About Us
Okanagan Clinical Trials is a research centre located in British Columbia that specializes in conducting research studies for the pharmaceutical industry. We have longstanding staff that have been with and grown with us, and we've got a great reputation locally with over 500 trials conducted over our history.
Our Staff
Kim Christie, PhD
President
Dr. Christie has extensive knowledge of neurological diseases, specializing in Alzheimer's disease. With this experience she spearheads a memory clinic that is offered free to the public. She is the initial contact for all new research studies conducted at our site.
Eugene Okorie, MD, FRCPC
Principal Investigator
Dr. Okorie is a Principal Investigator and Sub-Investigator at OCT. As a practiced psychiatrist, he understands the inherent limitations of available options to help people struggling with mental health issues, hence his passion in trials of investigational products that would help his patients.
Colleen Maytham, MD
Principal Investigator
Dr. Maytham is a Principal Investigator and Sub-Investigator at OCT. She has extensive knowledge in medicine and clinical research and brings with her, a broad and comprehensive knowledge of the medical field from her position as a family physician in the community.
Linda Yearwood, NP(A), RN, MScN
Sub-Investigator
Linda Yearwood is a Sub-Investigator at OCT. She brings with her a solid base of knowledge in medical and nursing care as a Nurse Practitioner from both acute hospital care as well as in community-based care settings.
Dr. Celestine Esume, MD, PhD
Sub-Investigator
Dr. Esume is a Sub investigator at the Okanagan Clinical Trial center. He is Family Physician and a Clinical Pharmacologist with extensive knowledge and experience in clinical medicine, Pharmacogenomics, and biomedical research. His background in Pharmacology and interest in drug safety science motivated him to be involved in clinical trials. He hopes to be involved in the development of personalised therapeutic agents.
Julia Walker, NP(F), MScN
Sub-Investigator
Julia Walker is a Sub-investigator at OCT. She is a nurse practitioner with many years of experience working in hospital, urgent care, and primary care settings. Julia’s main focus has always been comprehensive, patient-centered care, while at the same time continuing to develop her knowledge in medicine and research.
Emily Eisner, BSc, CCRP
Site Director
Emily developed a passion for research from completing a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry at UBC Okanagan. Her interpersonal and research skills are utilized in all aspects of clinical trials such as helping conduct clinical trials, interacting with participants, and more.
Michelle Majury, BSc, CCRP
Clinical Research Coordinator II/ Start Up Specialist
Michelle graduated from University of Guelph with a degree in Nutrition and Nutraceutical Science. Her experience in Regulatory Affairs helps with preparing study start-up documents and associated regulatory documents for on-going clinical trials.
Kailee Siewert, MSc
Clinical Research Coordinator
Kailee graduated from the University of Western States with a degree in Human Nutrition and Functional Medicine. Prior to this, she also completed a Bachelor of Science in Microbiology. Her experience in sciences and healthcare is extended to many aspects of clinical research including facilitating clinical trials, establishing rapport with patients, conducting memory assessments, and patient recruitment.
Amy Fowler, B.Sc.
Senior Clinical Trial Coordinator
Amy is a recent graduate of UBC Okanagan where she completed her degree in Biology and minor in Psychology. Amy’s academic experience alongside her previous work experience allows her to assist with the preparation of study drug, EEG recording, patient recruitment and data entry.
Mel Rostamabadi
Regulatory & HR Officer
Mel's dedication has provided the clinic with quality assurance and consistency. She's developed skills, knowledge, and experience in Health Canada inspections and her role in Human Resources continues to expand since completing her HR Certification at Simon Fraser University.
Jessie Pfitzenmaier, BA
Recruitment Specialist
Jessie graduated from the University of British Columbia Okanagan in 2011 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in the faculty of Creative and Critical Studies. She enjoys working with people and is passionate about improving the quality of life for Kelowna residents through her contributions to medical research.
Cait Dixon, MLA, BNRS
Laboratory Manager
Cait is a certified Medical Laboratory Assistant. Her experience assisting BC Cancer – Kelowna with clinical trials made her keenly interested in clinical trial research. As an experienced phlebotomist, she collects and processes lab specimens, vitals, and ECGs.
Marcus Isa, BAAMC, CCPE
Medical Practice Liaison
Marcus Isa is our medical practice liaison who is growing awareness in the medical community by helping healthcare professionals identify suited patients for OCT current studies. Marcus brings extensive knowledge of the pharmaceutical industry in multiple therapeutic areas while always putting the patient first.
Sarena Krell
Administration Coordinator
Sarena is the Regulatory Assistant at Okanagan Clinical Trials. Her background as a Medical Office Assistant from University of Fraser Valley has guided her to assist with preparing study start-up documents.
Kathleen Lengert
Research Assistant
Kathleen's previous experience in practical nursing has fueled her passion for medical research. As a laboratory assistant, she utilizes her skill set to collect vital signs, ECGs, and lab specimens.