Providence Health Partners — Center for Clinical Research

A clinical trial is a research study conducted with volunteers to answer specific health questions. Interventional trials determine whether experimental treatments or new ways of using known therapies are safe and effective under controlled environments. Observational trials address health issues in large groups of people or populations in natural settings.

Participants in clinical trials can play a more active role in their own health care, gain access to new research treatments before they are widely available, and help others by contributing to medical research.

All clinical trials have guidelines about who can participate. Some research studies seek participants with illnesses or conditions to be studied in a clinical trial, while others need healthy participants. Criteria for acceptance into a trial are not used to reject people personally—the criteria are only used to identify appropriate participants and keep them safe.

Informed consent is the process of learning the key facts about a clinical trial before deciding whether or not to participate. To help someone decide whether or not to participate, the doctors and nurses involved in the trial explain the details of the study. An informed consent document details the study’s purpose, duration, required procedures, risks and potential benefits, and key contact. The participant then decides whether or not to sign the document. Informed consent is not a contract, and the participant may withdraw from the trial at any time.

The ethical and legal codes that govern medical practice also apply to clinical trials. In addition, most clinical research is federally regulated with built in safeguards to protect the participants. The trial follows a carefully controlled protocol, a study plan which details what researchers will do in the study.

Yes. Most clinical trials provide short-term treatments related to a designated illness or condition, but do not provide extended or complete primary health care. In addition, by having a health care provider work with the research team, the participant can ensure that other medications or treatments will not conflict with the protocol.

Yes. A participant can leave a clinical trial at any time. When withdrawing from the trial, the participant should let the research team know about it, and the reasons for leaving the study.

Dr. Lawrence Ratcliff has served as an investigator on more than 50 trials, in various indications including gastroenterology, endocrinology, dermatology, neurology, musculoskeletal, cardiology and pulmonology.

In holding the senior medical administrative position at Providence, Dr. Ratcliff oversees all activities related to the delivery of medical care, clinical services, quality assurance and regulatory compliance. He is a Board Certified family practice physician, and continues to serve his patients from his practice in Farmersville, Ohio. He has been a member physician with Providence Medical Group since its founding, serves with distinction on its Board of Directors, and has held several clinical supervisory positions within the organization.

Investigator Dr. Timothy Webb brings valuable clinical expertise in areas including endocrinology, gastroenterology, cardiovascular, neurology, musculoskeletal, pulmonology and dermatology.

As a board certified physician in family medicine, Dr. Webb emphasizes a complete, personalized approach to care that takes into account all aspects of a patient’s physical condition, emotional well-being, family health history and lifestyle to promote long-term wellness.

Dr. Webb received his medical degree from the Kentucky College of Osteopathic Medicine, and is an active member of the American Osteopathic Association and the American College of Osteopathic Family Physicians.

Board Certified in family practice, Dr. Edward Hubach has been an investigator on more than 50 trials in a wide range of indications.

A past president of Providence medical Group, Dr. Hubach has served area families for over 35 years. He received his degree from the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, and performed his internship locally at Grandview Hospital and Medical Center. He maintains hospital affiliations with Kettering Medical Center, Miami Valley Hospital, Grandview Hospital and Medical Center, Southview Hospital, and Sycamore Hospital.