Department of Clinical Investigation
Mission
The mission of the Department of Clinical Investigation (DCI) is to oversee research protocol development, approval and execution at WBAMC. The DCI provides the necessary physical resources and support staff sufficient to support Human Research Protections Program functions and the Accredited Animal Care and Use Program.
We have three sections to carry out this mission:
- 1 Our basic science laboratory has extensive technologic and professional capabilities to perform biochemical analysis, molecular biology, microbiology techniques and other “bench top” experiments.
- 2 Our BioResearch Service is tasked with conducting clinically relevant animal model research and training, in full compliance with all regulatory requirements for safe and humane laboratory animal care.
- 3 Our protocol service helps our investigators navigate the entire clinical research process from research idea to protocol development and approval, to grant support and to final publication of research findings.
WBAMC is developing into a major DOD research center. Our current hospital research efforts include the areas of: enhancing medical treatments using wireless technology, alternative pain management, and preventative care. The DCI assists investigators in all manners of medical and scientific research. We also promote and coordinate important collaborations with our regional military treatment facilities, DOD and medical science partners including the Paul L. Foster School of Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Services and the University of Texas- El Paso. Two annual events display the research efforts here at Fort Bliss: the WBAMC Annual Research Day every May and the DCI Open House in October. We welcome discussions with research investigators regarding collaborative efforts that will improve medical care on the bench‐top, the bedside, and on the battlefield
WBAMC-DCI Protocol Section Contact Information
For questions concerning protocol developments, IRB reviews and human subject protection program, regulations and policies, etc.
Contact:
Hope He, HPA/HSR Program Manager,
Department of Clinical Investigation
hope.h.he.civ@mail.mil
(915) 742-7469
Larissa A. Schmersal,
Senior Research Reviewer/IRB Administrator, Department of Clinical Investigation
larissa.a.schmersal.civ@mail.mil
(915) 742-9412
For questions concerning IRB submissions, IRBNet questions, the progress of the submitted protocols, IRB meetings, issues related to IRB official correspondence, etc.
Contact:
Arturo Alvarez III,
Protocol Manager/Research Assistant, Department of Clinical Investigation
arturo.i.alvarez.civ@mail.mil
(915) 742-6075
Lola Norton,
Protocol Specialist, Department of Clinical Investigation
lola.norton.civ@mail.mil
(915) 742-0993