The science of care – celebrating clinical trials research
05/20/2025
Running a clinical trial is no small feat! But every study is one step closer to a scientific discovery that can change the future of health care.
Clinical trials test new treatments, therapies, and interventions to determine if they are safe and effective for patients before they can be used widely. Research teams at Bruyère Health Research Institute have been running trials on new and novel treatments, such as new medications to slow the progression of Alzheimer’s disease or using brain stimulation for post-stroke rehabilitation or to relieve existential distress in palliative care patients.
“It has been incredibly rewarding to contribute to research that will directly impact people’s lives—offering hope, helping them to stay independent longer, and giving them more time with the people they care about,” said Marie McNamara-Kilian, Clinical Trials Manager at Bruyère Health Research Institute.
With over 25 years of experience working in clinical settings, industry, and research, McNamara-Kilian has seen trials from start to finish, spanning research in Alzheimer's disease, fertility, nutrition, dermatology, palliative care, and more.
She talks about how she has been fortunate to have been a part of three groundbreaking clinical trials assessing donanemab, a drug for patients with early-stage Alzheimer’s disease. This year she’s getting ready for several clinical trials investigating other new drugs for treating Alzheimer’s.
“Each trial presents new challenges and new opportunities,” said McNamara-Kilian, who is trained as both a Registered Nurse and Certified Clinical Research Professional. “But at the centre of it all is a compassionate approach to care and prioritizing the needs and well-being of study participants.”
To read more about recent trials and feasibility studies at Bruyère Health Research Institute, check out how: