Monthly News & Updates

September 2024 Issue

2024 Research Community Meeting Schedule

Visit our Website

Please visit the HRPP Website to watch the September 18, 2024 Research Community Meeting and past meetings.



The next Research Community Meeting will be held on Wednesday, October 16, 2024, from 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM ET.

Poll Question

The contents of a Protocol should generally contain:
Trial objectives and purpose
Data handling and record keeping
Assessment of efficacy
All of the above

Charging Grants: Do's and Don'ts

Dr. Peter Friedmann, Chief Research Officer and Associate Dean for Research at Baystate, presented on the allowable costs and cost principles in grant management at our recent Research Community Meeting.


Link to the Recorded Presentation

PowerPoint Presentation

REDCap Tufts vs. Other REDCap

It has recently come to the attention of the IRB office that there may be a misunderstanding regarding REDCap and what would require additional Information Security Office (ISO) review. REDCap Tufts is the local Baystate REDCap database and does not require additional review if it will be utilized to store study data. If a study will be using any other database, including other REDCap databases, for data storage then it must undergo ISO review before IRB approval can be given. This is to ensure the database is secure and complies with Baystate Policy.



Remember, not all REDCaps are created equal.

Link to Full Article

Clinical Trial Directory Form

Have your trial listed on the Office of Research website. The Office of Research website has a page dedicated to clinical trials information for patients and families. Increase your enrollment by listing your trial here.


Link to Form

The Innovator: Summer 2024

Featured stories in this issue:

  • Putting Research on Sound Footing
  • Finding Enjoyment through IRB Service: Meet the Members of the Baystate IRB
  • Office of Research says Goodbye 
  • And much more...

Link to The Innovator

Baystate Women in Medicine and Science

Congratulations!


The BWIMS Impact Award honors women faculty and medical staff members who have demonstrated excellence in institutional service, health care delivery, education, and/or research.

Congratulations to this years recipients, Dr. Raquel Belforti and Dr. Elizabeth Eagleson.

Link to BWIMS

Faculty Spotlight on Carolyn G. Garcia, MD

Dr. Garcia was recently awarded a two-year National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) Diversity Supplement Grant totaling $411,165.


The purpose of the grant is to recruit individuals who are underrepresented in health sciences to careers in research by providing salary support for research career development and investigative work.


Link to Full Article

Dr. Tashanna Myers Shares How She Orchestrates Access in Her Role


Read how Baystate Health team member Tashanna Myers MD, FACOG, FACS, vice chair, Academic Affairs, Department of OB/GYN and Division Chief, Gynecologic Oncology is making a positive impact on access to care.


Link to Article

REMINDER: Use ServiceNow for EQA Requests

The HRPP Education and Quality Assurance Program (EQA) has instituted a ServiceNow catalog to request help with training, MCSR, eConsents, expanded access, CIS Alerts and much more. All EQA requests must go through Service Now.

Sitero Webinar: Empowering Participants: Understanding the Role of the IRB

Register for an in-depth examination of the vital role Institutional Review Boards (IRBs) play in protecting research participants. This webinar will delve into the essential components of ethical review, informed consent, and continuing oversight, providing a comprehensive understanding of the IRB’s responsibilities.


Link to Register

CITI Program: On Research Podcast

Quality Improvement vs. Research: What's the Difference?


This episode discusses the difference between QI and Research, and how researchers and IRBs determine the difference between the two.


Podcast Link

MRCT: Health Literacy Month Webinar Series

October 10, 2024, 12:00PM - 1:00PM ET


Impactful Informed Consent Processes that Empower Participants Register Here



Future webinars on October 17, 2024 and October 22, 2024

Recipe of the Month

Quick Pantry Clam Chowder


For an uncomplicated clam chowder recipe that was not too thin and watery or too thick and floury, canned clams are used. Thickening with flour is the way to go; it also helped to stabilize the chowder, which can easily separate and curdle without it.

Link to Recipe

Fall Puns

  • Pumpkin spice, spice, baby.
  • What month does every tree dread? Sept-timmmberrr!
  • It feels like scarecrows are stalking us.
  • My favorite fall outfit is a har-vest.
  • You autumn know...
  • I like you a latte.

Become an IRB Member

Voluntary service as an IRB member is a great opportunity to help improve the research enterprise at Baystate, deepen personal knowledge on human research, and may create future professional opportunities. If you or someone you know would like to learn more about becoming an IRB member at Baystate, please email

irbprotocolsubmissions@baystatehealth.org.


Email Michael Boland at michael.boland@baystatehealth.org if you have something that you would like included in a future newsletter.