El Paso, Texas – The Medical Center of the Americas Foundation (MCA) is excited to announce that it was awarded a $163,000 grant from Bristol Meyers Squib (BMS), a global pharmaceutical company, to launch a Clinical Trail Academy that seeks grow the clinical research workforce and the number of outpatient clinics conducting clinical research in El Paso, Texas and Las Cruces, New Mexico. The grant was awarded through BMS’s corporate giving program supports worthwhile causes and conscientious citizenship.

“The MCA’s Clinical Trial Academy will address the growing health disparities within one of the largest U.S./Mexico border communities—El Paso, Texas and Las Cruces, New Mexico,” says Michaele Linden-Johnson, MCA Director of Clinical Trials and Business Development. “The overall end impact of this project is to realize a clinical trial ecosystem built by and for Hispanics that competes globally for community-based clinical research to better the outcomes of this community of color. This 12-month pilot program has been several years in the making and involves the collaboration of several local and national organizations and leaders to make happen. We are excited to finally bring this program and the related clinical research training, and investigator site support to our region.”

The Clinical Trial Academy will assist regional outpatient clinics in conducting clinical research to launch operations or partner with regional and national groups to conduct trials. The academy will use the Association for Clinical Research Professional’s (ACRP’s) learning platform and the expertise of the region’s existing sites to train the next generation of clinical research professionals through a combination of online self-directed and instructor-led learning and coaching from experienced clinicians.

“We are delighted to support MCA in its efforts to train the next generation of clinical research professionals and pleased to see both corporate and community support for this program,” said Susan Landis, ACRP executive director. “Growing a research ready and diverse clinical research professional workforce is a key area of focus for ACRP, and MCA will be able to tap into the breadth and depth of our educational content to meet the varied needs of its target audiences.”

The new program will address clinical trial disparities and diversity in the region. In addition, it will help realize a clinical trial ecosystem built by and for Hispanics that competes globally for community-based clinical research to better the outcomes of color.

“Clinical trial diversity is crucial to diminishing health inequities,” said Nicholas Botwood, SVP, US Medical for Bristol Myers Squibb. “The MCA’s work to grow the clinical research workforce in the region is an important step in moving the needle to address gaps in our health system.”

The Clinical Trials Academy plans to rollout efforts beginning in August 2021 and will target outpatient healthcare clinics, physicians, healthcare professionals, students, job career seekers, and retired military. If interested in knowing more about the clinical trials academy, contact Michaele Linden-Johnson at michaele@mcamericas.org, Director of Clinical Trials and Business Development at the MCA.