The West Virginia Clinical and Translational Science Institute (WVCTSI) has named Umer Najib, MD, FAAN, FAHS, associate professor in the West Virginia University School of Medicine Department of Neurology and Tony Realini, MD, MPH, associate professor in the WVU School of Medicine Department of Ophthalmology, as the new co-directors of its Clinical Research Resources and Facilities (CRRF) Core.
Dr. Najib currently serves as the director of clinical research at the WVU Department of Neurology, as well as vice chair of clinical operations in Neurology. Since 2022, Dr. Najib has held the position of vice president at the West Virginia State Neurological Society.
Dr. Realini serves as the vice chair for clinical research in the WVU Department of Ophthalmology. In 2012, Dr. Realini received the American Academy of Ophthalmology Achievement Award and has remained a fellow of the Academy since 2000. Dr. Realini has been with WVU for 25 years.
“Dr. Najib and Dr. Realini are outstanding additions to the WVCTSI team," said Dr. Sally Hodder, WVCTSI director, associate vice president for clinical and translational science and Preeminent Scholar Chair at West Virginia University. “Their expertise and insight will allow us to continue bringing innovative and novel clinical research to communities all across West Virginia.”
Najib and Realini succeed Dr. Judith Feinberg, who served as the CRRF core director since 2017. They will work with Shelley Welch, RN, MSHS, CCRC who is senior director of the Clinical Trials Center of Excellence.
WVCTSI’s CRRF Core provides WVCTSI members with comprehensive resources, training, and support to enhance the design, implementation, and management of clinical research studies. These services facilitate regulatory compliance, operational efficiency, and the development of a highly skilled research workforce.
“I am honored to serve as co-director of the CRRF Core at WVCTSI,” Dr. Najib said. “This role is an exciting opportunity to support the important work already underway in the CRRF Core. I hope to help strengthen and expand the research infrastructure across West Virginia and improve the health of our communities.”
“I’m very excited to join the WVCTSI team,” Dr. Realini said. “As an active clinician-scientist at WVU Medicine, I look forward to supporting an organization that is committed to improving the health of West Virginians through high-quality science.”
One of Najib and Realini’s first official duties as core directors will be moderating the WVCTSI’s symposium at the WVU Van Liere and West Virginia IDeA Research Conference on Friday, October 17. The 3:00 p.m. session will feature clinical studies conducted by WVCTSI investigators in rural populations.