WHO WE ARE
We are pleased to introduce the Clinical Studies Center at Dermatology Associates. Directed by Dr. Russell Mader, MD who has been with Dermatology Associates of Kingsport since 1998, our Clinical Studies Center is dedicated to excellence in clinical research across the spectrum of dermatology. The center is located in Kingsport, Tennessee, with an extensive patient base from a tri-state area (Tennessee, southwestern Virginia and southeastern Kentucky). Dr. Mader is a graduate of the Medical School of South Carolina and has participated in clinical studies at both Brown University and the University of Louisville. Carmela Peterson, our clinical studies coordinator, is an RN certified in the field of Dermatology.

OUR GOAL
Our goal is to give our patients individualized, attentive care of the highest quality. Our efforts are to collect accurate data while striving to provide our study patients and sponsors with an effective clinical trial experience.

WHAT WE CAN DO
We are able to conduct a broad range of studies including, but not limited to those applicable to psoriasis, eczema, acne, actinic keratosis, and skin cancer.
 
CLINICAL RESEARCH STUDIES
A clinical research study is a supervised evaluation of a medication to determine its safety and effectiveness as a treatment for a specific disease or condition. All clinical research studies must follow a strict set of rules, or “protocol”. Before any study begins, its protocol must be reviewed and approved by proper authorities including an Institutional Review Board (IRB). An IRB is an independent committee brought together to assess a study’s potential benefits and risks to ensure that participants are fully informed and that their rights and welfare are fully protected. Participants in a clinical study have the right to ask questions at any time about the study and are entitled to an explanation of any risks and benefits as well as significant findings made during the study.

INFORMED CONSENT
Informed consent is a written agreement, signed either by participants or their designated representative, that certifies they have been fully informed about the nature of the study (i.e. objectives, risks, benefits, procedures, etc.) and are willing to participate in the study.

By participating in a study, one might have access to cutting edge therapy and help provide valuable information to researchers about medications being tested. You may also benefit society by contributing to a better understanding of a dermatologic condition, which could ultimately lead to the development of new treatments.