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.
Johannes Vorster, MD
Sub-Investigator
Dr. Vorster is a Sub-investigator at OCT. He has extensive experience in Family- and Emergency Medicine. He is passionate about Biotechnology, and the hope it brings to patients and families impacted by debilitating neurological conditions.
Krystle Kay-Pfau, MD
Sub-Investigator
Dr. Kay-Pfau is a 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 here in Kelowna, BC. She recently moved to the area in August 2020. She comes from Edmonton, AB where she was a family physician but had a large role in teaching medical students & residents who are the future of medicine.
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.
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.
Clinical Research Coordinator II/ Unblinded Pharmacy Staff
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.
Cora Withers, BSc
Clinical Research Coordinator/Regulatory Specialist/Unblinded Pharmacy Staff
Cora graduated from UBC Okanagan with a degree in Medical and Molecular Biochemistry. Her previous positions as a research coordinator and pharmacy assistant allows her to coordinate clinical trials, complete regulatory tasks, conduct memory assessments and recruit participants. She also assists with preparing study drug for clinical trials as part of the unblinded pharmacy staff.
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
Regulatory Specialist
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.
Juan Brussow
Research Assistant
Juan recently graduated from UBC Okanagan and holds a Bachelor of Science with Honours in Biology. His academic experience alongside his previous work experience allows him to assist with the preparation of study drug, ECG recording, patient recruitment and data entry.
Naved Wasti
Research Assistant/Unblinded Pharmacy Staff/Training Specialist
Naved will soon graduate from UBC Okanagan with a degree in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and a Minor in Psychology. His education and prior experience as a psychometric rater aid him in performing cognitive assessments and data collection. He also assists with preparing study drug for clinical trials as part of the unblinded pharmacy staff.
Khushi Brar, BSc
Research Assistant/Unblinded Site Staff
Khushi recently graduated from UBC Okanagan with a Bachelor of Science in Honors Psychology, and a Minor in Biology. Her academic background and prior research experience equip her to handle cognitive assessments, patient recruitment, study drug preparation, data entry, and related tasks.