We are involved in numerous clinical trials involving new diagnostic tests, and pharmacologic and other treatments for stroke, multiple sclerosis, epilepsy, neurocritical care and neuromuscular disorders. Internationally recognized contributions from the department include research on stroke in the young, cryptogenic (“unknown source”) stroke, and patent foramen ovale (PFO).

For more information about our clinical trials, please see the link below.

View all Neurology clinical trials

As you can imagine, it is a fantastic place for research as patients of all ages, genders, races and ethnicities present with a variety of emergent conditions.

Our department has been on the forefront of studies showing the utility of nuclear scanning and CT scanning of patients with chest pain (funded by grants from the NIH and published in the New England Journal of Medicine and the Journal of the American Medical Association). We have also been involved in studies evaluating the effect of healthcare reform and banning ambulance diversion that led to large practice changes in our state. We have collaborated with many other departments, including radiology, ENT, cardiology, infectious disease and pediatrics to study emergent conditions.

Overview

We conduct diverse patient studies to evaluate novel therapies for a wide array of skin diseases. Patients who are seeking alternative approaches to care may be eligible to receive innovative therapies for their skin condition. Participation is voluntary and those who participate may choose to withdraw from the study at any time. For the past 16 years, we have studied new, investigational drugs for the following dermatological conditions: 

• Atopic dermatitis (eczema)
• Psoriasis 
• Hidradenitis suppurativa
• Alopecia 
• Vitiligo 

We have an exceptional team of physicians, clinical research coordinators and nurses who collaborate to deliver high-quality care and ensure a seamless experience for patients.

How to get involved

• Step 1: If you are interested in participating in any of the studies at our Clinical Trials, please contact DermTrials@tuftsmedicine.org or 617.636.1579 to get started. The study team will reach out with additional details of the study and will review the study criteria to see if you may qualify. 
• Step 2: If you meet the initial criteria for the study and are interested in participating, you will receive an appointment for your first office visit, which will be the screening visit. 
• Step 3: During your screening visit, the study team will go over the informed consent form with you. If you wish to continue with the study, we will request your signature on the consent form before we proceed. The remainder of the screening visit may consist of a physical exam, blood work, and other tests to see if you qualify for the study. 
• Step 4: Upon successful completion of the screening visit, you will receive the trial medication. It is important to adhere to the prescribed medication regimen, follow instructions, and make the best effort to attend all scheduled appointments. Since participation is entirely voluntary, you can withdraw from the study at any time. Compensation may be provided for your time at each visit. 

All appointments will be held at Biewend Building at 260 Tremont Street, 14th floor, Boston, MA. 
 

Overview

Dedicated research rotations for trainees at all levels that are mentored as well as self-directed have been part of the residency program structure before the change in the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) requirements for academic projects. In addition, Tufts  Medical Center (Tufts MC) provides resources for research via the Tufts Clinical and Translational Research Science Institute funded through the NIH R01GM987654 (CTSI). The CTSI also provides an online research educational series. Representation of our academic productivity at major scientific national and international Anesthesiology and Critical Care Society meetings has steadily evolved and includes ASA, SCA, SCCA, SCCM, SOAP, Pain, SPA, ASRA, SOCCA and IARS among other venues.

With the advent of ACGME required academic and Quality Improvement projects, nearly every trainee is, and many faculty are, engaged in some form of data collection, analysis, and ultimately research.

For this reason, in the spring of 2017, the Tufts Anesthesia Research Center – TARC - was inaugurated under the leadership of Iwona Bonney, PhD, as administrative director. The TARC is supported by the TARC-RC, or research consortium, consisting of interested faculty members who assist in the execution of the TARC mission.

The TARC mission is to assist and support department researchers with information, resources, education, administrative needs, and critical project proposal evaluation and to collect relevant information on ongoing projects to aid in project completion and accounting for reporting to the Chair, TUSM and the Tufts MC community. The TARC-RC assists in the evaluation of research and quality improvement project proposals as well as content assessment for the residents’ research rotation among resolution of other research-related questions. TARC ascertains the alignment of the academic work with the research priorities of the department. These currently include the following core areas:

• Basic science; anesthetic-induced neuroapoptosis and neuroinflammation
• Cardiac anesthesia; echocardiographic parameters and outcomes correlation
• Pain medicine; evidence-based reviews and clinical trials
• Geriatric anesthesia; perioperative neurocognitive outcomes
• ERAS and PSH outcomes research
• Obesity and anesthesia; device and drug trials, bariatric outcomes.

If you are interested in learning more about the research efforts in the Department of Anesthesiology at Tufts Medical Center, contact Dr. Bonney at iwona.bonney@tuftsmedicine.org.

Iwona Bonney, PhD
Administrative Director, TARC

How to check if you have insurance coverage

Whether your coverage is through your employer or is independent, double-check that your specific plan is accepted and what that type of coverage looks like.

• Many insurance plans have different levels of costs for their members depending on where they receive care. Get in touch with your insurance provider to better understand what your medical plan covers and what you may need to pay out of pocket.
• Check with your insurance plan to see if you need additional referrals, authorizations or both before receiving care at Tufts Medicine. 
• Emergency department doctors may not be in-network with all the insurance payors or plans listed below. Please contact your insurance company regarding coverage for emergency services at Tufts Medicine.

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