Innovative Clinical and Outcomes Research

Who we are

The Innovative Clinical and Outcomes Research (iCOR) team is a hub of cutting-edge clinical research at the Thomas J. Long School of Pharmacy. iCOR provides opportunities for students to collaborate with peers, faculty, fellows and industry pharmacists on high-impact research projects. The team is led by accomplished faculty members who are leading experts in their fields and is supported by an impressive network of successful alumni who are now leaders in industry.

What we do

As trailblazers in the medical device and dietary supplement space, the iCOR team spearheads innovative research projects and clinical trials to deliver consequential findings that impact patient care and the scientific community. We engage in innovative projects which use existing data or data collected by recruiting more than 100 volunteers. We focus on studies which can be conducted rapidly, between six months and two years. Completed projects have ranged from proof-of-concepts to studies validating causality. iCOR conducts research in collaboration with the Fellowship in Industry Program, which includes partnerships with Flow Therapy, Genentech and the United States Air Force.

Where we’re going

Building on extensive research and previous work, iCOR continues to pioneer innovative research through a robust pipeline of ongoing research programs, including research on continuous glucose monitoring devices and enhanced external counter pulsation treatments. Through continuous evaluation of the current industry landscape, iCOR’s research focus stays ahead of the curve. In addition, the team seeks to continue to strategically develop working relationships with leading pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies.

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Media impressions

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Posters/publications

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Clinical trials

We strive to advance patient care through innovative research. Our goal is to train students and prepare them to become leaders in the pharmaceutical industry by providing rich learning experiences, leadership opportunities and mentorship.

What started as a passion project for one student to pursue the pharmaceutical industry pathway has grown into a track for students to excel in this arena. As iCOR has grown over the years, the scope of the projects conducted by its members have also expanded. The work of our students, faculty and alumni has been nationally recognized through numerous publications and presentations. Our projects illustrate the classic interplay between science and scientists, a cat-and-mouse game in the pursuit of optimizing human health.

Sachin A. Shah, PharmD, FACC, FAHA

Kate M. O’Dell, PharmD, BCPS

Allen Shek, PharmD

Nancy N. Nguyen, PharmD, BCPS, AAHIVP, FCSHP

Class of 2022

Jason Hong, PharmD - Clinical Science Fellow at Genentech
Jessica Kaye, PharmD - Oncology Drug Safety Fellow at Seagen
Kimmy Dovan, PharmD - Regulatory Affairs: Advertising and Promotion Fellow at Merck
Ricky Philipossian, PharmD - Clinical Development Fellow at Pfizer
Lena Tieu - Global Medical Information Fellow at Gilead
Reina Marie Sanz - Regulatory Affairs Fellow at Novartis
Huy Pham - PharmD/ PhD Candidate at University of the Pacific

Class of 2021

Brandon Tran, PharmD - Global Clinical Operations Oncology Fellow at Genentech
Anh Nguyen, PharmD - Clinical Research and Drug Development Fellow at UNC
Brittany Tran, PharmD - Quantitative Clinical Pharmacology Fellow at Daiichi Sankyo
Elizabeth Lindemann, PharmD - Biologics Associate at Regeneron
Katherine Hsu, PharmD - US Marketing & Global Commercial Strategy, Rare Diseases at Sanofi Genzyme
Simran Randhawa, PharmD - Global Medical Affairs: Inflammation & Immunology Fellow at Pfizer

"iCOR is filled with opportunities to explore a career within the pharmaceutical industry. Having the opportunity to learn about the drug development process, conducting clinical trials and analyzing clinical data challenged my critical and clinical knowledge throughout my experience within iCOR. It helped to cement my passion for research and my continued desire to to make an impact in health care."

— Huy Pham ’22, PharmD/PhD Candidate
University of the Pacific

"iCOR had a profound impact on my journey through pharmacy school. The collaborative relationship between faculty and students of iCOR creates an environment that combines critical thinking and science, and ultimately maximizes patient outcomes. I got the opportunity to conduct literature review, design and execute clinical trials, and summarize the resulting data in manuscripts. It helped me realize my passion for pursuing a career in clinical development within the pharmaceutical industry."

— Ricky Philipossian ’22, PharmD
Clinical Development Fellow at Pfizer

Ricky Philipossian - iCOR pharmacy alumnus

Completed Projects

Research Spotlight

Study shows glucose levels can be different between left and right arm

In a novel study, Pacific researchers found the selection of either the right or left arm for continuous glucose monitoring device placement could potentially affect the glucose readings collected by the devices.

Research shows health benefits of plant-based meal kits

Results of a clinical trial showed a statistically significant reduction in both “bad” cholesterol and body weight when volunteers ate dinners made from a plant-based meal kit service compared to a non-plant-based meal kit.

Research team tests hangover product

The team conducted a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study to determine if The Hangover Secret, a dietary supplement mix, reduced hangover symptoms.