Staff
The People of Compass Research
Compass research is staffed by the best and brightest minds in the industry. We pride ourselves on the expertise and knowledge of our highly experienced staff. We have an extremely capable staff to pair with our unbeatable facilities.
Key People
Craig Curtis, MD, CPIFamily Medicine
Craig Curtis, MD, CPIFamily Medicine
Dr. Craig Curtis, MD, CPI is the medical director at Compass Research, a mult-specialty clinic dedicated to research and the understanding of disease. He completed his undergraduate degree at the State University of New York in 1992 while serving in the United States Navy. He earned his medical degree from Northeastern Ohio University College of Medicine in 1996. While in medical school he completed a research externship in cardiac physiology at the Cleveland Clinic in Cleveland, Ohio.
Upon graduation from medical school, Dr. Curtis began an internship in Family Medicine at Florida Hospital in Orlando, Florida. Upon completion he attended Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia where he participated in multiple oncology clinical trials. Dr Curtis then completed his residency in family medicine at St. Vincent’s Hospital Jacksonville, Florida. Dr. Curtis is a Florida licensed physician and Board Certified in Family Medicine by the American Board of Family Medicine.
He is a member of the Association of Clinical Research Professionals, Central Florida chapter. He is also a member of Drug Information Association, an organization dedicated to the discovery, development, evaluation and utilization of medicines./p>
Dr. Curtis is currently in practice at Compass Research located at 100 West Gore Street, Suite 202 in Orlando.
Certifications: American Board of Family Medicine, Academy of Pharmaceutical Physicians and Investigators
Sean StantonChief Executive Officer/Owner
Sean StantonChief Executive Officer/Owner
Prior to starting Compass Research with Dr. Curtis, Mr. Stanton was the co-founder of Clinical Neuroscience Solutions (CNS). He held nearly every position within CNS, most recently as Vice President/COO. Clinical Neuroscience Solutions was founded in 1996 and is a nationally recognized site management organization. During his tenure at Clinical Neuroscience Solutions he managed over 75 employees in 4 cities throughout the southeast.
Prior to CNS Healthcare he worked with the University of Cincinnati, Department of Clinical Research. This department created a clinical trials program in 1992, Mr. Stanton joined the team in 1993. During his tenure at the University of Cincinnati, Mr. Stanton served as a Clinical Trials Administrator from 1995-1996 in the Department of Psychiatry. From 1992-1995, Mr. Stanton held numerous pre-clinical and clinical research positions in neuroscience, an opportunity that allowed Mr. Stanton to learn and develop innovative techniques in the management and methodology of clinical research.
Mr. Stanton earned his Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Cincinnati, and is extensively published in the field of psychopharmacology and biological psychiatry.
Patty Ford, RN, CCRCChief Clinical Officer/Phase 1 Owner
Patty Ford, RN, CCRCChief Clinical Officer/Phase 1 Owner
Patty Ford, RN, CCRC joined the team at Compass Research as the Chief Clinical Officer/Partner. Most recently, Patty was the Clinical Manager for a 98-bed Phase I unit that included a 12-bed intensive treatment room. She managed a staff of approximately 50 employees, including clinical, laboratory, data and recruitment staff. She was directly involved in the successful completion of all protocols.
Since beginning her research career in 1991, Patty has worked on over 600 Phase I trials. These have included cardiac safety, food effect, single ascending dose, multiple ascending dose, bioavailability/bioequivalence trials, radiolabeled ADME studies, and several first-in-human trials.
Patty is proud of the sound relationships she has built with pharmaceutical sponsors, from small biotech companies to established corporations. She has worked with over 100 pharmaceutical sponsors.
Patty has been a licensed nurse since 1975. She began her career in research as a Clinical Research Coordinator, and progressed to Clinical Manager within 6 years. In 1997, she obtained her CCRC certification. She is passionate in providing the highest quality trial results and values the ethical principles and guidelines established to protect human subjects.
Bobby ThompsonDirector of Clinical Operations & Client Services
Bobby ThompsonDirector of Clinical Operations & Client Services
Bobby Thompson was among the first physician assistants trained in the United States, attending the Duke University Physician Assistant Program in 1971. Bobby remained at Duke as a faculty member in the Division of Nephrology until 1980 conducting numerous industry sponsored clinical studies. In 1980 Bobby accepted a position in the University of Florida’s Department of Medicine, Division of Nephrology where he stayed for 12 years again conducting numerous industry sponsored, as well as, NIH sponsored clinical studies before joining Besselaar and Associates as Operations Manager in phase I clinical trial activities.
After successfully constructing and running Besselaar’s Phase I unit, Bobby was asked to return to the University of Florida by the Dean of the College of Medicine to spearhead the development of an academic phase I unit. Mr Thompson was instrumental in the design and construction of the 48-bed unit and ensured that the unit operated according to industry models and principles; this encompassed hiring and training all professional research personnel including physicians, nurses, nurse practioners, pharmacists, laboratory technicians and medical assistants. After conducting over 100 early phase industry-sponsored clinical trials at the University of Florida Phase I unit, Bobby retired in January 2012.
Bobby joined Compass Research in Orlando Florida, March 2012 as Director of Clinical Operations & Client Services for their phase I clinical research program. Bobby continues his strong interest in early phase drug discovery with biotech and pharmaceutical companies.
Jeff Pohlig, MBAChief Operating Officer
Jeff Pohlig, MBAChief Operating Officer
As Chief Operating Officer, Mr. Pohlig works in all areas of Compass Research, helping to guide the company’s business operations and growth plans.
Prior to joining Compass Research, Mr. Pohlig was the co-owner of two businesses in the automotive collision repair industry, where he oversaw operations, marketing, and distribution. He has extensive experience in operating and growing privately-held companies, has worked as a consultant in numerous industries to advise company management, and has additional business experience in various positions within Disney and Citigroup.
Mr. Pohlig holds a Master of Business Administration degree and a Bachelor’s degree in economics from Rollins College.
Carlos Baez, MDDirector of Laboratory Services
Carlos Baez, MDDirector of Laboratory Services
Dr. Baez was born in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic where he grew up. He attended UNPHU University where he completed his Pre-Med Program and first year Medical Program. He then attended Universidad Autonoma De Santo Domingo, the first University of The Americas where he graduated in 1995 with his MD degree.
During his first years of private practice and Public Health Dr. Baez conducted and participated in numerous clinical and epidemiological research programs, most of them funded by WHO and government programs. In 1999, Mr. Baez joined the Gertrude H. Sergievsky Center at Columbia University and Columbia Presbyterian Hospital in New York where he was the Lead Research Physician in programs studying clinical, epidemiological and genetic factors for Alzheimer and other neurological disorders.
After moving to Orlando in 2005, Dr. Baez was the clinical night staff and lab supervisor of a 98 bed Phase 1 unit that included a 12 bed intensive treatment room. He joined Compass Research in 2010 as the Director of Laboratory Services. Dr. Baez has worked in over 300 hundred trials including many first in human trials.
Doctors
Craig Curtis, MD, CPIFamily Medicine
Craig Curtis, MD, CPIFamily Medicine
Dr. Craig Curtis, MD, CPI is the medical director at Compass Research, a mult-specialty clinic dedicated to research and the understanding of disease. He completed his undergraduate degree at the State University of New York in 1992 while serving in the United States Navy. He earned his medical degree from Northeastern Ohio University College of Medicine in 1996. While in medical school he completed a research externship in cardiac physiology at the Cleveland Clinic in Cleveland, Ohio.
Upon graduation from medical school, Dr. Curtis began an internship in Family Medicine at Florida Hospital in Orlando, Florida. Upon completion he attended Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia where he participated in multiple oncology clinical trials. Dr Curtis then completed his residency in family medicine at St. Vincent’s Hospital Jacksonville, Florida. Dr. Curtis is a Florida licensed physician and Board Certified in Family Medicine by the American Board of Family Medicine.
He is a member of the Association of Clinical Research Professionals, Central Florida chapter. He is also a member of Drug Information Association, an organization dedicated to the discovery, development, evaluation and utilization of medicines./p>
Dr. Curtis is currently in practice at Compass Research located at 100 West Gore Street, Suite 202 in Orlando.
Certifications: American Board of Family Medicine, Academy of Pharmaceutical Physicians and Investigators
Jim McDonough, MDPsychiatry
Jim McDonough, MDPsychiatry
Dr. James McDonough, MD is a full-time physician and principal investigator at Compass Research. He completed his undergraduate degree at the University of Central Florida in 1993, and his medical degree from St. George’s University School of Medicine. While in medical school, he participated in multiple research trials at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City.
Upon graduation from medical school, Dr. McDonough completed his residency in Psychiatry at the Medical College of Virginia in Richmond, Virginia. Dr. McDonough is a Florida licensed physician and is Board Certified in Psychiatry by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology.
He worked in a community mental health facility in Virginia before moving back to Orlando in 2004. He then became a Unit Director at South Seminole Hospital Behavioral Health, part of the Orlando Health system of hospitals. While there, he treated both inpatients and outpatients with a wide variety of psychiatric illnesses including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and Alzheimer’s disease. He joined Compass Research in July 2009.
Certifications: Board Certified ABPN Diplomat in Psychiatry
Eva Heurich, DOFamily Medicine
Eva Heurich, DOFamily Medicine
Dr.Eva-Maria Heurich was born in Detroit, Michigan and then moved to Binghamton,NY where she grew up.
She attended Binghamton University where she majored in Biochemistry and German and completed her premed education. She then attended NY College of Osteopathic Medicine in Old Westbury, Long Island, NY where she graduated in 1984 with her DO degree.
She did her osteopathic rotating internship at Baptist Medical Center in Brooklyn,NY. After that she completed her Family Medicine Residency at Downstate Medical Center, Kings County Hospital in Brooklyn, where she was Chief Resident in Family Medicine. Subsequently she completed additional training at Montefiore Medical Center and Albert Einstein in NY in Urban Family Medicine.
Her first job as an attending was at NY Medical College in Valhalla,NY where she was on the faculty and served on the Admissions Committee.
In 1995 , Dr. Heurich moved to Orlando, Florida with her family to work for Florida Hospital Orlando. She has retained her NY license as well. In Florida, she was on the faculty of the Florida Hospital Family Resdency Program and faculty of Nova Southeastern University College of Osteopathic Medicine. At Florida Hospital she also served as a Sub-investigator of Clinical Trials.
She currently serves on the Medical Education Committee of the Florida Academy of Family Physicians. In addition, she serves on the Board of Trustees of Florida Osteopathic Medical Association, District 3. She joined Compass Research as an Investigator in June 2009.
Certifications: American Board of Family Practice
Ira Goodman, MDNeurology
Ira Goodman, MDNeurology
Dr. Ira Goodman, MD, is an investigator at Compass Research and the Medical Director of The Compass Clinic, a private neurology practice. Conducting clinical research since 1995, Dr. Goodman is an integral part of the clinical trials of the past and future.
Dr. Goodman is a board certified neurologist specializing in Parkinson's Disease and memory disorders such as Dementia and Alzheimer's Disease. He is also Associate Professor of Neurology for the University of Central Florida, College of Medicine as well as Associate Clinical Professor of Neurology for the University of Florida, College of Medicine. Dr. Goodman was voted "Top Neurologist in Central Florida" for 12 consecutive years by readers of Orlando Magazine and he was named "Top Neurologist in the Country" by US World News & Report.
Certifications: American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology
Michael Dever, MDInternal Medicine
Michael Dever, MDInternal Medicine
Dr. Michael Dever, MD is Board Certified in Internal Medicine by the American Board of Internal Medicine and licensed by the state of Florida. He received his undergraduate degree from the University of Louisville, earned his medical degree from the University of Kentucky and completed his residency in Internal Medicine at Good Samaritan Hospital in Cincinnati, Ohio.
In 1986, Dr. Dever and his family moved to Orlando where he worked in the Internal Medicine Department of a large group medical practice. He retired from that practice to develop and serve as Medical Director of Shepherd's Hope, a faith-based organization of volunteers that exists to provide access to health care for the uninsured.
Dr. Dever is also certified in Insurance Medicine, trained in Tropical Disease Medicine and Parasitology, Hormone Pellet Therapy and Suboxone Therapy.
He and his wife of twenty-eight years enjoy serving together on medical mission trips and traveling to visit their two adult sons and their daughter-in-law.
Dr. Dever joined Compass Research in 2012.
Certifications: American Board of Internal Medicine, Board of Insurance Medicine, National Board of Medical Examiners
Judi Chalykoff, MDInternal Medicine
Judi Chalykoff, MDInternal Medicine
Dr Chalykoff was born in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
She completed her undergraduate and graduate degree in Medicine at the Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto. She then completed her postgraduate training in Family Medicine at the University of Toronto, Wellesley Hospital.
For the next thirteen years she worked for the Ontario Cancer Foundation and Princess Margaret Cancer Hospital, as a Clinical Associate, participating in Phase 2 and Phase 3 Clinical Trials in both Oncology and Radiation Oncology.
Through the Ontario Cancer Foundation she started a Palliative Care Program providing consultations in symptom management for both outpatient and inpatient cancer patients.
In 1988, Dr Chalykoff entered private practice in Family Medicine and continued to consult on cancer patients in hospital and in the community.
In 1997, she and her husband moved to Ann Arbor, Michigan when her husband was recruited to a Bariatric Surgery practice and she continued to practice Family Medicine.
They moved permanently to West Pam Beach, Florida in 2008 and to Orlando, Florida in 2011.
Dr Chalykoff joined Compass Research in April 2012 as a Sub Investigator.
Sejal Patel, MDPsychiatry
Sejal Patel, MDPsychiatry
Dr. Sejal S. Patel, MD is one of clinical subinvestigators at Compass Research. Dr. Patel completed her undergraduate education at the College of Charleston in Charleston, SC where she earned her medical degree from the University of South Carolina School of Medicine in 2001. While in medical school, Dr. Patel was commissioned as a medical officer in the US Army.
After graduating medical school, Dr. Patel served as an active duty Army Officer and completed her adult psychiatry residency training at The National Capital Consortium which include Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, DC and the National Navy Medical Center in Bethesda, MD. Upon completion of her adult psychiatry residency program in 2005, Dr. Patel stayed on board in Washington, DC as an attending psychiatrist in the training program. She was later stationed at Ft. Meade as the Officer in Charge at the Behavioral Health Clinic. Dr. Patel moved on to working at the Mental Health Clinic at Ft. Jackson, SC which is the largest Army Basic Training Site in US.
Dr. Patel was deployed to Baghdad, Iraq in 2008 during Operation Iraqi Freedom at Camp Victory as the Office in Charge at the Victory Base Mental Health Clinic. After 8 years of military service to the United States Military, Dr. Patel moved to Florida.
Dr. Patel is a Florida Licensed physician and is Board Certified in Psychiatry by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology.
Certifications: American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology
Neel Patel, MDCardiology
Neel Patel, MDCardiology
In 2006, Dr. Neel Patel received his fellowship in Cardiovascular Medicine from Georgetown University/ Washington Hospital Center, one of the premier cardiology fellowship programs in the United States. Dr. Patel is board certified in cardiovascular disease, echocardiography, transesophageal echocardiography and internal medicine. He was recently inducted as a Fellow in the American College of Cardiology in 2012 and holds clinical teaching positions at Florida State University and University of Central Florida College of Medicine. Dr. Patel was awarded one of America's Top Cardiologist's Award in 2009 and 2010 by an independent research council honoring his excellence in the field.
Dr. Patel's cardiovascular studies included advanced training in echocardiography, transesophageal echocardiography, vascular imaging, nuclear SPECT (cardiac stress test), adult congenital heart disease, invasive angiography, cardiac CT angiography and cardiac MRI.
Dr. Patel is one of the first formally trained fellows in cardiac coronary CT in the United States and is the founding associate member for the Society of Cardiovascular Computed Tomography. He has authored and coauthored many peer review medical abstracts and has served as a presenter at numerous national and international medical symposiums. Dr. Patel's interests include complex valvular heart disease, atrial fibrillation, congestive heart failure management, adult congenital disease, cardiac risk stratification and cardiovascular imaging.
Prior to opening his own practice in Central Florida, Dr. Patel started his career in South Carolina for three years and transitioned to Florida to be closer to his family. He enjoys traveling, exercising and spending time with his wife, Sejal Patel, MD and his two young children.
Certifications: Diplomat: Internal Medicine , Diplomat: Cardiovascular Medicine, Board Certified in Cardiovascular Disease, Board Certified in Internal Medicine, Board Certified in Echocardiography, Board Certified in Transesophageal Echocardiography, Fellow of the American College of Cardiology
Stephen Bravo, MDRadiology
Stephen Bravo, MDRadiology
Dr. Bravo is a former attending radiologist at Brigham and Women’s Hospital and former faculty member at Harvard Medical School and an expert in Neuroradiology, Musculoskeletal radiology, and interventional radiology. Dr. Bravo has authored numerous publications and abstracts in numerous subspecialties. Dr. Bravo has 19 years of Clinical Research Imaging experience.
Management Team
 Sean StantonChief Executive Officer/Owner |
 Patty Ford, RN, CCRCChief Clinical Officer/Phase 1 Owner |
 Jeff Pohlig, MBAChief Operating Officer |
 Bobby ThompsonDirector of Clinical Operations & Client Services |
 Orlan RommCompass East Owner & Site Director |
 Jim McDonough, MDPsychiatry |
 Matt BryantNorth Clinic Site Director |
 Jim Hoeckendorf, RNOutpatient Clinic Site Director |
 Carlos Baez, MDDirector of Laboratory Services |
 Kate Melbourne, CCRCDirector of Quality Assurance |
 Sue BartleyHuman Resources Manager |
 Eric Canut, CCRP Regulatory Manager |
 Dan MarshIT Systems & Contracts Manager |
 Stephanie ColinaOncology Clinical Operations Manager |
Clinical Team
Patty Ford, RN, CCRCChief Clinical Officer/Phase 1 Owner |
Jim Hoeckendorf, RNOutpatient Clinic Site Director |
Carlos Baez, MDDirector of Laboratory Services |
 Tom FerreyClinical Research Coordinator |
 Anthony PiloneoClinical Research Coordinator |
 Nadia SarranClinical Research Coordinator |
 Terri Houser, RMA, CCRCClinical Research Coordinator |
 Victoria MarshClinical Research Coordinator |
 Marlenie MoodieClinical Research Coordinator |
 Tim SchubertClinical Research Coordinator |
 Tanya MullisClinical Research Coordinator |
 LeiAn Gainey, CCRCClinical Research Coordinator |
 Clara Trammo, RNClinical Research Coordinator |
 Marianne RipleyClinical Research Coordinator |
 Denise Davila, CCRCClinical Research Coordinator |
 Robert TerwillegerClinical Operations Coordinator |
 Colleen Mele, RNClinical Research Coordinator |
 Sachelis Santiago, MAClinical Research Coordinator |
 Scott PalmeseClinical Operations Coordinator |
 Billy Fortson, CCRCLead Clinical Research Coordinator |
 Diane SteinbergClinical Research Coordinator |
 Kim GrayClinical Research Coordinator |
 Lindsey TrappClinical Research Coordinator |
 Sharon Foust, CCRCClinical Research Coordinator |
 Brad Hardcastle, CCRCClinical Research Coordinator |
 Jennifer Kmetz, MAPsychometric Rater |
 Michele RossiLaboratory Coordinator |
 Christine Gonyea, RNPharmacy Manager |
 Katy Smith, MAPsychometric Rater |
 Michael Maddock, MAPsychometric Rater |
 Hayley Molin, MAPatient Recruitment Specialist |
 Prity Patel, RNCommunity Outreach Coordinator |
Administration Team
Sean StantonChief Executive Officer/Owner |
Jeff Pohlig, MBAChief Operating Officer |
Orlan RommCompass East Owner & Site Director |
Bobby ThompsonDirector of Clinical Operations & Client Services |
Jim Hoeckendorf, RNOutpatient Clinic Site Director |
Matt BryantNorth Clinic Site Director |
Kate Melbourne, CCRCDirector of Quality Assurance |
 Heather WoodmanAssistant Site Director |
Eric Canut, CCRP Regulatory Manager |
Dan MarshIT Systems & Contracts Manager |
Sue BartleyHuman Resources Manager |
Stephanie ColinaOncology Clinical Operations Manager |
 Jamie PetitoAdministrative Assistant to Craig Curtis, MD |
 Rebecca Martin, BSN, RNQC Manager |
 Devin KennedyLead Patient Recruitment Coordinator |
 Matt Bubalo, MATriage Coordinator |
 Jason GonyeaPatient Recruitment Coordinator |
Hayley Molin, MAPatient Recruitment Specialist |
 Donna Flowers, CCRPRegulatory Specialist |
 Linda Hoshstrasser, LPN, CRARegulatory Specialist |
 Curtiss FryStudy Startup Specialist |
 Susan WeinerOffice Coordinator |
 Linda Vaughn Office Specialist |
 Linda ColonLead EDC Specialist |
 Melissa CheSource Document Specialist |
 Jessica SlettenSource Document Specialist |
 Ashley NevaderMarketing Assistant |
 Rachel RuizData Specialist |
 Taviah ThomasQA Coordinator |
 Sherry BeierschmittQA Assistant |
 Lesia HiseAccountant |
 Autumn CipriFinance Coordinator |
 William BruceFinance Coordinator |
 Christine LopezFinance Coordinator |
 Christina RosarioSource Document Specialist |
