The Center

Passion led us here.
Compassion drives us further.

Who We Are

We bring solutions to life.

We are a clinically-focused medical research organization that accelerates the launch of new drug therapies and devices currently in the testing stages of development.

Since 2003, our team of researchers and partners has committed themselves every day to the science of health. Today, we continue that dedication through our collaboration with the pharmaceutical and biotechnical community to uncover new treatments that save lives and enhance or improve quality of life.

We brave new frontiers to advance scientific discovery and medical knowledge by combining human touch and scientific rigor to create moments that change lives, one clinical trial at a time.

In 2017, we furthered our commitment to discovery, unveiling a new name and positon to better capture our mission: We emerge as Avanza Medical Research Center. Advancing the heart of research.

Our Difference

What makes us different is the difference we make.

Our passion for seeing things differently burns bright. Here, the rigors of scientific research meet the warmth of human compassion. In our center, data becomes determination, precision becomes perseverance and possibility turns into potential.

We are changing the lives of patients by providing them access to promising, new therapeutic solutions. We’re impacting the lives of physicians seeking to advance knowledge in their field, and we’re connecting the pharmaceutical and biotech community to qualified volunteers and medical experts seeking to make a difference in their own lives and the world.

This is how we’re changing the world of health. One clinical trial at a time.

Quality

Meticulous, and data-driven. We strive for consistent delivery of both.

Heart

Our work is about people, and we never forget it.

Teamwork

We work with teams to achieve something greater than we can by ourselves.

Professionalism

We do what we say, when we say, and then some.

Drive

We never give up, because our clients, and our patients, depend on us.

Altruism

Central to our mission is doing work that’s fulfilling.

Discovery

We’re committed to exploring all options.

Our Leadership

Our team is committed to providing an unparalleled level of quality service and performance excellence to all our partners and clients.

Our leadership team and research staff dedicate themselves to the highest ethical standards of research practice.

Michael Ellis, CCRP, CRQM

Michael Ellis, CCRP, CRQM

Owner, President / CEO

Michael Ellis, CCRP, CRQM

Owner, President / CEO

Michael Ellis has spent fifteen years in the clinical research field and has played an integral role in transforming Avanza Medical Research Center into what it is today: from a one-person organization to a team of over 30 individuals who all share a passion for research. Central to this level of success is a deeply rooted love and appreciation for scientific discovery, and even more, a shared sense of purpose to make an impact in the lives and quality of life of others.

Michael’s dedication to working toward improving people’s lives extends beyond the walls of the center and into his personal involvement within the local community. As Board President for Ballet Pensacola, Michael shares his passion for the performing arts by helping to create awareness for Ballet Pensacola’s services—and impact in the community—via fundraising and other social events. Michael also commits his time and treasure to the art of bonsai as President of the Pensacola Gulf Coast Bonsai Society.

Ted LaPointe, MSM, BSN, RN

Ted LaPointe, MSM, BSN, RN

Owner, Vice President

Ted LaPointe, MSM, BSN, RN

Owner, Vice President

Ted LaPointe believes strongly in a holistic approach to medicine. As owner, Ted applies this holistic philosophy—along with 20 years in the healthcare management and medical research field—to Avanza Medical Research Center. Whether drug or device, Ted believes that in order to implement a successful clinical trial program, consideration of mind, body and spirit is not only essential, but critical. For this reason, Ted inspires and empowers his team to strive for excellence in all areas with the utmost care and compassion.

Having retired from The United States Air Force, Ted is all too familiar with precision, attention to detail and accuracy. As such, he leads his team to always remain focused on the patient; to be diligent in providing clean, accurate and quality data; and to ensure the highest levels of service quality and safety of patients.

Amanda Hiller, LPN, CCRP, CRQM

Amanda Hiller, LPN, CCRP, CRQM

In-patient Site Director

Amanda Hiller, LPN, CCRP, CRQM

In-patient Site Director

Amanda Hiller is a third generation nurse. For Amanda, caring for others isn’t just a calling, it’s in her blood. With over a decade of experience under her belt, Amanda joined the Avanza team in 2008 and now serves as Inpatient Site Director. She dedicates her time conducting and ensuring successful clinical trial research by working in partnership with our research sponsors and physician investigators to recruit patients, uphold regulatory compliance, and deliver compassionate care for our patients.

As a caregiver, Amanda believes in the power of human touch to heal, and approaches every day as an opportunity to make lasting, positive impact in the lives of others. For Amanda, there’s nothing more life changing than helping her patients.

Avanza Staff

We employ a full time research team with 100% of their time dedicated to clinical trials.

Avanza’s clinical staff is specifically trained to perform research procedures and collect data as mandated by the study protocol and Federal, State and Local regulations and guidelines. They work under the direction of experienced Principal Investigators toward a positive outcome for each trial.

Crystal Crump, BS, CRQM

Crystal Crump, BS, CRQM

Clinical Research Coordinator

Garwin Ho, MPH

Garwin Ho, MPH

Clinical Research Technician

Luz Harris, MS, CRQM

Luz Harris, MS, CRQM

Clinical Research Coordinator

People we serve

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Avanza For Patients
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Avanza for sponsors
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