Who We Are

Hessam Aazami, MD

Licensed in the State of California

Dr. Hessam Aazami is a highly experienced investigator and medical doctor licensed in the state of California. With 30+ years of experience as clinical research investigator, Dr. Aazami has an extensive history of vaccine and immunology trials, including COVID-19, Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), influenza, and more. Empowered by a robust database and an ability to meet aggressive enrollment timelines, Dr. Aazami is routinely requested by sponsors and CROs for his outstanding performance on past clinical trials. 

Dr. Hessam Aazami is a highly experienced medical doctor and clinical research investigator licensed in California. With 30+ years of expertise in conducting and leading pivotal studies, Dr. Aazami has successfully executed clinical trials across a wide range of key metabolic indications, including Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus, dyslipidemia, hypertriglyceridemia, Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis (NASH), Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatohepatitis (MASH), Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD), Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD), and Compensated Cirrhosis. Dr. Aazami’s extensive background in clinical research, coupled with his deep understanding of complex metabolic conditions, makes him an invaluable asset to advancing the field and ensuring the success of the studies he leads.

Family practice physician affiliated with Santa Monica UCLA Medical Center. Graduated from Universita Degli Studi Di Bologna, Facolta De Medicina E Chirurgia.

Omer Abdullah, MD

Internal Medicine physician with 30 years of experience in clinical practice and clinical research. Graduate of Khyber Medical College in Pakistan. After finishing his Internal Medicine Residency at North Shore University Hospital in New York, he has practiced General Internal Medicine in small rural county clinic setting, large VA medical center in urban setting and private practice in suburban location. He has also held teaching faculty appointments at Southern Illinois University and Virginia Commonwealth University.

Duane Anderson, MD

Licensed in the States of California, Nevada, & Virginia

Dr. Duane Anderson is a seasoned research investigator with considerable experience executing large vaccine clinical trials. Conducting 100+ studies since 2016, Dr. Anderson has an exceptional ability to access underrepresented and traditionally hard-to-reach patients, such as the Indigenous community. As a former Chief of the Wolf Creek Cherokee Tribe in Virginia, Dr. Anderson understands the distrust and neglect that these communities that have historically experienced in healthcare and clinical trials – and remains dedicated to enhancing health accessibility to underserved communities.

Specialist in obstetrics and gynecology and integrative medicine dedicated to improving human health through research and by combining innovative techniques with deep medical insight. Graduate of the Loma Linda University School of Medicine. Dr. Anderson has also served as Alliance Clinical Network’s Chief Medical Officer since May 2023.

Leon Barkodar, MD, QME

Licensed in the State of California

Dr. Leon Barkodar is a licensed neurologist; double board certified in neurology and brain injury medicine by the American Board of Neurology. With 20 years of clinical research experience, Dr. Barkodar has treated a variety of conditions such as Alzheimer’s Disease, Parkinson’s disease, dementia, agitation, headaches, stroke, tremors, migraines, and neuropathic pain. In addition to his solid clinical knowledge, Dr. Barkodar is a compassionate practitioner – expressing empathy and understanding towards patients facing challenging neurological conditions.

Double board-certified in neurology and brain injury medicine. Affiliated with West Hills Hospital. Graduate of Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University. Neurology residency at University of California.

Cathy Barnes, MD

Board-certified Family Medicine physician in practice for over 35 years. Graduated from the University of South Florida. She has served as principal investigator on more than 50 trials across multiple therapeutic areas, including Alzheimer’s Disease, weight loss, diabetes, migraines, hypertriglyceridemia, and more.

Patrick Connors, MD

Internal Medicine physician practicing medicine for over 30 years. Received his medical degree from Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine and completed his residency training at Strong Memorial Hospital. Speaks both English and Spanish, helping to effectively communicate with Hispanic/ Latino patient populations.

Matthew Davis, MD

Family Medicine physician and Principal Investigator for over 27 years, participating in more than 1,000 clinical research studies. Graduated from Dartmouth College, received his MD from the University of Rochester, and is a member of the American Academy of Family Physicians and the Monroe County Medical Society.

Kristen Dopf, MHS, PA-C

Nationally board-certified Physician Assistant licensed in Pennsylvania and Delaware. Over nine years of clinical experience with more than 20 years in the healthcare field. Graduate of Drexel Hahnemann University where she also earned a master’s degree in health science.

Sahar Douek, MD

Licensed in the State of California

Dr. Sahar Douek is a licensed psychiatrist; board certified in psychiatry by the American Board of Psychiatry & Neurology. Dr. Douek has experience in treating anxiety disorders, depressive disorders, mood disorders, psychotic disorders, trauma-related conditions such as PTSD, personality disorders, substance abuse disorders, irritability and anger problems, and neurodevelopmental disorders including intellectual disabilities, autism, learning disorders, and ADHD. In addition to deep experience across a broad range of psychiatric indications, Dr. Douek maintains an unrelenting commitment to provide the highest quality of care for her patients.

Board-certified in General Psychiatry and Child & Adolescent Psychiatry. Affiliated with West Hills Hospital. Graduate of Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences at University of Buffalo. General Psychiatry residency at University of California, Los Angeles. Child & Adolescent Psychiatry at the University of Southern California, Los Angeles.

Bachar Elsaadi, MD

Family medicine doctor affiliated with medical facilities Ascension Providence Hospital and Titus Regional Medical Center. Graduated from St. George’s University School of Medicine. 

Shervin Eshraghi, MD

Licensed in the States of California, Florida, & North Carolina

Dr. Shervin Eshraghi is a licensed neurologist; board certified in neurology and clinical neuropsychology by the American Board of Psychiatry & Neurology. Dr. Eshraghi brings over 25 years of clinical expertise, treating neurological disorders and diseases such as headaches (including migraines), dementia, Alzheimer’s Disease, tremors, epilepsy, and more. With extensive experience in medical research, involving both bench work and clinical trials, Dr. Eshraghi believes that shared decision-making between physician and patient is crucial to supporting a patient-centered treatment approach.

Board-certified in Neurology and Clinical Neurophysiology. Affiliated with West Hills Hospital. Graduate of SABA University School of Medicine. Neurology residency at the Medical College of Wisconsin. Clinical Neurophysiology Fellowship at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center.

Clifford Feldman, MD

Board-certified in psychiatry. Affiliated with USC Verdugo Hills Hospital, Las Encinitas Hospital, and Huntington Hospital. Graduate of Chicago Medical School. Psychiatry residency at Bellevue Medical Center, New York University.

Pedram Ghasri, MD, FAAD

Licensed in the State of California

Dr. Pedram Ghasri is a licensed dermatologist in the state of California. With extensive expertise across medical, surgical, and cosmetic dermatology, Dr. Ghasri has treated a variety of dermatologic indications such as rosacea, acne, eczema, topicals, skin barriers, alopecia, psoriatic arthritis, and skin hydration. In addition to his comprehensive medical expertise, Dr. Ghasri is also experienced in many cosmetic procedures, including injectable fillers, Botox, lasers, chemical peels, and sclerotherapy.

Board certified dermatologist with expertise in medical, surgical, and cosmetic dermatology. Completed medical school and his dermatology residency at the University of California, Irvine.

Gary Goldstein, MD

Board-certified in Internal Medicine, Pediatrics, and Geriatrics. Brings over 20 years of extensive medical and clinical research expertise. Graduate of Hahnemann University School of Medicine. Completed his Internal Medicine & Pediatrics residency at Vanderbilt University.

Samer Haddad, MD

Board-certified physician and experienced Principal Investigator. Specialized in Internal Medicine, Dr. Haddad brings over a decade of diverse therapeutic expertise, closely aligning with the organization’s key areas of focus, including gastroenterology, pain, pulmonary, rheumatology, and vaccines. Dr. Haddad also brings several years of varied clinical research experience working for sponsors, CROs, and site networks.

Shivkumar Hatti, MD

Board-certified General Adult Psychiatrist in practice for over four decades. Graduate of Seth G.S. Medical College in Mumbai and an Assistant Clinical Professor at Thomas Jefferson University. Recognized leader in psychiatric research, leading over 250 clinical trials. Held prominent positions such as President of the National Indo-American Psychiatric Association (IAPA) and the American Association of Psychiatric Administrators (AAPA).

Soheil Hekmat, MD

Internal Medicine specialist with nearly 5 decades of experience. Graduate of University of the State of Mexico.

Pejman Kharazi, MD

Primary care physician, internist, and hospitalist with specialized training in advanced cardiovascular life support and pediatric life support. Long-standing focus on research. Affiliated with St. Mary’s Regional Center. Graduate of St. Matthew’s University School of Medicine.

Naghmeh Khodai, MD

Obstetrician gynecologist affiliated with UCLA West Valley Medical Centers. Graduated from the Boston University School of Medicine.

Faiz Mirza, MD

Gastroenterologist affiliated with Texas Health Harris Methodist Hospital Hurst-Euless-Bedford. Graduated from McGaw Medical Center of Northwestern University.

Robby Ann Quintos, MD

Licensed in the State of Nevada

Dr. Robby Ann Quintos is a licensed physician with 30+ years of experience in the clinical management and research of metabolic and obesity-related conditions. Her expertise spans a wide range of indications, including Non-Cirrhotic Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis (NASH), Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatohepatitis (MASH), Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD), Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD), Compensated Cirrhosis, Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus, and obesity. Throughout her career, Dr. Quintos has developed a deep understanding of these complex conditions, and her extensive clinical research experience allows her to bring a unique level of insight and care to her patients and clinical studies. 

Longstanding specialist in metabolic and obesity-related conditions, with expertise spanning a wide range of conditions. Graduate of Velez College and the Cebu Institute of Medicine in the Philippines, with additional certification from the American Board of Internal Medicine, the National Board of Physicians d Surgeons, and the Mayo Clinic.

Leigh Schirmer, DMSc, PA-C

Earned a Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies from Philadelphia University. Brings extensive clinical experience in cardiothoracic surgery, critical care, and cardiology. Holds a Doctorate of Medical Science in Advanced Professional Practice from the University of Lynchburg.

Fazeel Shah, DO

Board-certified Internal Medicine physician with extensive experience in high-acuity inpatient and ICU settings, managing complex patient populations, and conducting studies across multiple therapeutic areas including cardiometabolics, dermatology, obesity, pain, and more. Dr. Shah is known for his dedicated focus towards improving clinical outcomes while maintaining the highest levels of patient satisfaction.

Manjoo Sharma, MD

Licensed in the State of Texas

Dr. Manjoo Sharma is an experienced investigator and licensed physician in the state of Texas. Dr. Sharma has wide-ranging research experience, executing on several pivotal metabolic indications such as Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis (NASH)/ Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatohepatitis (MASH), Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD), fibrosis, obesity, and more. In addition to her extensive work in metabolic research, Dr. Sharma has a strong background in gastrointestinal and cardiovascular conditions, including other chronic comorbidities associated with metabolic diseases.

Internal Medicine specialist. Graduated from Bhopal University, Gandhi Medical College.

Julie Vu, MD, MPH, CPI

Board-certified internist with 20+ years of medical and clinical research. She received her combined degree (medical and master’s in public health) at St. Georges University School of Medicine and completed her internship and residency in Internal Medicine at Alameda Health System-Highland Hospital.