Clinical Research at Peninsula Cardiology Associates

Since 1972, the physicians of Peninsula Cardiology Associates have been leaders in heart disease treatment on the Eastern Shore of Maryland. As the largest private cardiology practice on the shore, we provide care to nearly 40,000 patients a year. During the early 1970's our physicians were instrumental in establishing "The Heart Center" at Peninsula Regional Medical Center in Salisbury, Maryland. The Heart Center has become the second busiest heart hospital in the state of Maryland. Through the utilization of innovative technology and ground-breaking therapies, our association has maintained a distinctive excellence in the field of heart disease detection and management.

Clinical Research Experience

The physicians and research staff of Peninsula Cardiology Associates have been actively participating in pharmaceutical and device research since 1997. Through our participation in Phase II - IV trials, our site has become recognized as a leading research center in the field of cardiology. Our physicians have extensive research experience in such clinical areas as coronary artery disease (heart attack & angina), high cholesterol, hypertension, heart failure, diabetes, coronary and peripheral artery stenting, pacemakers, defibrillators, and atrial fibrillation. In the past 13 years Peninsula Cardiology has collaborated on over 75 different trials with such sponsors as Pfizer, Sanofi-Aventis, Boston Scientific, ev3, Astra Zeneca, Novartis, Medtronic, Guidant, and St. Jude Medical.

Cardiology Research Facility

Peninsula Cardiology Associates Research Department is located directly on-site at our Salisbury office. One block from our office is our primary hospital affiliate, Peninsula Regional Medical Center. The research office is located in an easily accessible first-floor suite, making it convenient for patients. The office is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 - 4:30. Patients participating in our research trials are greeted by a welcoming waiting room with ample seating. Staff is service oriented recognizing that our subjects are volunteering their time, as such our patients are seen within minutes of their arrival.

Physician Investigator Experience

• Emmanuel N. Nsah, M.D., Peninsula Cardiology Associates research director, is board-certified in Internal Medicine, Cardiology and Electrophysiology. He is currently the Director of Electrophysiology services at Peninsula Regional Medical Center, and continues to work as an Assistant Professor of Medicine for Johns Hopkins University.
• Joseph L. Raffetto, M.D., is an active principal investigator in the areas of acute coronary and metabolic syndrome. He is board-certified in Internal Medicine and Cardiology.
• Donald M. Wood, M.D. is an active principal investigator in the areas of hypertension, heart failure and hypercholesterolemia. He is board-certified in Internal Medicine, Cardiology, and Nuclear Cardiology.
• Dennis J. Chodnicki, M.D. is an active principle investigator in the areas of acute coronary syndrome, and atrial fibrillation. He is board-certified in Internal Medicine and Cardiology. A team of 5 physician sub-investigators supports each of the principal investigators.

Cardiology Staff Expertise

• Lynne Armiger, MSN, RN
  Research Manager
  10 years of research experience
• Danielle Morrison, BSN, RN
  Research Nurse
  9 years of research experience
• Sara Shearer, RN
  Research Nurse
  5 years of research experience
• Cathy Clark, BS, MT
  Research Coordinator
  3 years research experience

Currently Enrolling Clinical Areas