In addition to ensuring that our patients receive the best healthcare treatment possible, Charleston ENT & Allergy is also committed to advancements in the fields of ENT and allergy medicine. Our active clinical research team has participated in over 100 clinical studies and is eager to share our experience, adding an additional layer of available treatment options for our patients and broader community. The goal is to provide innovative, no-cost clinical trial opportunities that may benefit our patients’ own healthcare needs, while tackling some of the biggest issues in the field – ranging from common conditions to more chronic or underlying issues that impact our patients’ quality of life.
Benefits of Participating in a Research Trial
- Free medical care for the patient, including physical exams and other testing, as well as trial medication at no cost (often includes additional free medications)
- Access to new therapies, medicines, or treatment options that are not yet available to the general public
- Potential improvements for conditions that are not currently well-managed for the patient or do not have readily available treatment options
- In-depth analysis of the patient’s own medical concerns, as well as underlying and overall health conditions
- Regular access and consistent support from a dedicated clinical trial physician and the entire clinical research team
- The advancement of medical knowledge and treatment options for the benefit of the patient and other people, including family members who often have genetically similar conditions
- Compensation for the patient’s time & relevant travel expenses
Current Research Trials Available for Enrollment
- Conditions causing facial pain/pressure, stuffy nose, reduced smell/taste, or nasal discharge for 12 weeks or more (candidates must be between 12 and 75 years old)
- Conditions causing reduced sense of smell following a viral illness (candidates must be between 18 and 70 years old)
Clinical Research Trial Team
Dr. Thomas Murphy is certified as a principle investigator by the Association of Clinical Research Professionals. He received his medical degree from Loyola University of Chicago and his Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering. His residency at Tulane University Hospital and School of Medicine focused on pediatrics, and he completed his fellowship at Harvard Medical School. Dr. Murphy is board-certified in pediatrics, allergy and immunology.
Dr. Erik Swanson earned his medical degree from East Carolina University’s Brody School of Medicine, his Bachelor of Arts in Biology from the University of North Carolina and his Bachelor of Arts in Chemistry from North Carolina State University. He completed his residency at Vanderbilt University Medical Center. Dr. Swanson is a member of the South Carolina Medical Association and the Alpha Omega Alpha Medical Honor Society (awarded to top 10% of medical school class).
What Happens During a Clinical Trial?
All existing, FDA-approved therapies that are used today to improve our quality of life are the outcome of clinical research! Clinical trials are conducted to collect data and report on the safety and efficacy of new medicines, devices, or other treatment therapies. There are several steps and stages of approval in the clinical trials process before a new therapy can be implemented in the broader, consumer market.
Charleston ENT & Allergy’s Clinical Research Department, housed in our West Ashley office location, is a fully certified research site that works in partnership with medical developers and the U.S. government to offer multi-phase clinical trials for the ear, nose, throat, audiology, hearing, and allergy.
Eligible participants for a clinical trial can expect to receive comprehensive education on the specific trial process, potential benefits (as well as any possible side effects), and planned management throughout. Participants will undergo medical testing and exams before, during, and after the clinical trial to accurately track any progress or changes. Participants may also be asked to maintain a log of their health throughout the trial or to submit health reports at set times during the trial. All clinical trial participants will receive regular monitoring by our team of clinical research doctors, nurses, and research providers.
Safety is Our Top Priority
By participating in a research trial, you will receive early access to emerging treatments that are carefully directed under safe, controlled conditions. And as with any care option provided at Charleston ENT & Allergy, our patients’ safety is our top priority. In addition to extensive oversight provided by each partner developer, the Food and Drug Administration oversees all clinical trials in the United States and an Institutional Review Board reviews each study protocol to ensure that the rights and safety of each volunteer are fully met.