Phase I clinical trials are research studies that test how well new medical approaches work in people, and are usually the initial testing of a new treatment.

At Winship, Phase I clinical trials are critical to advancing cancer care. These studies validate the best way to administer a new treatment and the best dose.
Each study answers scientific questions focused on finding better methods to prevent, screen, diagnose or treat cancer.
Our Phase I Unit at Winship enrolls patients into clinical trials for a variety of different cancer types. Learn about eligibility by searching trials now available.
About our facility and program
Located on the fourth floor of the Emory University Hospital Tower, our facility was recently expanded in 2018 and tripled the size of our old unit, originally opened in 2009.
The current unit is designed to be both patient-focused and able to support the painstaking demands of rigorous clinical research. It features 15 private treatment bays, four clinic rooms, plus many key support resources, including a dedicated lab for processing patient blood work, a dedicated secure medication room and a "fast track" bay with three chairs for rapid use by patients who might only require a short visit such as a research lab draw. The design of the space was guided by a multi-disciplinary team of patients, nurses, physicians, and research staff.
The Phase I Unit is a resource for the entire state and represents a strengthening of our commitment to patients throughout Georgia by developing options for advanced treatment.

Since 2009, we have annually enrolled 200+ patients on our trials, and we reflect the population we serve. Our program offers trials throughout a variety of cancer types, with representation from each specific group. As examples, 20% or more of patients enrolled are African-American, and 30% have multiple myeloma.
Our goals are to open trials quickly to offer novel treatments to patients, advance the science and technology developed at Emory, and conduct trials in a safe, welcoming environment.
Clinical Trials at Winship
At Winship, our patients have access to clinical trials for virtually every cancer type. In 2020, we enrolled more than 900 patients in over 300 clinical trials.
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R. Donald Harvey PharmD, BCOP, FCCP, FHOPA
- Oncology Pharmacist

R. Donald Harvey PharmD, BCOP, FCCP, FHOPA
- At Winship Cancer Institute, Dr. Harvey serves as director of the Phase I Clinical Trials Unit, and as medical director of the Clinical Trials Office.
- Director, Phase I Clinical Trials Program, Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University
- rdharve@emory.edu
- (404) 778-4381
Mehmet Akce MD
- Medical Oncologist

Mehmet Akce MD
- Dr. Akce specializes in the treatment of patients with gastrointestinal malignancies.
- Assistant Professor, Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine
- winship.referrals@emoryhealthcare.org
- (404) 778-0032
Olatunji B. Alese MD
- Medical Oncologist

Olatunji B. Alese MD
- Dr. Alese specializes in the treatment of gastrointestinal cancers, particularly colorectal cancer.
- Assistant Professor, Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine
- winship.referrals@emoryhealthcare.org
- (404) 778-0032
Tiffany Barrett MS, RD, CSO, LD
- Nutrition Advisor

Tiffany Barrett MS, RD, CSO, LD
- Ms. Barrett leads the nutritional services team at all Winship locations providing personalized nutrition advice to patients who are undergoing cancer treatment.
- Manager of Winship Dietitians, Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University
- tiffany.barrett@emoryhealthcare.org
- (404) 778-5646
Manali Bhave MD
- Medical Oncologist

Manali Bhave MD
- Dr. Bhave is passionate about women’s health and is a board certified medical oncologist specializing in the treatment of patients with breast cancer.
- Assistant Professor, Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine
- winship.referrals@emoryhealthcare.org
- (404) 778-1900
Mehmet Asim Bilen MD
- Medical Oncologist

Mehmet Asim Bilen MD
- Dr. Bilen is actively involved in clinical research and patient care in the area of genitourinary cancers.
- Director, Genitourinary Medical Oncology Program, Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University
- winship.referrals@emoryhealthcare.org
- (404) 778-1900
Stephanie Boyea MS, RD, CSO, LD
- Nutrition Advisor

Stephanie Boyea MS, RD, CSO, LD
- A Registered Dietitian, Ms. Boyea provides blood cancer patients who are undergoing treatment at Winship with personalized nutrition advice.
- Registered Dietitian, Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University
- stephanie.boyea@emoryhealthcare.org
- (404) 778-7991
Jennifer W. Carlisle MD
- Medical Oncologist

Jennifer W. Carlisle MD
- A medical oncologist, Dr. Carlisle specializes in the care of patients with lung cancer, mesothelioma, and thymic malignancies.
- Assistant Professor, Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine
- winship.referrals@emoryhealthcare.org
- (404) 778-1900
Bradley C. Carthon MD, PhD
- Medical Oncologist

Bradley C. Carthon MD, PhD
- As part of the genitourinary oncology team, Dr. Carthon treats patients with prostate, bladder, and renal cancers and other genitourinary malignancies.
- Associate Professor, Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine
- winship.referrals@emoryhealthcare.org
- (404) 778-1900
Jonathon B. Cohen MD, MS
- Hematologist

Jonathon B. Cohen MD, MS
- Dr. Cohen's clinical focus is on the treatment of Hodgkin and non-Hodgkin lymphoma, where he manages both newly diagnosed patients as well as those requiring stem cell transplantation and treatment for relapsed disease.
- Co-Director, Lymphoma Program, Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University
- winship.referrals@emoryhealthcare.org
- (404) 778-0519
Hannah H. Collins NP
- Nurse Practitioner

Hannah H. Collins NP
- Ms. Collins is a Nurse Practitioner for the Phase I Clinical Trial Unit at Winship Cancer Institute.
- Phase I Clinical Trials Nurse Practitioner, Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University
- winship.referrals@emoryhealthcare.org
- (404) 778-1900
Maria Diab MD
- Medical Oncologist

Maria Diab MD
- Dr. Diab is a medical oncologist specializing in the treatment of patients with pancreatic cancer and other gastrointestinal malignancies.
- Assistant Professor, Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine
- winship.referrals@emoryhealthcare.org
- (404) 778-0032
Badi El Osta MD
- Medical Oncologist

Badi El Osta MD
- Dr. El Osta's clinical expertise includes head and neck, and thoracic medical oncology and early phase clinical trials.
- Assistant Professor, Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine
- winship.referrals@emoryhealthcare.org
- (404) 778-1900
Bassel El-Rayes MD
- Medical Oncologist

Bassel El-Rayes MD
- Dr. El-Rayes is the chief clinical research scientist responsible for coordinating and providing high-level direction to the clinical cancer research programs and clinical cancer trials across the Emory campuses.
- Associate Director for Clinical Research, Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University
- winship.referrals@emoryhealthcare.org
- (404) 778-0032
Vikas A. Gupta MD, PhD
- Hematologist

Vikas A. Gupta MD, PhD
- Dr. Gupta's clinical specialties include bone marrow transplantation and multiple myeloma.
- Instructor, Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine
- winship.referrals@emoryhealthcare.org
- (404) 778-0519
Elise Hitron MSN, FNP-C
- Nurse Practitioner

Elise Hitron MSN, FNP-C
- Ms. Hitron is a Nurse Practitioner in the Phase I Clinical Trial Unit at Winship Cancer Institute.
- Phase I Clinical Trials Nurse Practitioner, Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University
- winship.referrals@emoryhealthcare.org
- (404) 778-1900
Craig C. Hofmeister MD, MPH
- Hematologist

Craig C. Hofmeister MD, MPH
- Dr. Hofmeister's practice focuses on plasma cell cancers, including plasmacytomas, multiple myeloma, AL amyloidosis, smoldering myeloma, and monoclonal gammopathies of renal significance.
- Associate Professor, Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine
- winship.referrals@emoryhealthcare.org
- (404) 778-0519
Jonathan L. Kaufman MD
- Hematologist

Jonathan L. Kaufman MD
- Dr. Kaufman's practice includes treating multiple myeloma and amyloidosis patients at Emory University Hospital.
- Interim Director, Division of Hematology, Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine
- winship.referrals@emoryhealthcare.org
- (404) 778-0519
Ragini Kudchadkar MD
- Medical Oncologist

Ragini Kudchadkar MD
- Dr. Kudchadkar specializes in the treatment of metastatic melanoma, basal cell carcinoma and other cutaneous malignancies.
- Associate Professor, Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine
- winship.referrals@emoryhealthcare.org
- (404) 778-0680
David H. Lawson MD
- Medical Oncologist

David H. Lawson MD
- Dr. Lawson's leads a program that incorporates the best of basic and clinical science with the goal of improving the care of patients with melanoma.
- Professor, Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine
- winship.referrals@emoryhealthcare.org
- (404) 778-0680
Colleen Lewis NP
- Nurse Practitioner

Colleen Lewis NP
- Ms. Lewis is Director of Clinical Operations for the Phase I Clinical Trials Program at Winship Cancer Institute.
- Director of Clinical Operations, Phase I Clinical Trials Program, Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University
- winship.referrals@emoryhealthcare.org
- (404) 778-1900
Sagar Lonial MD, FACP
- Hematologist

Sagar Lonial MD, FACP
- Internationally recognized as a leading authority in multiple myeloma treatment and research, Dr. Lonial collaborates with leadership as Chief Medical Officer to coordinate and enhance clinical services and patient care throughout Winship.
- Chief Medical Officer, Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University
- winship.referrals@emoryhealthcare.org
- (404) 778-0519
Bassel Nazha MD, MPH
- Medical Oncologist

Bassel Nazha MD, MPH
- Dr. Nazha specializes in the treatment of genitourinary cancers.
- Assistant Professor, Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine
- winship.referrals@emoryhealthcare.org
- (404) 778-1900
Ajay K. Nooka MD, MPH, FACP
- Hematologist

Ajay K. Nooka MD, MPH, FACP
- As part of the hematology care team at Winship, Dr. Nooka specializes in the treatment of patients with multiple myeloma.
- Medical Director, Winship Data and Technology Applications Shared Resource, Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University
- winship.referrals@emoryhealthcare.org
- (404) 778-0519
Taofeek Owonikoko MD, PhD, MSCR
- Medical Oncologist

Taofeek Owonikoko MD, PhD, MSCR
- Dr. Owonikoko's clinical specialties include lung cancer, thyroid cancer and other cancers of the aerodigestive tract.
- Co-Leader, Discovery & Developmental Therapeutics Program, Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University
- winship.referrals@emoryhealthcare.org
- (404) 778-1900
Suresh S. Ramalingam MD, FASCO
- Medical Oncologist

Suresh S. Ramalingam MD, FASCO
- As Deputy Director, Dr. Ramalingam leads the integration of the research, clinical, and educational components within Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University.
- Deputy Director, Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University
- winship.referrals@emoryhealthcare.org
- (404) 778-1900
Walid L. Shaib MD
- Medical Oncologist

Walid L. Shaib MD
- Dr. Shaib is a part of the medical oncology team and specializes in gastrointestinal malignancies.
- Associate Professor, Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine
- winship.referrals@emoryhealthcare.org
- (404) 778-0032
Conor E. Steuer MD
- Medical Oncologist

Conor E. Steuer MD
- Dr. Steuer's clinical specialties include thoracic and head and neck oncology.
- Assistant Professor, Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine
- winship.referrals@emoryhealthcare.org
- (404) 778-0278
Christina Wu MD
- Medical Oncologist

Christina Wu MD
- Dr. Wu is a board certified medical oncologist specializing in the treatment of patients with colorectal cancer and other gastrointestinal malignancies.
- Associate Professor, Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine
- winship.referrals@emoryhealthcare.org
- (404) 778-0032
Melinda L. Yushak MD, MPH
- Medical Oncologist

Melinda L. Yushak MD, MPH
- Dr. Yushak's clinical focus is in treating sarcoma and melanoma patients.
- Assistant Professor, Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine
- winship.referrals@emoryhealthcare.org
- (404) 778-0680