Providence Medical Research Center is the only physician-led, full spectrum medical research center in the Inland Northwest. Our program truly lives up to the "bench-to bedside-to community" paradigm. We take pride in developing and implementing research.

Research here is conducted at all levels:

Basic Cell Laboratory: examining biologic activity on a cellular level,

Testing and development of new treatments or medications,

Application of new treatments and practices that directly effect patient care.

Research at Providence Medical Research Center Includes:

Multi-center clinical trials in multiple specialties

Original, investigator-initiated studies

Pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic studies

Physiology studies

Cellular and molecular biology

Investigators at Providence Medical Research Center are recognized nationally and internationally

Providence Medical Research Center Medical and Scientific Director Dr. Katherine Tuttle currently chairs the National Kidney Foundation Kidney Disease Outcomes Quality Initiative (KDOQI) Work Group which developed and published new clinical practice guidelines, in February 2007, for diabetes and chronic kidney disease. These benchmarks are applied internationally.

Dr. Rod Raabe, a Primary Investigator at PMRC, chaired the national "Legs for Life" program to promote screening and awareness for peripheral vascular disease.

Drs. Raabe and Tuttle have been involved as primary investigators for or in the leadership of several major multi-center trials. In addition to local leadership, investigaotrs at Providence Medical Research Center serve on national and international committees in their areas of expertise.

Providence Medical Research Center investigators have had their research published in many high impact medical journals. Our researchers have been invited to present state of the art lectures at major national and international meetings. We are proud to maintain the high degree of professional reputation and recognition seen throughout the Providence Health & Services System.

Newest Treatments Available to Providence Sacred Heart Medical Center and Children's Hospital (SHMC).

Because of the involvement of Providence Medical Research Center in research, SHMC is often afforded early application of new medical treatments and diagnostics. Our investigational experience allows principal investigators and the medical center to be first to use new approaches once they are approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).This provides a strong competitive advantage for clinical care areas. Some examples of first use of new approaches include Robotic heart surgery, transmyocardial laser, and vascular stents.

We are also helping to train the next generation of physicians and scientists. Research and related activities help to recruit and retain high caliber physicians to the medical center and the region. It also allows us opportunities to provide training in the latest treatments and technologies.