Charles Francis, M.D.
Director of CardioVascular Research
Jersey Shore University Medical Center

 

Research is a critical part of our Network. It forces higher standards in quality as best practices are applied in treatments from the latest guidelines in heart and diabetes care to maintaining patient registries to assess the impact of drug eluting stents to advancing rapid treatment for heart attack and implementing best practices for patient with congestive heart failure. We discuss complex cases during weekly meetings, work together with other subspecialists, and offer clinical studies. Since specialists in programs treat among the highest caseloads in New Jersey, we focus on translational research, bringing evidence from laboratories into practical applications and advances for patients. They are at the cutting edge of their disciplines. New therapies and drugs coming through research pathways are often available to our patients first. 

 

One current trial we are participating in with medical centers across the country, called SAPPHIRE, assesses the outcomes of stenting with emboli protection in the treatment of obstructive carotid artery disease.  Nelson LaMarche, M.D.has enrolled among the highest number of patients in this trial in New Jersey, and is an example of one of our cardiologists helping to pioneer the best course of treatment for patients at high risk for Endarterectomy, reducing the risk for debilitating strokes.

 

As educators, we must stay abreast of the most advanced treatment options for our medical students, residents and fellows so they can be trained in the most effective treatments. We also share results through publications in journals.