can Participate in Research?

    To ensure treatments are safe and effective for everyone, clinical trials need participants from diverse backgrounds, including individuals from different racial and ethnic groups, who reflect the population affected by the condition being studied. 

     

    Researchers use eligibility criteria to determine who can join a study. These criteria may include: 

    • Age or gender requirements 
    • Having or not having a specific health condition 
    • Health history, such as previous treatments 

    Eligibility criteria protect participants’ safety and ensure researchers gather accurate, meaningful data.

     

    Why Participate?

    People choose to participate in clinical research for many reasons, such as:

    • Helping researchers learn about health, illnesses or treatments
    • Contributing to discoveries that may help others in the future
    • Possibly accessing new treatments not yet widely available

    While participants may not always benefit directly, their involvement is essential to advancing care for future generations.

     

    Is Clinical Research Safe?

    Safety is our top priority. All studies involve some level of risk, but we take steps to protect participants at every stage. 

     

    Understanding Risks 

    Potential risks may include: 

    • Side effects or health issues during the study 
    • Receiving standard care or no treatment instead of the intervention being tested 
    • The intervention may not work or may not be better than standard care 
    • Additional time or visits beyond regular healthcare    

     

    How We Minimize Risks 

    At LifeBridge Health, all studies are reviewed by the LifeBridge Health Institutional Review Board (IRB) or an external IRB for non-LifeBridge Health studies. 

     

    These reviews ensure: 

    • Risks are minimized and justified by potential benefits 
    • Participants are selected fairly and equitably 
    • Studies follow strict U.S. regulations set by the Office for Human Research Protections (OHRP) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA)

     

    Learn More About the IRB

    Where to Learn More?

    Here are some resources on clinical research from the FDA and HHS:

    Our Research Divisions

    Learn more about the teams leading our research efforts and their focus areas.

    Central Research Division

    This division supports clinical studies in a variety of departments across LifeBridge Health, including neurology, general surgery, obstetrics and gynecology, cardiology, pain medicine and rehabilitation and more. 

     

    research@lifebridgehealth.org

    Link to Rubin Institute

    Rubin Institute for Advanced Orthopedics (RIAO) Clinical Research Division

    The Rubin Institute for Advanced Orthopedics (RIAO) Clinical Research Division is a hospital-based research team that provides 24/7 medical coverage and is able to access fully-serviced departments to support research efforts for a variety of orthopedic indications. 

     

    RIAOResearch@lifebridgehealth.org

    Link to Adult Oncology Research

    Adult Oncology Research

    The LifeBridge Health Department of Oncology Research provides the opportunity for cancer patients at Sinai, Carroll and Northwest hospitals to participate in cutting edge clinical research. Our oncologists partner with National Cancer Institute (NCI) oncology cooperative groups and collaborate with major pharmaceutical companies to offer impactful clinical trials. See our active trials and contact our oncology research team to inquire about becoming part of a trial. 

     

    Jbosley@lifebridgehealth.org

    Link to ABBEL

    Anil Bhave Biomechanics & Engineering Labs (ABBEL) Research Division

    The Sinai Rehabilitation Center (SRC) ABBEL Research Division consists of a clinical research team that uses state-of-the-art technology to perform biomechanical assessments, including gait and posture mechanics, for improved clinical treatment, planning and outcomes in individuals with movement-related conditions across the lifespan.

     

    src_abbel_research@lifebridgehealth.org

    How to Get Involved

    If you are interested in participating in clinical research, you can learn more about the process and how to get involved by sending an email to research@lifebridgehealth.org or calling 410-601-9021. You may also contact a research coordinator for each division using the contact information at the bottom of the division’s page.

    Supporting Research Through Giving

    Help us advance lifesaving research. Your tax-deductible donations contribute to the development of new medical devices, drugs and treatments. 

     

    To donate by mail, please make your check payable to and send it to: 

     

    LifeBridge Health Department of Research 

    2400 Cylburn Ave., Suite B 

    Baltimore, MD 21215

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