Beverly Brewer-Irons and her husband, Don, are part of an “endangered-species” as Beverly described. Her and Don are growing old and with their age comes health concerns as well as an increased risk of complications with COVID-19, a pandemic that is sweeping the nation. They have decided to participate in COVID-19 vaccine trials.

“This is the first clinical trial I have ever been in.” Beverly says. Don found Jacksonville Center for Clinical Research while surfing the web and was convinced they should participate. Beverly and Don believe that clinical trials are vital to coming up with solutions. “So, this is a little bit of something we can do to help and it seems easy enough, and it is contributing to a greater cause.” Beverly says.

Beverly and Don have already received their injections in the study they are participating in. The study is double blinded, meaning the couple could be receiving a placebo. “We were just talking about how we feel positive about the contribution we are making, even if we are getting saline injected into our arms!” Beverly laughs as she describes a recent conversation with her husband. “That is all part of the process that has to be done.”

During their day-to-day lives, Beverly and Don know their risks and are extremely cautious with protecting themselves. On days where they have to come into the office for their appointment, Beverley recalls feeling very safe. “We felt that the people who were caring for us were being very careful and taking the appropriate precautions.” 

The staff was also helpful and friendly, Beverly described, and she experienced short wait times in the lobby, “I really couldn’t have asked for an improvement there!” Don even chimed in to say, “I was very impressed with the professionalism of everyone who was working on the project and everyone I came into contact with.”

“I enjoy being a part of the future of medicine,” Dr. John Rowda, Ophthalmologist in Crystal River, FL says. “I think it takes a lot of people to make a difference and I’d like to help in any way that I can.” 

Dr. Rowda is in our Moderna COVID-19 study. This study calls for participants who are at a high risk of contracting the disease. Since Dr. Rowda is seeing patients daily, he was a perfect candidate for this study, “I think participating in a COVID-19 study, particularly for those who are high risk, could move medicine forward sooner and hopefully get an approved vaccine.”

Being able to help himself, while also helping others is what moved Dr. Rowda to participate in this study. “WIthout the trial I have no chance of getting the vaccine and by participating in the trial I have at least a 50% chance, and I get to help people.”

His favorite part about participating in the study was the people. “We have enjoyed your people,” Dr. Rowda says. “The people we interacted with have been very pleasant and kind. It was an enjoyable experience.” Dr. Rowda also mentioned the communication between staff and patients. “They told us exactly what was going on and what would happen. Everything ran on time, every time.”

Receiving testimonials from our patients is always a treat. Chief Hillhouse of the Gainesville Fire Department told his story about his time with ENCORE Research Group. Read more below:

The COVID-19 vaccine trial was the first voluntary trial Joseph Hillhouse participated in. “I looked at this clinical trial as an opportunity to assist the public.” Hillhouse says.

Joseph Hillhouse is the Assistant Fire Chief for the Gainesville Fire Department. He and his team jumped on the idea of being able to participate in the COVID vaccine clinical trials in Jacksonville. “Both myself and the workforce are healthy individuals.” Chief Hillhouse says, “I felt like if we could assist with the research and get a vaccine to the public faster than it would be beneficial.”

The trials at ENCORE Research Group have played an innovative role in moving medicine forward. Chief Hillhouse liked the idea of being a part of a trial that does not use the actual virus in the vaccine. “I was very interested in this new technology because it can be used for many different vaccines, not just Covid.”

The organized process is what Chief Hillhouse enjoyed most about participating. “The ENCORE team did a good job of making it non-intrusive.” Chief Hillhouse also mentioned that he believed the staff to be very knowledgeable and professional.

The staff was also helpful and friendly, Beverly described, and she experienced short wait times in the lobby, “I really couldn’t have asked for an improvement there!” Don even chimed in to say, “I was very impressed with the professionalism of everyone who was working on the project and everyone I came into contact with.”

The Jacksonville Center for Clinical Research does great work. They are a joy to work with and are professional in all that they do. Supporting their research is a great way to help others as you find new ways to improve your life.

All staff are very outgoing and friendly, well informed. They took the time to explain what I was going through. I would like to participate in a study again.

I have been a part of Amgen’s trials at JCCR for three years. When I began I was skeptical about any positive outcome. But, I am a believer now. Nothing but praise for Gail, Alex and the whole staff there. Truly a joy to work with them. And the impact on my Cholesterol levels has been phenomenal.

I was “interviewed” and eliminated as a candidate from a trial to treat high cholesterol. I was disappointed, but my case did not fit the criteria. Everyone there was very professional. I would recommend getting involved if you qualify!