Patients First Health Care Expands Clinical Research

Appoints Ann Elizabeth Mohart, MD as Division Lead

WASHINGTON, MO, Oct. 3, 2011 - Patients First Health Care appoints Ann Elizabeth Mohart, MD to lead its expanding Clinical Research division.  For the past 10 years, Patients First has participated in clinical trials testing the safety and effectiveness of medications, devices, diagnostic products, and treatment regimens intended for human use.

As a participant in a clinical trial, a patient receives health care services, supplies and medication at no cost and the ability to help prevent, treat or diagnosis various medical conditions, or relieve symptoms of a disease. Clinical research is highly regulated by the institutional review board (IRB), a committee that has been formally designated to approve, monitor and review clinical research involving humans with the aim to protect the rights and welfare of the research subjects. In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Department of Health and Human Services (Office for Human Research Protections) have empowered the IRB to approve or disapprove clinical research or require modifications in planned trials.

Currently, Patients First is participating in 10 active clinical research trials regulated by the IRB. Dr. A.E. Mohart and her highly-qualified Clinical Research team are hoping to grow that number to 20 trials by the end of the year.

“Clinical research is about better medicine and better patient health,” said Dr. A.E. Mohart, division lead of Patients First Clinical Research.  “My focus is on keeping Patients First communities at the forefront of clinical innovation through research. We are always looking for ways to preserve and extend life and prevent disease, but my role is to carefully screen our studies to maximize patient safety.”

Dr. A.E. Mohart received her medical education at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis and completed her residency at Washington University Barnes-Jewish Hospital Department of Emergency Medicine.  She is board certified from the American Board of Emergency Medicine, and a member of the American College of Emergency Physicians and American Medical Association.  Dr. A.E. Mohart will continue to see patients at Patients First Urgent Care in Washington in addition to serving as the division lead for Clinical Research.

Community members who might be interested in participating in current or future clinical trials are encouraged to speak with their Patients First physician or contact Clinical Research at (636) 390-1452. Community members can meet Dr. A.E. Mohart and learn more about the purpose of clinical research, who is taking part and if they qualify for specific trials on Thursday, November 3 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at Patients First in Washington, first floor.  In addition to offering information on active clinical trials, Patients First will host a free workshop, “Benefits of Insulin Pump Therapy” to kick-off Diabetes Month. To RSVP for the workshop call (636) 390-1684 or email DanaHellebusch@PatientsFirstHC.com.