Team of Professionals
Staff
Investigators, coordinators, pharmacy and regulatory professionals supporting every trial at TRG.
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Dr. Hal Skinner
Sub-Investigator
Dr. Hal Skinner is a board-certified cardiologist with additional qualifications in Interventional Cardiology and over 15 years of experience practicing in Central and Eastern Kentucky. Dr. Skinner founded Lexington Heart Specialists in 2003 and the practice continues to be physician owned.
Dr. Skinner’s published work has appeared in numerous publications and research investigations throughout his experience.
Dr. Skinner graduated summa cum laude with degree in Biology from Murray State University, and received his medical degree with honors from the University of Louisville School of Medicine. His postgraduate training was completed in internal medicine at the University of Louisville Affiliated Hospitals, where he was a recipient of the Outstanding Senior Resident Award. To further his training, Dr. Skinner also completed a fellowship in Cardiology at the University of Kentucky Medical Center. He currently serves as the President of the Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory at Baptist Health Lexington.
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Michael Rukavina M.D.
Sub-Investigator
Michael Rukavina M.D. has practiced Cardiology in Lexington for more than 25 years. He is board-certified in Interventional Cardiology and Cardiovascular Diseases. Previously, Dr. Rukavina practiced at Lexington Cardiology Consultants, Baptist Health Lexington Cardiology, and Kentucky Cardiovascular Group.
Dr. Rukavina graduated with honors from The University of Notre Dame in 1980. He received his medical degree with honors from Louisiana State University in 1987. He completed fellowship training in Internal Medicine, Cardiology, and Electrophysiology at LSUMC in 1993. Since then Dr. Rukavina and his family have resided in Lexington, Kentucky.
Actively involved in the medical community and professional societies, Dr. Rukavina is a member of several organizations, including:
- American College of Cardiology, Fellow
- American Medical Association
- Kentucky Medical Association
- Lexington Medical Society
- American Heart Association
Dr. Rukavina’s published work has appeared in numerous publications and research investigations throughout his career.
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Jennifer Nichols
RN, BSN, CCRP
Jennifer is the Nurse Coordinator for TRG and started in September 2010 and became the sole owner in 2019. She has been involved with clinical research since September 2007. Jennifer not only coordinates studies but completes all of the budgets, contracts, and regulatory obligations for each study. Her research experience includes: Weight Loss, Type II Diabetes Mellitus, Hypertension, Hyperlipidemia, Hypertriglyceridemia, IBS-d, Gout, Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease, Atrial Fibrillation, Acute Coronary Syndrome, Glucose Abnormalities, and Depression.
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Michelle Jones
PA-C
Michelle graduated from the University of Kentucky and the Physician Assistant Program in 1989 with honors. She has been certified by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants and licensed by the Kentucky Board of Medical Licensure since then. She has specialized in Internal Medicine and has worked in various fields including Infectious Disease, Neurology, Hospital Medicine, Long Term and Rehabilitative Care, and Adult Family Practice.
Michelle joined the Research Group of Lexington in October 2017 as Sub-Investigator and has been excited to to continue conscientious, expert care.
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Tony Samaan
Pharm.D
Tony is a graduate of the Samford University’s McWhorter School of Pharmacy. Upon receiving his Doctorate in Pharmacy, Tony went to work in retail sector of pharmacy and moved to Pikeville, KY. He has held many management positions from Pharmacy Manager to Pharmacy District Manager. He also had ownership in a small Independent Pharmacy. He left the pharmacy profession to start a career in the Automotive Industry which he was passionate about. After many years away from the Pharmaceutical Industry Tony had an opportunity to use his strong business Acumen to join TRG in February 2019 as the Business Manager and Regulatory Coordinator.
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Christy Douglas
Clinical Research Coordinator
Been involved in the healthcare field for over 20 years and has been involved in Research for the past 4 ½ years.
Research Experience includes: Diabetes Mellitus, Ophthalmology, Hypertension, Weight Loss, Cardiac, Migraine Headaches, and COPD.
Ready to take part?
Our coordinators will walk you through every step, answer your questions, and confirm whether you qualify for a current study.