Considering participation in a research study?
Before joining a research study, we encourage you to learn more about your rights as a research volunteer and the risks and benefits of being in research. The information here may help you make the right decision.
- Becoming a Research Volunteer – US Office of Human Research Protection - OHRP English (PDF) or OHRP Spanish (PDF)
- National Institutes of Health (NIH) - Clinical Research Trials and You
- The Center for Information and Study on Clinical Research Participation (CISCRP) is a first-of-its-kind nonprofit organization dedicated to educating and informing the public, patients, medical/research communities, the media, and policy makers about clinical research and the role each party plays in the process.
If you would like more information about participating in research, or if you would like to discuss concerns, problems or provide input, please contact the Main Line Hospitals Institutional Review Board at 484.476.2692 or 610.225.6221, or by email at mlh_irb@mlhs.org.
Learn more about research participation
Reporting concerns, problems or questions
Research participants are encouraged to express any concerns, problems or questions regarding their involvement in a research study.
- You may speak directly to the investigator or members of the study staff.
- If you would like to speak to someone who is not affiliated with a specific research study to obtain more information about your rights as a research subject, you may contact:
- Albert A, Keshgegian, MD, PhD, Chairman, Main Line Hospitals Institutional Review Board – 484.476.3552
- Jack Medendorp, Director, Office of Research Protections – 484.476.2692
- If you would like to discuss concerns or provide input, please contact the Main Line Hospitals Institutional Review Board at 484.476.2692 or 484.476.3552, or by email at mlh_irb@mlhs.org.
What is an Institutional Review Board (IRB)?
The IRB is federally mandated group of individuals which reviews all research studies to ensure they are ethical and safe and meet federal requirements. Only research studies that meet these requirements obtain approval from the IRB. Once approved, the IRB continues to monitor the progress and safety of all research studies. IRBs members have diverse backgrounds and include scientists, non-scientists and community members. The Main Line Hospitals IRB includes representatives of the Main Line community.
In the United States the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Department of Health and Human Services (specifically Office for Human Research Protections, or OHRP) issued federal regulations for IRBs to accomplish the goal of protecting the rights and welfare of human subjects participating in research.
Community outreach
Main Line Health clinical research staff attends community events to educate our community and raise awareness and understanding of the research programs we offer. Main Line Health also sponsors community health activities which may include discussions on the research programs we offer. See visit the Main Line Health events calendar for more information.
For more about specific research studies conducted at Main Line Health, please contact:
- Center for Clinical Cardiology – Ann Marie Chikowski, RN, BSN, CCRC
- Center for Clinical Cancer Research – cancertrials@mlhs.org
- Clinical Research Center, LIMR, Other Clinical Areas – Sarah Windawi, MPH
Contact information
You may also direct your comments to the IRB office:
The Office of Research Protections
3803 West Chester Pike, Suite 250, Newtown Square, PA 19073
mlh_irb@mlhs.org
Phone: 484.476.2692 or 610.225.6221
Fax: 484.337.1432