Newswise — ATLANTA, May 30, 2019—Clinical Research Pathways has appointed Dr. Derek West, cancer researcher and interventional radiologist, to its board of directors.
He joins six other directors, all chosen for their commitment to Clinical Research Pathways’ goals of increasing diversity in clinical research and expanding access to experimental drugs, biologics and medical devices.
West is an associate professor of radiology and practicing interventional radiologist at Emory University in Atlanta. In addition, he serves as site director for the Interventional Radiology Section of Grady Memorial Hospital, a member of the Emory Healthcare Network.
West specializes in the treatment of pancreatic adenocarcinoma and colorectal, kidney, lung and liver cancers. His research focuses on using nanoparticles to deliver cancer treatments and electroporation to treat pancreatic adenocarcinoma. West also conducts research on medical diversity and inclusion. He has published more than 30 peer-reviewed articles and made numerous presentations on his research interests.
“As a physician, clinical investigator and teacher interested in diversity and inclusion, Derek brings an important combination of experience to our board and our signature initiative, ‘Training Minority Clinical Teams: Getting New Quality Medicines to All Americans,’ ” said Marjorie A. Speers, executive director of Clinical Research Pathways. “His expertise will prove invaluable as we expand this effort.”
The program seeks to increase minority representation in clinical research to help improve the effectiveness of new medicines for all populations. Research shows that patients are more likely to enroll in clinical trials at the recommendation of a trusted physician. Therefore, the Clinical Research Pathways program trains and mentors minority physicians to serve as clinical investigators and help open the door to clinical trials for appropriate minority patients.
A native of Chicago’s Hyde Park neighborhood, Dr. West earned a bachelor’s degree in bioengineering from the University of Illinois at Urbana and a medical degree from Loyola-Stritch School of Medicine in Maywood, Illinois. He completed a residency in diagnostic radiology in 2003 and a fellowship in interventional radiology in 2004, both at McGaw Medical Center of Northwestern University in Chicago.
In 2011 Dr. West returned to Northwestern to complete a second fellowship, in cancer nanotechnology. While there, he earned a master’s degree in clinical investigation.
A co-founder of the Association of Minority Interventional Radiologists, Dr. West is involved locally, regionally, and nationally in the Society of Interventional Radiology, American College of Radiology and National Medical Association. He has mentored more than 20 medical students and residents.
About Clinical Research Pathways:
Clinical Research Pathways works to improve health and well-being for all by creating pathways to new medicines. The 501(c)(3) organization develops programs that increase diversity in research and expand access to experimental drugs. By opening access and advancing treatments, Clinical Research Pathways helps make new, effective medicines available to the public. For more information, go to www.clinicalresearchpathways.org. To sign up to receive news, click here.
For more information, contact:
Mark Marchand
518-928-8597
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