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M3 Wake Research Chattanooga stands as a prominent clinical research facility within the M3 Wake Research network, dedicated to enhancing healthcare through rigorous clinical trials across a variety of medical fields. 

Meet the Principal Investigators

Our principal investigators at M3 Wake Research Chattanooga are board-certified in their areas of specialty and highly experienced in clinical research. With our experienced principal investigators leading every clinical trial we support at our Chattanooga research site, we are dedicated to ensuring not only the integrity of every clinical trial, but also the collection of data to sufficiently study the medical device, treatment or therapy being tested. Meet our principal investigators who’ll be conducting the clinical trials at M3 Wake Research Chattanooga. 

Principal Investigator 

Board-certified with the American Board of Family Medicine since 2009 

Dr. Natasha Ballard has over six years of experience in clinical research at M3 Wake Research Chattanooga in Tennessee. 

Certified in Internal Medicine, Hospice, and Palliative Medicine and Aerospace Medicine 

Dr. Obadias Marquez has more than 20 years of experience as a physician and three years of experience in clinical research. 

Board-certified Neurologist 

Dr. Taylor Bear has more than 20 years of experience as a physician and three years of experience in clinical research. He has completed his Fellowship in Clinical Neurophysiology. 

Board-certified in Gastroenterology and Internal Medicine 

Dr. Richard Sadowitz has more than 30 years of experience as a physician and over 16 years in clinical research. 

Meet principal investigator example.
Meet the team example.

Meet The Team

Our team at M3 Wake Research Chattanooga is highly experienced in supporting sponsors and CROs with conducting a wide variety of clinical trials. As a leader in the clinical research industry, M3 Wake Research understands that importance of clinical trials for the advancement of medical science and improving patient outcomes for years to come, and we take pride in ensuring the safety and comfort of our participants. We work diligently throughout the entire clinical research process, helping to recruit patients according to the trial protocol, scheduling clinical visits, and following up between visits in case of any emergencies. Meet our clinical research team to learn who you’ll be interacting with during throughout the clinical trial. 

Erica Osmundsen, BA, CCRC  
Site Manager 
20 years of clinical research experience  

Erica is a certified clinical research coordinator (CCRC) by ACRP since 2013. She brings more than 20 years of clinical research experience to M3 Wake Research Chattanooga. Erica has worked at M3 Wake Research Chattanooga for nearly 12 years across all phases of trials for a variety of indications. 

The Wake Difference

What is Clinical Research?

Clinical research is a vital component of medical advancement, involving human subjects to test new treatments, medications, or medical devices. This type of research is essential for developing new medical interventions, as it allows researchers to gather preliminary data on the safety and effectiveness of these treatments. Conducted in our Chattanooga clinical site, clinical research is led by our dedicated research team. By participating in clinical research, human subjects contribute to the crucial process of medical discovery and innovation. 

Benefits of Participating in Clinical Studies 

Participating in clinical studies offers numerous benefits, including access to cutting-edge treatments that may not be available through standard care. These studies play a pivotal role in advancing medical knowledge, leading to improved treatments and better patient outcomes. Participants have the unique opportunity to work closely with a research team, contributing to the development of new therapies. Moreover, clinical studies are meticulously monitored by healthcare professionals to ensure participant safety, and strict regulations and guidelines are in place to protect participants throughout the study. 

Ensuring Participant Safety 

Ensuring the safety of participants is a top priority in clinical research. Institutional review boards (IRBs) rigorously review and approve clinical studies to ensure they meet stringent safety and ethical standards. Throughout the study, our team closely monitors participants to mitigate any risks. Informed consent is a critical component, ensuring that participants are fully aware of the potential risks and benefits before joining a clinical study. Additionally, clinical studies are designed to minimize risks, and participants have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, ensuring their safety and autonomy.