At the MultiCare Institute for Research & Innovation, our primary goal is to enhance patient care by researching and innovating new treatment options.
Our research team is dedicated to advancing patient care by offering people the opportunity to participate in cutting-edge clinical research, including clinical trials. A qualified team of physician investigators, RNs, LPNs, medical assistants, certified clinical research coordinators and research assistants works to deliver quality data to sponsors, while providing individualized care to the patients who are participating.
Researchers & investigators
The Research Institute partners with both MultiCare-employed physicians and community physicians with a variety of clinical specialties.
Each clinical trial or research study is led by a principal investigator, who is an experienced physician researcher in the study’s primary focus area. Many of the Research Institute’s physician researchers have more than 20 years of experience conducting clinical research. We also partner with and support other researchers, including PhD researchers and nurse researchers.
We recognize that patient care and the patient experience are at the heart of health care. Many of the topics we research relate to questions that are asked at the bedside and directly affect patient care.
Because of this, the Research Institute is focused on supporting researchers who are interested in developing their own research studies to explore better health outcomes.
The Research Institute’s leadership team
Annie Reedy, CRA, MBA
Chief Research & Education Officer
Annie Reedy has spent the past 26 years in medical and nursing research in a variety of leadership roles. She joined the MultiCare Institute for Research & Innovation in March 2011 with an eye toward growth and expansion of services. As chief research and education officer, Reedy is responsible for providing the strategic vision, direction and operational leadership across MultiCare’s research and educational initiatives and collaborations.
“It is my life’s passion to help physicians, nurses and other health care providers fulfill their desire to push on the status quo, changing the state of health in our communities and improving the way care is delivered. Every patient facing a health challenge should have access to new medications that might — and often do — make a positive difference in their lives.
“Additionally, it’s my goal to attract and retain top doctors in the communities MultiCare serves by providing research and educational opportunities for our physicians, residents, fellows and other medical students.”
Conchita Purchase, RN, MSN
Director, Clinical Research
Conchita Purchase, a dedicated and compassionate registered nurse with a Master of Science degree in nursing, joined MultiCare as the director of clinical research in early 2024. Her professional journey has been marked by a diverse range of experiences, each contributing to her holistic approach to health care.
With a foundation in military service, Conchita learned the values of discipline, teamwork, and resilience. Transitioning into the health care sector, she has worked in various settings, including hospitals, clinics, and clinical research. These experiences have equipped Conchita with a deep understanding of patient care, clinical research methodologies, and the importance of staying abreast of advancements in the field.
One of Conchita’s passions lies in supporting at-risk youth. She finds immense joy in contributing to their well-being and empowerment. Whether through mentorship programs or community initiatives, she believes in making a positive impact beyond the traditional health care setting.
In addition to her clinical expertise, Conchita is actively engaged in ongoing learning and professional development to stay at the forefront of health care practices. She is excited about the opportunities ahead and looks forward to continuing her journey of making a meaningful difference in health care and the lives of those she serves.
Hema Mody, MBA
Director, Research Administration
Hema Mody joined the MultiCare Institute for Research & Innovation in 2023 as the director of research administration. In her role she provides oversight and support to research budgets, contracts, billing, invoicing, and regulatory teams.
She began her career in research more than 15years ago and has worked at various hospitals and academic institutions such as Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, Winship Cancer Institute (Emory University) and Northside Hospital. Through the years Mody has served in multiple leadership roles and has helped establish and grow research programs at these institutes. Mody holds a bachelor’s degree in engineering and a Master of Business Administration.
Research Oversight Committee
The Research Institute is also led by a multidisciplinary advisory board. The Research Oversight Committee includes members within various roles within MultiCare Health System as well as local participating physician groups. The Oversight Committee meets monthly to provide guidance and feedback on the Research Institute’s strategic priorities and future.