Experts. Innovators. Care Providers.
Meet Our Team
Every breakthrough at Equity Medical begins with experienced leadership and a commitment to collaboration. Our executive team guides clinical research efforts in partnership with investigators, research professionals, and support teams focused on advancing patient-centered care.
Executive Team
Guiding our vision and mission with decades of clinical and business leadership.
Michael Cameron, MD
Chief Executive Officer, Co-founder
South Bronx, NY · Manhattan, NY
Dr. Michael C. Cameron is the co-founder and CEO of Equity Medical LLC. He is a board-certified dermatologist with expertise in drug development and inflammatory skin disease with previous work experience in the pharmaceutical industry, healthcare consulting, and academic medicine. He is a regular consultant for biotech and pharmaceutical companies, as well as sell-side and buy-side biopharma stakeholders. Dr. Cameron is an international speaker and key opinion leader on drug development for inflammatory skin diseases. He lives in New York City with his wife Rachel and dogs Coda and Buddy.
James Allred, MD
Chief Medical Officer, Co-founder
Bowling Green, KY · Nashville, TN
Dr. James Allred is a board-certified dermatologist and Chief Medical Officer of Equity Medical. Dr. Allred has been practicing dermatology for over 10 years, focusing on complex medical dermatology in rural areas where access to advanced therapies is often limited. In clinical research, Dr. Allred specializes in inflammatory diseases such as psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, hidradenitis suppurativa, alopecia areata, prurigo nodularis, hives, and more. He is a national speaker and key opinion leader for complex therapies, and has received numerous academic honors and holds multiple patents for medical devices, but his greatest joy is with his 5 children and two massive dogs – a Newfoundland and St. Bernard.
Grace Ulerio, CCRC
Chief People Officer
Manhattan, NY
Grace Ulerio is the Chief People Officer at Equity Medical, and brings over 25 years of experience in clinical research and healthcare operations. She began her career at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center and has held key management roles at leading institutions, including Banner University Medical Center in Phoenix, Arizona, Columbia University, Mount Sinai Health Systems, and Pfizer Pharmaceuticals. Known for her operational insight and deep knowledge of clinical trial execution, she brings a strong track record in optimizing research processes, managing cross-functional teams, and ensuring regulatory compliance. Fluent in English and Spanish, she is a certified clinical research professional with a passion for advancing clinical excellence through strategic leadership and collaboration. A native New Yorker, Grace lives in New York City with her daughter. In her free time, she loves exploring the city, traveling, and going to Broadway and Off-Broadway shows with her daughter.
Tim Hillard, MHSPAS, CCRP
Chief Quality Assurance Officer
Bowling Green, KY
Tim Hillard brings over 25 years of experience in clinical research with over 1000 trials of all phases and therapeutic areas. Previously a founder of Research Integrity in Owensboro, KY, he has been pre-selected by sponsors to conduct vanguard trials, train sponsor staff, and develop practical protocols. He considers himself blessed to be a part of advancing healthcare for all. He was born and raised in Owensboro, KY, and lives with his wife Jane.
Zach Bader
Chief Commercial Officer
Zach Bader is Chief Commercial Officer at Equity Medical, where he leads Business Development and Marketing/Recruitment. He brings more than 17 years of commercial leadership in clinical research, with experience across both site networks and CROs.
Before joining Equity Medical, Zach led commercial efforts at NextStage Clinical Research and Dr. Vince Clinical Research. There he built pipelines, strengthened commercial processes, and developed high-performing teams serving biotech, pharma, and CRO clients.
At Equity Medical, Zach is focused on broadening the network’s therapeutic reach, especially in CNS, metabolic, and Phase 1 first-in-human studies. He is based in the Kansas City area, where he lives with his wife and their three children.
Management Team
Empowering our teams and directing our growth through collaborative leadership and proven expertise.
Jennie Mata
New York Regional Director
Manhattan, NY
Jennie Mata is the New York Regional Director, bringing over 10 years of clinical research experience across phases I–IV trials. She has supported both industry-sponsored and PI-initiated studies in oncology, neurology, multiple sclerosis, encephalitis, and CAR T-cell therapy. As a Regional Director, she oversees the day-to-day operations of the research team, ensuring regulatory compliance, maintaining high standards of data integrity, and fostering a collaborative environment. With a strong focus on quality and teamwork, she is committed to advancing innovative treatments through patient-centered research. Outside of work, Jennie enjoys spending time with her family and friends.
Grace Ferguson
Director of Business Development
Grace Ferguson serves as Director of Business Development at Equity Medical, where she leverages a lifelong passion for clinical research to bridge the gap between innovation and strategic growth. A graduate of the University of Central Florida with a B.S. in Biomedical Sciences, Grace brings a deeply technical and operational perspective to her work. She began her career in business development at a CRO, where she specialized in driving growth across diverse therapeutic areas, including Dermatology, Oncology, CNS, Ophthalmology, and Rare Disease. It has always been a primary goal of hers to improve patients’ lives by working within the healthcare and pharmaceutical industries, fostering impactful partnerships that advance the standard of care through diligent research and development.
A resident of Orlando, Florida, Grace spends her time away from the office immersed in a good book or enjoying life with her family and friends. She has a lifelong love for animals and can often be found tending to her dogs, cats, and chickens.
Abbey Engesetter
Director of Operations
Abbey Engesetter serves as Director of Operations at Equity Medical, where she focuses on transforming complex healthcare and operational data into clear, actionable insights that support better decision-making and organizational performance. She works closely with leadership and cross-functional teams to develop reporting frameworks, define key performance indicators, and improve visibility into operational performance across clinical research programs. Outside of work, Abbey enjoys spending time with her family and three dogs, often supporting her daughter’s volleyball activities. She enjoys being outdoors around Lake Tahoe and the Sierra Nevada region, as well as playing piano and improving her photography skills.
Bre Carreon
Director of Marketing and Recruitment
Remote
Bre Carreon is the Senior Growth Marketer at Equity Medical. She drives digital campaigns that connect patients from all walks of life to new potential treatment options, manages patient engagement initiatives, and crafts compelling content that builds trust and drives action. She is passionate about making healthcare more approachable, inclusive, and impactful.
With a Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing from San Diego State University and over a decade of experience in marketing and communications, she brings an analytical mindset, a flair for storytelling, and a commitment to reaching the right people with the right message – always with empathy at the core.
When she’s not curating marketing campaigns, you can find her at the gym before sunrise, exploring new creative outlets, or soaking up the sun at the beach with her golden retriever.
Tamara Golden, RMA
Kentucky Regional Director
Bowling Green, KY · Owensboro, KY
Tamara Golden is the Kentucky Regional Director at Equity Medical. She brings 20 years of experience as a Medical Assistant in dermatology and began her research career as a Research Assistant, gaining first-hand knowledge of clinical trial operations. At Equity Medical, she has specialized in recruiting and retaining patients in research studies, connecting individuals with potential future treatments. Her ability to connect with patients on a personal level and build trust makes her an essential link between patients and the study team. Outside of work, Tamara enjoys taking trips with her husband and two boys and always enjoys throwing a celebration for anyone and anything.
Megha Singh
New York Site Lead
Manhattan, NY
Megha Singh is the New York Site Lead at Equity Medical with over 3 years of experience in clinical research and 7 years in healthcare and medicine. She has experience in all aspects of research coordination and site management across various indications, including Dermatology, Neurology, and Gastroenterology. In her free time, Megha loves to read, paint, and explore different parts of the city.
Adugna Deboch, MD
Bronx Site Lead
Bronx, NY
Adugna Deboch, MD, is a Bronx Clinical Research Site Lead at Equity Medical LLC and an International Medical Graduate (IMG)with over three years of experience in observational and clinical research, including peer-reviewed publications. Dr. Deboch brings a strong clinical background and a global perspective to his work, ensuring high standards of data integrity, protocol adherence, and patient-centered care. His passion for research is rooted in his medical training and a steadfast dedication to advancing equitable healthcare.
Erin Vincent
Bowling Green Site Lead
Bowling Green, KY
Erin Vincent has 12 years of medical experience in dermatology, pain management, and sleep medicine. She transitioned into clinical research one year ago to further contribute to advancing patient care and innovative treatments. Erin is passionate about helping patients and supporting high-quality clinical trials. She lives in Kentucky with her husband, Curtis, their two sons, and their Goldendoodle, Winnie.
Idialis Storm
Owensboro Site Lead
Owensboro, KY
Idialis Storm is the Owensboro Site Lead at Equity Medical. Prior to joining Equity Medical, she gained extensive research experience across multiple therapeutic areas, including cardiology, obstetrics and gynecology (OB/GYN), and COVID-19 clinical trials. This diverse background has provided her with a comprehensive understanding of clinical research processes and the unique needs of various patient populations. She also spent 10 years working in a hospital setting, where she developed strong clinical skills, attention to detail, and a compassionate, patient-centered approach to care. Her combined experience in direct patient care and clinical research has allowed her to build meaningful relationships with participants while supporting the advancement of innovative medical treatments. She’s passionate about improving patient outcomes, maintaining the highest standards of research excellence, and contributing to the development of new therapies that positively impact lives.
Natasha Pina
Nashville Site Lead
Nashville, TN
Natasha Pina is the Site Lead for Nashville, bringing over 10 years of experience in dermatology and healthcare administration across private practice and hospital settings. With a strong background in both operational and medical management, she has successfully led teams, optimized workflows, and supported high-quality patient care in complex clinical environments. Throughout her career, Natasha has built a reputation for her leadership, attention to detail, and ability to drive efficiency while maintaining regulatory compliance and a patient-first approach. She is passionate about fostering collaboration, supporting site performance, and contributing to the success of innovative clinical research. Outside of work, Natasha enjoys dedicating time to her daughter, Madison, and creating meaningful memories with her family and friends.
Nicholas Florentino
Senior Budgets & Contracts Director
Remote
Nicholas Florentino is a Senior Budgets & Contracts Director at Equity Medical, and plays a crucial role in ensuring the smooth operation of clinical research through effective contract management and financial oversight. He has held managerial roles as a Senior Budget Analyst for the University of Pennsylvania, Rutgers University, and New York University Langone Health, where he provided pre award and post award skilled duties that successfully fully executed over 200 Contracts within Oncology, Infectious Disease, Gastroenterology, Cardiology, and other departments of medicine research. Prior to working for Universities directly, Nicholas was a key player in the CRO industry. Served four years as a Senior Grants Payments Manager for PRA- Health Sciences, where he managed 1200 sites on a monthly basis in accordance with the contract executed, timely and accurately, with compliance and full reconciliation at closure.
He also participates as a community youth Coach for the local baseball and football teams. He resides with his wife, Daniela, and son, Matteo, in the beautiful farm fields of Gilbertsville, PA.
Zahyaa Elmadany
Senior QA Compliance Specialist
Zahyaa Elmadany is a Senior Quality Assurance Compliance Specialist at Equity Medical, bringing extensive experience in clinical research and regulatory affairs supporting Phase I–IV trials. Her career progression from Clinical Research Coordinator to Regulatory Specialist and QA established a proactive, detail-oriented foundation for compliance and quality oversight. Throughout her career, Zahyaa has successfully hosted an FDA inspection and supported multiple sponsor audits, with a sharp focus on inspection readiness, ICH-GCP compliance, and effective CAPA development. In her current QA role at Equity Medical, she leads strategic initiatives that enhance compliance and foster a culture of continuous improvement across all clinical trials. Outside of her professional life, Zahyaa loves spending quality time with her family, her cat, and enjoying the great outdoors.
Principal & Sub-Investigators
Our board-certified investigators lead our clinical trials with extensive experience in dermatology, pharmacology, and patient care.
Michael Cameron, MD
Principal Investigator
South Bronx, NY · Manhattan, NY
Dr. Michael C. Cameron is the co-founder and CEO of Equity Medical LLC. He is a board-certified dermatologist with expertise in drug development and inflammatory skin disease, with previous work experience in the pharmaceutical industry, healthcare consulting, and academic medicine. He is a regular consultant for biotech and pharmaceutical companies, as well as sell-side and buy-side biopharma stakeholders. Dr. Cameron is an international speaker and key opinion leader on drug development for inflammatory skin diseases. He lives in New York City with his wife Rachel and dogs Coda and Buddy.
James Allred, MD
Principal Investigator
Bowling Green, KY · Nashville, TN
Dr. James Allred is a board-certified dermatologist and Chief Medical Officer of Equity Medical. Dr. Allred has been practicing dermatology for over 10 years, focusing on complex medical dermatology in rural areas where access to advanced therapies is often limited. In clinical research, Dr. Allred specializes in inflammatory diseases such as psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, hidradenitis suppurativa, alopecia areata, prurigo nodularis, hives, and more. He is a national speaker and key opinion leader for complex therapies, and has received numerous academic honors and holds multiple patents for medical devices, but his greatest joy is with his 5 children and two massive dogs – a Newfoundland and St. Bernard.
Gerardo Russo, MD
Principal Investigator
Manhattan, NY
Dr. Gerardo Russo is a dermatologist and Principal Investigator for Equity Medical. He brings a wealth of research expertise and a commitment to advancing dermatologic care. At Mount Sinai, he completed a two-year clinical research fellowship under the leadership of world-renowned expert Dr Emma Guttman. He played a crucial role in over 25 clinical trials investigating new biologic therapies for atopic dermatitis, vitiligo, psoriasis, hidradenitis suppurativa, hand eczema, keloids, Lichen planopilaris, frontal fibrosing alopecia, centrifugal cicatricial alopecia, and alopecia areata. Many of these trials have led to FDA approval of the most advanced treatments available in dermatology today. He enjoys spending time in Central Park with his dog, Orion, embracing the natural beauty of the city.
Alissa McInerney, MD
Principal Investigator
South Bronx, NY
Dr. Alissa McInerney is a board certified allergist immunologist and principal investigator for Equity Medical, LLC. She focuses her research in allergic diseases including asthma, food allergy, nasal polyps, allergic rhinitis, chronic urticaria/hives, COPD, contact dermatitis, eczema, mast cell disease, and primary immune deficiency. Dr. McInerney has been involved in several research studies as both principal and sub investigator and has a special interest in clinical immunology and complex cases. She is the author of peer-reviewed publications and textbook chapters on allergy and clinical immunology topics and has presented abstracts at regional and national conferences. She is also a member of the executive board of the NY Allergy and Asthma Society and is a key opinion leader in the field. In her free time she loves exploring the varied cuisines of NYC.
Maira Fonseca, MD
Principal Investigator
South Bronx, NY
Dr. Maira Fonseca is a board-certified dermatologist and Principal Investigator for Equity Medical, LLC. Her research areas of focus include psoriasis, hidradenitis suppurativa, alopecia, and emerging infectious diseases in dermatology. She was recently selected to participate in the 2025 Academic Dermatology Leadership Program through the American Academy of Dermatology. Fluent in Spanish, she is the chair of dermatology at Lincoln Hospital in the South Bronx. Dr. Fonseca lives in New York City with her husband and 2 sons.
David Johnson, MD
Principal Investigator
Owensboro, KY
Dr. David Johnson is a board-certified internist and has practiced in western Kentucky since 2002. An experienced principal investigator, Dr. Johnson has overseen over 500 studies as PI across numerous disciplines, including hypertension, arthritis, gout, diabetes, depression, cardiovascular disease, inflammatory bowel disease, asthma, constipation, and many others. Dr. Johnson is a true native of Kentucky and a graduate of the University of Kentucky.
Artis P. Truett, III, MD
Principal Investigator
Owensboro, KY
Dr. Artis Truett is double-board certified in Dermatology and Mohs Micrographic Surgery. He has been a Principal Investigator on numerous clinical trials in psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, alopecia areata, and actinic keratoses for the past twenty-five years. Dr. Truett began conducting clinical research to provide his patients with access to cutting-edge medications. Most of these patients continued treatment once the FDA approved it. Before moving to Owensboro, he was on the faculty at Vanderbilt University, where he published sixteen articles in basic science. Artis is married to Allison and has three adult children and two beloved Olde English Bulldogges.
Angela Dawson, MD
Principal Investigator
Owensboro, KY
Dr. Angela Dawson is a board-certified obstetrician and gynecologist focusing on diseases of the reproductive system and women’s health, including hidradenitis suppurativa. Dr. Dawson has served as principal investigator for drug and device trials, including for devices addressing urinary incontinence and vaccines in pregnant mothers for prenatal infant immunizations. A native of western Kentucky, Dr. Dawson earned her undergraduate degree from Kentucky Wesleyan and underwent her residency in Lexington and at the University of Kentucky.
Jeffrey Culp, MD
Principal Investigator
Nashville, TN
Jeffrey A. Culp grew up in Northeast Ohio. Dr. Culp attended Wittenberg University in Springfield, Ohio, where he majored in biology and minored in religion. After graduation, he attended the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine. He did his internal medicine residency at the University of Virginia, where he also completed a fellowship in allergy/immunology. Dr. Culp is board certified in Allergy/Immunology and Internal Medicine. He has practiced in Middle Tennessee for over 10 years.
Dr. Culp enjoys specializing in allergy/immunology because he can provide care for children and adults with various allergy conditions. He joined Equity Medical because he believes in the mission of advancing medicine and providing access to novel potential therapies for patients who need them. Proper treatments will significantly improve a patient’s health and quality of life.
In his spare time, Dr. Culp enjoys spending time with his family, traveling, exploring new restaurants, running, lifting weights with his two sons, and following sports, such as track and field, football, basketball, and baseball.
George Nelson, MD
Principal Investigator
Nashville, TN
Dr. George Nelson is a board-certified Internal Medicine and Infectious Diseases physician, Epidemic Intelligence Service alumnus, and Principal Investigator with extensive experience leading clinical trials and health system quality initiatives. Currently serving as a Principal Investigator at Equity Medical, he oversees clinical trials in Nashville, Tennessee.
Previously, he spent nearly a decade as the Director of the Antimicrobial Stewardship Program at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, where he led enterprise-wide stewardship strategies that earned the institution recognition as an Infectious Diseases Society of America Stewardship Center of Excellence. Dr. Nelson’s research background spans Phase 3 clinical trials, pragmatic randomized interventions, diagnostic interventions, medication comparison trials, and public health epidemiology. He served as an Epidemic Intelligence Service Officer with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention leading investigations into vaccine-preventable and respiratory pathogens, outbreak responses, and national surveillance.
After graduating from Princeton University, he received his Doctor of Medicine from Case Western Reserve University. He completed his Internal Medicine residency at Vanderbilt University and Infectious Diseases Fellowship at The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. He has authored over forty peer-reviewed articles in leading medical journals and frequently presents at national, regional, and local conferences.
Dr. Nelson has demonstrated a long-standing commitment to global health working in Nepal, Cambodia, South Africa, Guatemala, Ukraine, and several other countries and co-directs a nonprofit health project in Uganda. He and his wife enjoy spending their time watching their three kids’ sporting and artistic endeavors. He enjoys woodworking, painting, and hiking when not training for Ironman triathlons and other endurance events.
Monalyn Zouzias, MD
Principal Investigator
South Bronx, NY
Dr. Monalyn Labitigan Zouzias serves as Principal Investigator for Rheumatology at Equity Medical. She is a double board-certified physician in Internal Medicine and Rheumatology and a published author with more than 15 years of clinical experience caring for underserved populations.
Her clinical and research focus includes rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, Sjögren’s syndrome, psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, gout and vasculitis, with additional interest in advancing therapies for osteoarthritis and fibromyalgia.
She approaches research and patient care with service-oriented leadership, meticulous attention to detail, and a commitment to continuous growth through hands-on learning. She believes that conscious intention in every decision and respect for every interaction are fundamental to meaningful impact in patient care.
Nilay Shah, MD
Principal Investigator
Manhattan, NY
Born and raised in Buffalo, New York, Dr. Nilay Shah received his BS from Cornell University in 1994, with a major in Biology and concentration in Neurobiology and Behavior, along with minors in both Computer Science and Political Sciences. He went on to receive his Doctor of Medicine from St. George’s University School of Medicine in 1998. After an internship in internal medicine at Elmhurst Hospital in New York, Dr. Shah completed his residency in Neurology at Mount Sinai Medical Center in 2002. Dr. Shah went on to a Fellowship in Clinical Neurophysiology at the University of Pittsburgh Presbyterian Medical Center in 2003.
Currently, Dr. Shah serves as the Medical Director for several neurology programs and clinics in New Jersey and New York. He has had several successful exits from startups in healthcare and technology and continues to work in that space, most recently with a company to deliver inexpensive ventilators throughout the world. He has also served as a Primary Investigator and Sub-Investigator in a number of clinical trials in the neurology space.
Dr. Shah is a founding member of the BrainPAC Board of the American Academy of Neurology, serves as a Treasurer of the Board of Directors for the New York State Neurologic Society, and is VP of the Board for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society – New York-Long Island Chapter. The NMSS has named him National Physician Volunteer of the year in 2014, and “Champion” of the MS Society for 2021. His philanthropic work also spans internationally – he is the founder and supporter of multiple healthcare initiatives including a running clinic in the world’s largest slum (in India) which serves over 25,000 people a year since 2024.
He has volunteered and spent 25 years lobbying at the State and Federal level on behalf of the Medical Society of the State of New York, the National MS Society and the American Academy of Neurology on various topics surrounding healthcare and issues important to people with chronic neurologic disease.
In his personal time, Nilay enjoys spending time with his wife Marjorie and their dog Luna. They love learning about various cultures throughout the world and have traveled to over eighty countries. He also enjoys biking, downhill skiing, and scuba diving.
Tej Mudigonda, MD
Principal Investigator
Nashville, TN
A native of Hoboken, NJ, Dr. Tej Mudigonda is a graduate of Deerfield Academy, the University of Notre Dame, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, and Washington University of St. Louis, where he completed his dermatology residency training. He subsequently completed a formal surgical and procedural fellowship at California Skin Institute (CSI) with a focus on Mohs micrographic and reconstructive surgery, dermatologic oncology, and advanced cosmetic surgery under Dr. Greg Morganroth, one of the most prominent Mohs, facial reconstructive, and cosmetic surgeons in California and a widely recognized leader of the American College of Mohs Surgery. He additionally trained under Dr. Rick Noodleman, a prominent vein specialist in the Bay Area, in the treatment of varicose veins.
An avid researcher, Dr. Mudigonda additionally pursued two yearlong research fellowships that focused on immunotherapies for metastatic melanoma- the first at the National Institutes of Health’s Surgery Branch and the second at Vanderbilt’s Hematology & Oncology Department. He has published in major peer-reviewed dermatology and oncology journals (Journal of Investigative Dermatology, Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, Dermatologic Surgery Journal, JAMA Oncology, Journal of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network, and Pigment Cell Melanoma Research) and has presented at national dermatology and oncology conferences, including the American Academy of Dermatology, American Society of Clinical Oncology, American Society for Dermatologic Surgery, American College of Mohs Surgery, Cosmetic Surgery Forum, and the American Society for Laser Medicine & Surgery.
David Horowitz, MD
Principal Investigator
Nashville, TN
David Horowitz, MD
Principal Investigator
Nashville, TN
As a board-certified dermatologist and principal investigator, David Horowitz, MD, brings over 50 years of medical practice and 25 years of extensive clinical research leadership. Earning his MD from Meharry Medical College and completing his residency at the University of Cincinnati Medical Center, he serves as a Clinical Associate Professor of Dermatology at both Vanderbilt University and Meharry Medical College. Dr. Horowitz has led dozens of Phase 2 through 4, multi-center, and bioequivalence clinical trials across plaque psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, hidradenitis suppurativa, rosacea, acne vulgaris, and actinic keratoses—evaluating landmark therapeutics including Enbrel, Etanercept, Efalizumab, Secukinumab, Ruxolitinib cream, and APG777. An advisor to major pharmaceutical corporations, Dr. Horowitz combines deep academic authority with meticulous, high-volume trial execution.
Asad Fraser, MD
Principal Investigator
Bowling Green, KY
Asad Fraser, MD
Principal Investigator
Bowling Green, KY
Dr. Asad Fraser is a board-certified internal medicine physician, esteemed academician, and veteran clinical investigator who brings more than 25 years of medical expertise and an extensive clinical trial pedigree to Equity Medical. Dr. Fraser has built a distinguished career rooted deeply in Kentucky’s medical education system, currently holding faculty appointments across three major institutions: Clinical Assistant Professor at the University of Kentucky, Clinical Professor at the University of Pikeville, and Assistant Clinical Professor at the University of Louisville. This multi-decade dedication to training the next generation of physicians highlights his mastery of internal medicine and complex diagnostic reasoning. His foundational work in clinical discovery began early in his career, marked by pioneering research presented at the American College of Rheumatology utilizing polymerase chain reaction technology to detect rubella in arthritis patients. At Equity Medical’s Bowling Green site, Dr. Fraser leverages an extraordinarily robust clinical research pipeline that spans over 15 years of continuous, high-impact Phase III and IV global clinical trials. He has positioned himself at the absolute forefront of advanced therapeutics for severe, chronic autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. His investigative portfolio includes leading major comparative and long-term extension studies for blockbuster biologic and synthetic therapies—such as Baricitinib, Secukinumab, and Olokizumab—directly shaping the international standard of care for patients with moderately to severely active Rheumatoid Arthritis. Beyond arthritis, Dr. Fraser’s extensive clinical trial leadership extends into groundbreaking pharmacological interventions for complex conditions like Axial Spondyloarthritis, Ankylosing Spondylitis, Active Psoriatic Arthritis, and Systemic Lupus Erythematosus. Through his dual lens as a high-level academic professor and a seasoned investigator, Dr. Fraser ensures Equity Medical stands at the cutting edge of delivering life-changing, next-generation medical solutions from bench to bedside.
Michael Wertheimer, MD
Principal Investigator
Memphis, TN
Michael Wertheimer, MD
Principal Investigator
Memphis, TN
Dr. Wertheimer moved from his family’s home of Birmingham, Alabama to Boulder, Colorado to earn his B.A. in kinesiology from the University of Colorado. He earned his medical degree from the University of South Alabama in 2006, then continued his training at Eastern Virginia Medical School in Norfolk, Virginia, completing an intern year in medicine and three years of ophthalmology residency. The last year was served as chief resident.
Dr. Wertheimer brings over 5 years of Phase II-III clinical trial expertise under a wide umbrella of ophthalmic conditions. He currently lives in Memphis, Tennessee with his wife and the five kids between them.
Hailey Brickman, PA-C
Sub-Investigator
Manhattan, NY
Hailey Brickman, PA-C is a board-certified Physician Assistant specializing in dermatology and licensed in New York State. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Georgia and completed her Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies at South University in Savannah, Georgia.
Hailey has practiced dermatology in Manhattan since 2019, with comprehensive experience in medical, surgical, and cosmetic dermatology. She has particular expertise in the diagnosis and management of chronic skin conditions, including psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, seborrheic dermatitis, and acne vulgaris. Hailey is committed to delivering evidence-based, individualized treatment plans tailored to each patient’s unique skin type, lifestyle, and goals.
In addition to her medical dermatology focus, Hailey is highly skilled in cosmetic procedures, including neuromodulators, laser treatments, chemical peels, microneedling, and other aesthetic devices. Her approach integrates both medical and aesthetic dermatology to optimize overall skin health and long-term outcomes.
Known for her empathetic and thoughtful approach towards her patients, Hailey prioritizes patient education and collaborative care. She recognizes the significant emotional and psychological impact that skin conditions can have and works closely with patients to support both their dermatologic and overall well-being.
Outside of clinical practice, Hailey enjoys traveling, cooking, exploring New York’s restaurant scene, and spending time with her family. She recently welcomed her first child and cherishes this new chapter of motherhood. She looks forward to establishing lasting patient relationships and providing thoughtful, comprehensive dermatologic care at Cameron Dermatology.
Chad Sanders, DNP, APRN
Sub-Investigator
Owensboro, KY
J. Chad Sanders is a board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner. Along with his 26 years of clinical experience, he has over 16 years of research experience as both a Principal Investigator and Sub-Investigator, conducting hundreds of trials of all indications, phases 1 through 4. He currently lives in Owensboro and enjoys spending time with his wife and two daughters.
Jaclyn Churchill, PA-C
Sub-Investigator
South Bronx, NY
Jaclyn Churchill is a board-certified physician assistant (PA-C) and clinical Sub-Investigator at Equity Medical, with 17 years of experience in dermatology, research, and PA education. She is an active member and speaker for many professional societies, including a Society of Dermatology Physician Associates (SDPA) Fellow and Chair of the New York State Society of Physician Associates (NYSSPA) Dermatology Special Interest Group. She resides in New York City, with her husband and 2 daughters.
Maria Zuniga, PA-C
Sub-Investigator
South Bronx, NY · Manhattan, NY
Maria zuniga, PA-C, is a board-certified Physician Assistant with experience in both dermatology and vascular surgery. She earned her Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies from Mercy University and has developed a strong clinical foundation through diverse patient care experiences in both academic and private practice settings.
Passionate about advancing patient care through research, Maria is committed to contributing to the development of novel therapies and improving outcomes for diverse patient populations. She values building strong relationships with patients and believes that compassionate, evidence-based care is essential to both clinical practice and research excellence.
Outside of patient care, Maria values spending time with loved ones and pursuing opportunities for professional growth in clinical research and medicine.
Samantha Dorris, APRN, MSN, FNP-C
Sub-Investigator
Bowling Green, KY
Samantha Dorris, APRN, MSN, FNP-C, is a board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner with 20 years of combined clinical experience caring for patients across a variety of healthcare settings. Her clinical background includes cardiac critical care, general cardiology, and urgent care, providing her with a broad perspective on the management of both acute and chronic health conditions.
More recently, Samantha has expanded her expertise into clinical research as a Clinical Sub-Investigator with Equity Medical. This experience has strengthened her commitment to evidence-based medicine and deepened her appreciation for the important role clinical research plays in advancing patient care.
Samantha is passionate about serving her community through comprehensive dermatologic care while also helping patients effectively manage a variety of chronic health conditions. She is committed to providing thoughtful, patient-centered care tailored to each individual’s needs.
Outside of medicine, Samantha enjoys reading, kayaking, and spending time with her husband and their three children.
Contact Us
Behind every successful clinical trial is strong leadership and a dedicated team working together. Whether you’re interested in participating, partnering, or learning more about our research, our team is here to help. Reach out today to start the conversation.
