RESPECT Committee
This commitment is demonstrated through the cancer center's research, outreach and education. The Reaching and Engaging Special Populations to Expand Clinical Trials (RESPECT) Committee was formed to serve as a leader, partner and resource in supporting Moffitt’s efforts to address underrepresented patient access to and accrual in clinical trials.
The RESPECT committee advocates for the inclusion of underrepresented groups in clinical trials to improve the quality and generalizability of medical research. We work with a wide array of departments at Moffitt to support clinical trial participation."
— Kedar Kirtane, MD
As a member of an underrepresented group, I believe it's important to have access to medications that are developed with our unique genetic makeup in mind. It's essential that we educate ourselves and build trust in the scientific community. To make this a reality, our committee works to dispel the myths and misconceptions that discourage participation in clinical trials.. The RESPECT committee represents a powerful and meaningful step toward achieving that progress."
— Viviam Sifontes
By leveraging expertise across Moffitt, the RESPECT Committee will aim to:
- Align Moffitt’s clinical trial portfolio and priorities to reach underserved and underrepresented populations in Moffitt’s catchment area
- Reduce barriers to referral, enrollment and retention in clinical trials at Moffitt
- Create an infrastructure that supports ongoing, bidirectional communication and informed decision-making during the recruitment phase and while participating in a trial
- Participate in efforts to increase the diversity of Moffitt’s workforce, specifically clinical research faculty and staff
Committee Members
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Clinical Trials Office Fernando Bustamante Marjorie Colon Colon Riad George Cindy Machado Kristie Moffett Matthew Ott Milijana Ugrenovic-Petrovic Moffitt Medical Group Doris Hansen Kedar Kirtane Holly O’Brien Omar Castaneda Puglianini Sarimar Agosto Salgado Yumeng Zhang Community Outreach and Engagement Kenisha Avery Vani Simmons |
Research Administration Brian Springer Non-Therapeutic Research Office Delilah Hernandez Jeffrey Stewart Health Outcomes & Behavior Jennifer Vidrine Strategic Marketing Jessica Banich Public Relations Jeremy Peplow Physician Relations Marina Delgadillo Revenue Cycle Administration Viviana Beland |
Committee Sponsors
| Dr. Susan Vadaparampil | Dr. Eric Haura |