The Center for Clinical & Translational Research at the University of South Carolina (CLINTRUSC) was established to address the critical need for advanced clinical and translational research in the Midlands of South Carolina.
Leveraging a significant $11M grant from the National Institutes of Health, CLINTRUSC aims to build a sustainable foundation of clinical and translational research capacity at USC. By bringing together expertise from across USC, including the School of Medicine-Columbia, the Arnold School of Public Health, the School of Pharmacy, the College of Nursing, the College of Arts and Sciences, and the School of Social Work, CLINTRUSC taps into a robust research workforce that transcends the traditional boundaries of academic medicine.
We are proud to collaborate with leading health systems such as Prisma Health, the largest healthcare provider in the state, and the Veterans Administration (VA) Health System. These partnerships enable us to develop a unified, cohesive approach to clinical and translational research, particularly focusing on high-risk and underserved communities.
CLINTRUSC is organized into several strategic cores, each designed to advance clinical and translational research in South Carolina.
CLINTRUSC is led by Co-PIs Dr. Francis Spinale from the School of Medicine-Columbia and Dr. James Hébert from the Arnold School of Public Health.
Dr. Spinale, a renowned physician-scientist, emphasizes the urgent need to innovate in the prevention and treatment of chronic illnesses, particularly cardiovascular disease, which significantly impacts underserved rural populations and veterans.
Dr. Hébert, a Distinguished Professor of Epidemiology at the Arnold School of Public Health, focuses his research on the role of diet in cancer and chronic diseases, and methodological advancements in study design and measurement technologies for diet and risk factors. As Director of the South Carolina Statewide Cancer Prevention and Control Program, Dr. Hébert leads a diverse research portfolio addressing various public health concerns.
The Health Research (HR) Core is the hub for the Pilot and Developmental (P&D) Project Program, allocating $500K annually to support pilot and developmental projects, fostering collaboration between clinicians, public health scientists, and bench researchers.
Health Research Core Director
Health Research Core Co-Core Director
The Professional Development (PD) Core is a central resource for educational, training, and mentoring services that supports researchers by advancing grantsmanship, fostering transdisciplinary research, and providing ongoing mentorship and development to enhance Clinical and Translational research.
Professional Development Core Director
Professional Development Co-Core Director
The Clinical Engagement and Outreach (CEO) Core aims to create a unified network for clinical and translational research, building grassroots relationships with local communities and health systems, guided by community-based participatory research (CBPR) principles.
Community Engagement Core Director
Community Engagement Core Co-core Director
Community Engagement Core Co-Core Director
The Research Design, Compliance, and Data Management (RDCD) Core provides the infrastructure and expertise to enhance research compliance, provide biostatistics and research design support, and evaluate healthcare outcomes using advanced clinical design, electronic health records, data science techniques, and artificial intelligence.
Research Design, Compliance & Data Management Core Director
Research Design, Compliance & Data Management Core Co-Core Director
CLINTRUSC is dedicated to advancing public health and improving clinical outcomes through collaborative research efforts. By creating a cohesive infrastructure for rapid deployment of research projects and engaging meaningfully with vulnerable populations, we strive to make a lasting impact on the health and well-being of our communities.
Join us on our journey to transform healthcare in South Carolina. Together, we can make a difference.