MEET OUR TEAM
As a patient at Paramount Medical Research, our clinical trials are coordinated by experienced Registered Nurses. You can expect exceptional care by our trained, dedicated staff.
DOCTORS
dr. isam diab
Dr. Diab specializes in rheumatology and internal medicine. He has conducted clinical research for 20 years, while growing his private practice into one of the largest within the United States by collaborating with over 75 private practices in the Cleveland Area.
Dr. Diab has treated individuals across a wide spectrum of immunological diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythmatosus, lupus nephritis, osteoporosis, psoriatic arthritis, and gout.
dr. gheorge ignat
Dr. Gheorghe Ignat is a rheumatologist in Cleveland, Ohio and is affiliated with multiple hospitals in the area, including Cleveland Clinic Fairview Hospital and Southwest General Health Center. He received his medical degree from Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy and has been in practice for more than 20 years.
dr. bassam alhaddad
Dr. Alhaddad graduated from the Internal Medicine in 2009. Alhaddad works in Cleveland, OH and 1 other location and specializes in Rheumatology. Alhaddad is affiliated with Fairview Hospital and Southwest General Health Center.
REGISTERED NURSES
jackie wittenmyer BSN, CCRC
Jackie Wittenmyer, BSN, CCRC
22 years nursing experience. Began working with Dr. Diab and his research staff in 2007 as both Clinical Coordinator and Infusion therapy nurse.
ellen titsch BSN, CCRC
I have been a registered nurse for 36 years with a background in Pediatric and Emergency Room nursing. I started working for Dr. Diab in 2010 as his infusion room nurse and since 2012 have been working with Dr. Diab, Dr. Ignat and Dr. AlHadda as a study coordinator at Paramount Medical Research and Consulting. I earned my credentials as a Certified Clinical Research Coordinator in 2016.
ERIKA HANNIGAN BSN, CCRC
Erika started working with Dr. Diab as a Medical Assistant in 2006, Graduated with an Associates in Nursing in 2015, Bachelors in Nursing in 2017, and working on Master's in Advanced Practice Nursing with a specialty of Geriatrics.
CINDY GENDICS BSN, CCRC
Cindy is the newest member of the Paramount Medical Research & Consulting team having joined the group in 2016. Prior to joining Paramount, I spent 15 years in New York City conducting Clinical Research Trials at Columbia University, St. Luke's-Roosevelt and NYU Langone Medical Center. My main focus was Vascular Surgery and Wound Care Clinical Research which included drug, device and biologic trials My roots and heart are in Ohio -I grew up in Lorain County and received my Nursing Degree in 1983. I spent the next 16 years working at the Cleveland Clinic in Cardiothoracic ICU followed by 4 years learning and conducting Pulmonary Clinical Trials and then Vascular Surgery Clinical Trials.I came back to Ohio to enjoy time with family, friends and my 4 wonderful grandchildren.
The field of Rheumatology is changing and new medications to treat autoimmune diseases are coming to market daily. I am happy to be on the forefront with Rheumatology Clinical Research.
MEDICAL ASSISTANTS
BRIKENA MORINA
Brikena is a Medical Assistant, X-Ray Tech. and Phlebotomy
Started working with Dr. Diab at Paramount Medical Research & Consulting, LLC as a Clinical Research Assistant and Laboratory Technician since April 2012.
HALEY FINNERAN
Haley is a Certified Medical Assistant and Research Assistant. She was first employed as a CMA with Dr. Diab's Rheumatology practice (Premier Physicians Center) in 2013. In 2015, Haley transitioned to Dr. Diab's clinical research facility. Her critical thinking and strong clinical skills allows her to be flexible in her many roles including data entry, pharmacist, study coordinator, and lab technician. Haley can be reached at 440-826-0742 or by email at hfinneranpmr@gmail.com
MEGAN CLARY
Megan is Dr. Diab’s multi taker of the office. She is a MRI tech, phlebotomist, and research assistant. She also has a bachelor’s degree in health management. She is very versatile. She believes educating yourself is an important part of life. Learn something new every day. Work hard and play harder.
DIANE PEPLIN
Diane joined Paramount Medical Research in May of 2014. She brought with her an M.B.A. and strong critical thinking and problem solving skills, great attention to detail, and most importantly, a passion for helping people.
As regulatory specialist and site coordinator, Diane is actively involved in each clinical trial from inception to study start up until study close out. She ensure’s regulatory compliance while paying especially close attention to training. She is also actively involved with the Study Coordinators, PI, Sub-I’s and Research Assistants to ensure optimal outcomes for each trial. If you have any questions regarding our site, CDA’s, feasibility questionnaires, budget/contract negotiations, or regulatory items, please feel free to contact her at 440-826-0742 or email me at dianepeplin@hotmail.com