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Chesapeake Urology Research Associates

Tomorrow's Treatment Today



About Us

Chesapeake Urology Research Associates is a subsidiary of Chesapeake Urology Associates. Our investigators bring extensive experience and knowledge to our clinical trials and to your treatment. Patient safety is our primary concern. All clinical trials are conducted according to the principles of Good Clinical Practice (GCPs) as mandated by the FDA. We pledge to closely monitor your health throughout the study and provide prompt, personal care.

Our Medical Director, Ronald Tutrone, M.D., F.A.C.S., has conducted more than 100 phase I, II and III clinical trials covering a broad range of urological conditions ranging from urinary incontinence to erectile dysfunction. We also have multiple trials dealing with the prevention and treatment of urologic malignancies.

Our staff consists of experienced Principal Investigators and Certified Clinical Research Coordinators who are dedicated to patient care. Through our clinical trials, patients can access advanced technology and therapies before they are readily available to the general public.


About Clinical Trials

A clinical trial is a carefully designed research study that investigates the effectiveness of a specific treatment for a particular group of people. Well designed clinical trials are the fastest way to find treatments that work. Participants are closely monitored by knowledgeable, experienced physicians (investigators) and health care professionals (clinical research coordinators).

Clinical trials usually involve three phases. In Phase I, a small number of participants are tested to assess drug safety. Phase II tests the ideal drug dosage and Phase III is a larger study to assess both safety and efficacy.

To provide an added level of safety and oversight, all clinical trials are approved by an independent Institutional Review Board (IRB). Interventional trials determine whether experimental treatments or new ways of using known therapies are safe and effective under controlled environments.


Benefits

Participating in a clinical trial has many potential benefits. These include:
  • Access to the latest treatments before they are widely available
  • Possible compensation for your time and reimbursement for extra services
  • Closer monitoring of your condition by expert medical professionals
  • Improved medical knowledge that can benefit others

All clinical trials involve some drawbacks. The new treatment may:
  • Not benefit you even if it benefits others
  • Prove less beneficial than doctors hope and even less effective than an existing treatment
  • Cause unanticipated side effects
  • Involve more frequent visits to your physician's office


What to Expect

Be sure to get any questions about the study answered by your doctor or health professional so that you can make an informed choice. If you're eligible and wish to enroll, you'll be asked to review and sign a consent form.

While each clinical trial is different, you generally will work with a health care team that includes a doctor and a research coordinator. This team will follow a research protocol where all participants in an assigned group get the same tests and treatment. The team will check your health, carefully monitor you during the study and follow up after the study. It's important to take all prescribed treatments and keep all scheduled visits.

Participants may be assigned to a group that receives a placebo (an inactive treatment) or an existing treatment instead of the investigational treatment, to help determine its effectiveness. In this situation, you will receive the same careful medical attention. To avoid bias, your doctor may not know which treatment you are receiving.

Enrolling in a trial is strictly voluntary and you may withdraw for any reason. For more information or to enroll in a study, please contact the research location nearest you.


Meet Our Staff
All members of the CURA team conduct research follow Good Clinical Practices (GCPs) and ICH Guidelines.  Their experience includes all phases of clinical protocols. Staff members are IATA certified and participate in educational conferences to keep abreast of new rules and regulations.

Ronald F. Tutrone, Jr., M.D., F.A.C.S.: Dr. Tutrone is the Medical Director of Chesapeake Urology Research Associates (CURA) and Chief of Urology at the Greater Baltimore Medical Center. He has been voted a "Top Doc" by Baltimore Magazine three times, and has authored numerous articles in the urology literature.  He has been principal investigator in more than 100 clinical trials and was recently appointed chairman of the William E. Kalhert Endowment for Urological Research. Dr. Tutrone's clinical interests include treatment of urologic malignancies including kidney, bladder and prostate; laparoscopic treatment of renal and adrenal tumors; kidney stone treatment; urinary incontinence in men and women; and prostate disorders. He is certified by the American Board of Urology and is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons.

 

 

Heather Thomas, CCRC:  Heather's career in the field of urology spans 15 years. Her experience ranges from clinical to administrative duties.   Passion for patient care and quality research remain her sole focus for this research division.  Email: hthomas@cua.md

 

 

Debi Robertson, CRC:  Debi has worked in both in-patient and out-patient settings in the medical field for 18 years, ranging from asthma & allergy, oncology and general medicine. She has served as a clinical research coordinator for the past five years.  Debi enjoys working in the clinical research field because it is an exciting challenge and rewarding to herself, the community and the medical industry.   Email: drobertson@cua.md

Virginia Michaels, CRC:  Virginia has been conducting clinical research trials for the last three years, working on several different  trials in various therapeutic areas. She enjoys working with patients and assisting physicians  in their care of patients.  Virginia joined CURA in June 2008 and looks forward to helping to continue the gold standard of care CURA has always offered patients!  Email: vmichaels@cua.md

Angie Somers, CRC:  Angie has worked in the urology field for the past seven  years. She joined  the research team in 2008 and is very excited to be a part of this dynamic  team.  Research gives her the opportunity to provide more in-depth care to our patients. Email: asomers@cua.md

Valerie Nevins, CRC: Valerie has worked in the therapeutic area of urology for three years. She joined the CURA team in November 2009. Valerie has her NIH certification and plans to continue her training. Her excellent people skills and strong team-work outlook make her an asset to the GBMC location. Valerie is looking forward to continuing to provide hands-on quality patient care that is part of the Chesapeake Urology Research reputation.Email:vnevins@cua.md



Chesapeake Urology Research Associates Locations


BALTIMORE COUNTY


Towson

Greater Baltimore Medical Center (GBMC)
Physicians Pavilion North
6535 North Charles St., Suite 625
Baltimore, MD 21204
410-825-5454


8322 Bellona Ave., Suite 202
Towson, MD 21204
410-825-6310


Franklin Square/White Marsh
6830 Hospital Drive, Suite 204
Baltimore, MD 21237
410-391-6131


ANNE ARUNDEL COUNTY

Glen Burnie/Landmark
806 Landmark Drive, Suite 118
Glen Burnie, MD 21061
410-760-9400


CONTINENCE CENTER

21 Crossroads Drive, Suite 450
Owings Mills, MD 21117
Heather Thomas, 443.471.5742


Direct Lines
Valerie Nevins, 443.471.5740
Debi Robertson, 443.471.5873
Virginia Michaels, 443.471.5753
Angela Somers, 443.471.5829