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Meet the team
Jalal Abbas, MD
Dr. Jalal Abbas is currently leading clinical trials at Clinical Research Institute of Arizona. He received his medical degree from the University of Damascus, and completed his residency in Internal Medicine at St. Luke’s Hospital in Chesterfield, Missouri. He moved to Phoenix, Arizona in 2003, where he worked in several hospitals throughout the valley, and from 2006 to 2022 he practiced as a primary care physician in Surprise. He is Board Certified and a member of American Medical Association. He got involved in clinical trials alongside his practice since 2012 as he has always been captivated and passionate about research.
Rejesh Bhakta, MD
Dr. Rejesh Bhakta Dr. Rajesh Bhakta is a board-certified physician specializing in internal medicine. He attended medical school at American University of Caribbean, and he completed his residency at Maricopa Medical Center. In his practice, Dr. Bhakta focuses on preventive care. He offers personalized advice for each patient’s issues. Dr. Bhakta has been a Sub-I with CRI since it's inception and remains an active part of ensuring our patients are always cared for.
Jamie Foreman, BPH, MA, CRC
Jamie has been in clinical research for over 20 years and the site manager here at CRI since its opening day. She holds a bachelor's in Public Health, is a certified medical assistant, and is a veteran clinical research coordinator. Business development and everyday operations from study start to study close.
Ashley Pace, BPH, CRC
Ashley is the office Research Assistant and is working to one day become a Sub-I after PA school. She has graduated from NAU with a Bachelors in Public Health and handles anything thrown at her with a fresh outlook. You may talk to her before coming in to the office and will work with her throughout your participation.
Daniela Lopez, Engagement Specialist
Daniela is our bubbly receptionist, there to help any patient who first comes in or calls. Whether you speak spanish or english, she is always more than willing to assist. She also helps with community outreach and diversity and fostering an inviting space for all who come in whether its for weight loss or one of our clinical trials.
Meghan Pace- Recruitment Specialist
Meghan began working as a research assistant for our office in July 2023. Since then, she has become our recruitment specialist, reaching out to individuals who show interest in our research trials, placing them in studies best suited for them, and attending community outreach events to provide information about enrolling trials.
Georgina Lopez-Wood, MA, CRC
Gina is a Clinical Research Coordinator here and has worked in research for numerous years with an MA certificate. She loves interacting with patients and never shies away from doing all that she can for each patient along with being a great team player around the office.
Berenice Legorreta, BS Biology, MA, RA
Berenice is our newest member and is super eager to learn and help with any task both coworkers and patients might need. Patient care is top priority for her, and she is working towards becoming a pediatrician since graduating from NAU with a bachelor's in biology and is a certified MA.