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Aspirus St. Lukes - MN – Whiteside Institute for Clinical Research

The Whiteside Institute for Clinical Research is the department that conducts clinical research at Aspirus St. Luke's Hospital. The Whiteside Institute for Clinical Research was created from a generous trust gifted by Miss Muriel Whiteside. Since its inception in 1996, the Whiteside Institute for Clinical Research has been a joint effort between Aspirus St. Luke's and the University of Minnesota Medical School, Duluth Campus to support patient-oriented clinical research with special emphasis in the areas of cancer, lung disease and heart disease. 

Objectives of Whiteside Trust  

  • To promote and participate in clinical research using new technologies and treatments in order to learn more about normal and abnormal body function and the cause, progression, prevention, treatment and control of human disease.  
  • To encourage collaboration of basic and clinical investigators in the region.  
  • To assist health care professionals interested in research participation.  

There are thousands of clinical trials being conducted at major medical centers throughout the country. It is unusual for a health system of a smaller size, such as Aspirus St. Luke’s, to have as robust a clinical trial program as we do. The Whiteside Institute for Clinical Research makes it possible for Aspirus St. Luke's to conduct Phase II, III and IV clinical trials and to assist with student and investigator-initiated studies.  

Principal investigators participating in clinical research have experience in a broad range of medical and surgical subspecialties, including acute and chronic diseases, and benign and malignant conditions. If your physician thinks there may be a clinical trial opportunity available for you to consider, it will be offered to you. Aspirus St. Luke’s has a large patient base to support, and our experienced research staff conducts all studies, taking advantage of the many available resources. 

Institutional Resources

  • Clinicians/investigators and interested patients from Aspirus St. Luke's Hospital, primary care clinics and specialty care clinics  
  • Aspirus St. Luke’s Hospital Laboratory 
  • Aspirus Reference Laboratory  
  • Investigational pharmacy  
  • Workspace for study monitors and exam rooms for patient visits within our department 

Individuals conducting research at Aspirus St. Luke’s must comply with all applicable state and federal laws and regulations, including those related to conflict of interest and objectivity in research.