Medical science can be a lengthy process. It doesn’t always bear fruit, yet when it does, the results are well worth the wait. Kelli McIntosh, Director Clinical Research and her team are keenly aware that an abundance of patience — and patients — is required to contribute to those significant developments in cutting edge treatments.
“You can watch the long arc of innovation play out right here in the Black Hills. The work our Clinical Research Department is doing on behalf of our patients and our community is a powerful example of that,” says Kelli. “I am proud of the role Monument Health plays in bringing tomorrow’s therapies to patients today.”
To Kelli’s point, the Clinical Research team is currently running 45 active specialty studies and 20 cancer care studies, with several more in the pipeline across both areas. Pharmaceutical companies from around the globe reach out to them on a regular basis — sometimes five to seven inquiries a week — because of their standing as a high-enrolling, high-quality research site. This reputation wasn’t built overnight. It was built study by study, patient by patient, over years of doing excellent work.
“What makes the Black Hills area especially compelling to research studies is the patient population we serve. We can offer cultural diversity that many sites cannot, including our Native American community and our rural patients who travel sometimes 100 miles or more to receive care here,” says Andrew Shepherd, Supervisor Clinical Research. “Our patients are loyal and our retention rate reflects that. We lose contact with fewer than 3% of enrolled patients, which is an exceptionally low rate.”
The power of that work came into sharp focus recently when Monument Health was recognized as a participating site in the landmark ATOMIC trial, a study examining treatment for stage three colon cancer. Results from that trial were published in the New England Journal of and established a new standard of care for this group of patients. A Monument Health patient participated in that study. This is what clinical research looks like when it reaches its full potential.
It is also not the only achievement for the team to celebrate. A nasal spray for inappropriate sinus tachycardia — developed through a study in which Monument Health enrolled patients years ago — has recently come to market. These outcomes are years in the making and a testament to the dedication of the research team and the patients who trust them with their care.
Looking ahead, the team is focused on expanding into additional service lines and deepening engagement with physician groups across specialties like Endocrinology, Rheumatology and Orthopedics.
The foundation is strong and there is no limit to what can be achieved with a little bit of patience.
Story by Kory Lanphear