The Clinical Research Office was created as a centralized operations office to assist the faculty investigators at Ponce Research Institute.

1. CRO Newsletter
December 2018
Volume 1, Issue 1
CRO at Ponce Research Institute
The Clinical Research Office
was created as a centralized
operations office to assist the
faculty investigators at Ponce
Research Institute. Our mis-
sion is to strengthen Ponce
Health Sciences University
clinical research by proving
infrastructure, quality ser-
vices, and mentorship assist-
ing new and established inves-
tigators through every stage of
the research process. Our vi-
sion is to overcome the dispar-
ities in clinical research and
treatment in Puerto Rico by
increasing the clinical research
capacity and providing unique
research experiences to inves-
tigators, patients, and spon-
sors. We are providing guid-
ance to our investigators and
centralizing the operations and
coordination of clinical trials
and research for our faculty
investigator experts in diverse
sciences and therapeutic areas
of investigation. Our seven af-
filiated hospitals and two med-
ical research facilities provide
the diversity of patients in eve-
ry therapeutic area. Many
years of research dedication
have created diverse collabora-
tions for research and educa-
tion. One of these collabora-
tion is the U54 collaboration
with Moffitt Cancer Center in
Tampa, Florida.
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Puerto Rico Clinical Trials Network
The Moffitt Cancer Center
partnership was created to
overcome the disparities in
oncology clinical research and
treatment in Hispanic/Latino
populations. The Clinical Re-
search Office oversees the
clinical trial Moffitt partner-
ship. This partnership is
working towards increasing
research capabilities by train-
ing young investigators and
clinical research coordinators
by working in the develop-
ment of investigator initiated
studies, and to establish sci-
entific communications to
discuss treatment options,
case study discussions, and
quality monitoring to the
Puerto Rico Clinical Trials
Network Investigators partici-
pating in research activities.
The Moffitt Collaboration has
also created the World’s first
Tissue Bank of Puerto Rican
tumors to reduce health dis-
parities in the treatment of
cancer in Hispanics.
“The Moffitt Collaboration has also created the World’s first Tissue Bank of Puerto Rico”

2. Advantages of Opening Studies in Academia
One of the advantages of
opening studies in academia
is having access to all the re-
sources under one roof. The
CRO has diverse experts and
departments to make the
processes of research seam-
less and fast. Our facilities
encompass the INNOo Diag-
nostic Lab, capable of run-
ning diverse special testing.
We also have 500 faculty ex-
perts in diverse therapeutic
areas providing services in
seven affiliated hospitals and
two main outpatient clinics.
Additionally, having a grants
development team is an ad-
vantage for investigators
seeking funding, as well as
for sponsors seeking expert
investigators in specific areas
for research development. In
addition, the CRO has the
support of the PHSU IRB for
sponsors seeking local review
for approvals.
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Interested in joining our new Chapter of the As-
sociation of Clinical Research Professionals in
Puerto Rico?
ACRP is an International Organization of Clinical
Research Professionals and the benefits of becom-
ing a member to this organization are:
• Networking
• Continuing Education
• Forum to Discuss Professional Issues
• Participation in ACRP Activities
• Access to ACRP Resources (CME and Certification
• Better Employment Opportunities
Upcoming Events:
Commitment to Training and Excellence Research Coordination
Our clinical research coordinators will be visiting Moffitt Cancer Center for an orientation
training as a part of the Moffitt/Ponce Health Sciences University/Ponce Research Institute
partnership collaboration for the development of Puerto Rico Clinical Trials Network. This will
be an intensive Oncology Oriented training. We thank the Moffit Cancer Center team for their
hard work, dedication, and support of Puerto Rico.
Come join the first
ACRP chapter in
Puerto Rico
mnegron@psm.edu

3. Clinical Research Office
Ponce Health Sciences Foundation
Ponce Research Institute
388 Dr. Luis F. Sala Street
Ponce, Puerto Rico 00717-2348
Phone: 787-840-2575 ext. 5662
E-mail.rtorres@psm.edu 3
We would like to take this opportunity to
thank the CRO 2018 Sponsors that since
have supported our new office since its
opening in August 2018. Ponce Research
Institute, PHSU, and our Investigators
thank you for your dedication and support
to the development of research in Puerto
Rico. A special “thank you” to:
Bristol Myers Squibb, Eli Lilly, Genentech,
Merck, AstraZeneca ,and Glaxo Smith
Kline We look forward to many more op-
portunities in 2019! Happy Holidays!
Wishing you peace and happiness!
Happy Holidays from all of us at
the Clinical Research Office.
Thank You to Our 2018 Sponsors
CRO Team