Clinical Research Team

Meet our research team

Advancing modern medicine through evidence-based research.

The Curalta Clinical Trials research team standing together for a group portrait

Over 100 years of combined clinical and research experience
Multidisciplinary team of physicians and research experts
A mission grounded in discovery, innovation, and patient-centered care

About Our Research Program

A team committed to ethical, innovative, and patient-centered clinical research.

The core team at Curalta Clinical Trials provides highly specialized patient care daily at our clinical research practice in Oradell, New Jersey. Our physicians are dedicated clinicians first—bringing real-world experience, diagnostic precision, and compassionate care into every study we conduct.

We believe that the best clinical research is grounded in patient trust, scientific rigor, and a genuine commitment to advancing medicine. Our team has participated in IRB-approved trials, investigator-initiated studies, and post-market research across multiple therapeutic areas—all while maintaining our clinical practice.

We believe that the best clinical research is grounded in patient trust, scientific rigor, and a genuine commitment to advancing medicine. Our team has participated in FDA-regulated trials, investigator-initiated studies, and post-market research across multiple therapeutic areas—all while maintaining our clinical practice.

Our Commitment

Adherence to ICH-GCP and FDA regulations
Transparent communication with participants and sponsors
Ethical oversight and informed consent processes
Data integrity and quality assurance
Patient safety as our highest priority

Expert physicians leading groundbreaking research

Our Investigators

Dr. Vincent Giacalone

Principal Investigator Vice President of Research & Clinical Trials

Dr. Giacalone is double board certified and has over 30 years of experience in research and clinical trials. He has been a principal investigator on over 35 studies ranging from phase 1 to phase 4 trials for the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries. He and his team have vast experience in various therapeutic areas, including wounds, antibiotics, acute and chronic pain, psychiatry and multiple metabolic conditions.

Dr. Dino DiTrolio

Sub-Investigator, Podiatric Medicine and Surgery

Dr. DiTrolio specializes in sports-related injuries and orthopedic conditions affecting the foot and ankle. With a focus on conservative and minimally invasive treatments, he has contributed to research on plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendinopathy, and athletic performance optimization. He is an active member of the American Podiatric Medical Association.

Dr. Lee Greenberg

Sub-Investigator, Podiatric Medicine and Surgery

Dr. Greenberg focuses on vascular complications in the lower extremities, particularly in diabetic and peripheral artery disease patients. His research interests include venous leg ulcers, arterial insufficiency, and advanced wound healing modalities. He is certified in vascular interpretation and has published extensively on circulation-related foot pathologies.

Dr. Ira Esformes

Consulting Physician, Orthopedic Surgery

Dr. Ira Esformes is one of the area’s leading orthopedic surgeons with over 35 years of experience in all aspects of orthopedic care. He is board certified and has been involved in clinical research for many years and now brings his experience and expertise to Curalta Clinical Trials as we help to advance medical and surgical treatment for various orthopedic conditions through clinical trials.

Dr. Stefanos Pantagis

Sub-Investigator, Internal Medicine and Geriatrics

Dr. Pantagis is board certified in internal medicine and has been involved in clinical research for many years. His focus is in the area of cognitive changes of patients as well as a specialty in Alzheimer’s, while maintaining a robust general medical practice.

Dr. James Cahill

Board Certified Orthopedic Surgeon

Dr. James Cahill is a board certified orthopedic surgeon, whose private practice is proudly affiliated with Hackensack University Medical Center in Hackensack, New Jersey. He is a senior attending physician and one of the founding members of the Center for Joint Replacement at Hackensack Medical Center. He is also affiliated with Holy Name Hospital in Teaneck, NJ and Valley Hospital in Ridgewood, NJ. Dr. Cahill is a fellowship trained sports medicine and reconstruction specialist, in practice for over twenty years and routinely performs arthroscopic and joint replacement surgery of the shoulders, elbow, hip and knee. As a result, cutting edge techniques and technology are always utilized.

Bergen Medical Associates

Investigator, Multi-Specialty Medical Group

Bergen Medical Associates is a well respected, multi-specialty medical group with multiple locations and deep roots in the local community. They are collaborating with Curalta Clinical Trials on several research trials, ranging from gastroenterology and endocrinology to rheumatology and pain management. This allows for many in the community access to these important and potentially impactful trials.

Dr. Sameera Daud

Investigator, Diabetes, Endocrinology and Obesity

Dr. Daud is a board certified endocrinologist, fellowship trained at the prestigious Cleveland Clinic, with additional board certifications in Obesity Medicine. She has received numerous awards and recognition for her work, including Castle and Connoly and Top Doctors in New Jersey. Dr. Daud has conducted clinical research in the areas of diabetes, obesity and thyroid disease.

Dr. Helene Miller

Investigator, Psychiatry and Mental Health

Dr. Miller earned her M.D. from Hahnemann University School of Medicine following her undergraduate studies at the University of Pennsylvania. She completed advanced training in anesthesiology and then psychiatry as well as a fellowship in child and adolescent psychiatry. With over 20 years of experience, Dr. Miller is not just a skilled psychiatrist but a compassionate partner in patients’ mental health journey. She brings this experience to various psychiatry trials at Curalta.

Dr. Tracey Waldman

Sub-Investigator, Psychology and Mental Health

Dr. Tracey Waldman is a licensed clinical psychologist who obtained her doctorate from George Washington University and a B.S. in both Psychology and Child Study from Tufts University. She completed residencies at Montefiore Medical Center and Four Winds Hospital. Through clinical trials, she works with individuals of all ages to explore issues that are creating conflict, depression, anxiety and mental health concerns.

Dr. Frank Ferraro

Investigator, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery

Dr. Frank J. Ferraro is a board certified plastic surgeon who specializes in cosmetic surgery of the face and body. He has recently been chosen by NJ Monthly as a select Plastic Surgeons for his expertise in Breast Augmentation. Dr. Ferraro was voted by New Jersey Monthly TOP DOC Jersey Choice from 2015 to 2024 for his patient care and has been a Bergen County Top Doc for the last 6 years in 201 Magazine.

Dr. Pan Ko

Sub-Investigator, Internal Medicine and Infectious Diseases

Dr. Ko is a graduate of NJIT with a major in Biomedical Engineering and completed his medical education at St. George’s University and residency and fellowship at Seton Hall University/St. Michael’s Medical Center. He is double board-certified in Infectious Diseases and Internal Medicine. Dr. Ko has significant experience in clinical research in the field of infectious diseases in general and diabetic foot phase research for osteomyelitis, in particular.

Dedicated professionals ensuring excellence in every study

Meet Our Clinical Research Staff

Radhika

Radhika serves as the Clinical Research Manager at Curalta Clinical Trials, where she oversees study operations across multiple trials. She earned a Bachelor’s degree in Biological Sciences from Rutgers University in 2017. Since then, Radhika has built an extensive and diverse background in clinical research, supporting studies across a wide range of therapeutic areas including neurology, metabolic disorders, and podiatric conditions. Driven by a passion for advancing research that directly improves patients’ lives, she is committed to delivering high-quality clinical studies that can lead to better outcomes for patients.

Harrison

Harrison Miller, MD, MS is an experienced Clinical Research Coordinator and Data Scientist specializing in managing clinical trials and applying machine learning for medical advancements. Drawing on a unique background in medicine and clinical experience, he builds impactful health technology models. His expertise encompasses regulatory compliance, patient recruitment, data analysis, and model development, with a focus on disease detection and diagnosis. He excels at leading teams to ensure protocol adherence and bridging communication between stakeholders to achieve research objectives.

Hajah

Hajah is a dedicated Nurse Practitioner and Clinical Research Sub-Investigator with years of experience in clinical trials. She brings a strong background in patient care, research coordination, and protocol adherence across diverse therapeutic areas. Hajah holds a BSN from the University of Miami, an MPH from Liberty University, and an MSN from the University of Pennsylvania. Passionate about advancing evidence-based medicine, she combines clinical expertise with a public health perspective to contribute meaningfully to innovative healthcare solutions.

Cheyenne

Cheyenne is a highly motivated and experienced medical assistant with a proven track record in supporting clinical trial operations and providing exceptional patient care. She possesses strong clinical skills, administrative proficiency, and a passion for research and patient well-being. Dedicated to ensuring the smooth and efficient conduct of clinical trials while maintaining the highest standards of patient safety and comfort. Cheyenne effortlessly and expertly managed all aspects of patient care with the guides of the clinical trial protocol.

Nathaniel

Nathaniel “Nate” Vasquez completed his undergraduate studies at Cornell University with a Bachelor’s in Biological Sciences. Nate went on to work in the clinical laboratory at Valley Hospital for years before obtaining his Registered Medical Assistant certification along with Phlebotomy and EKG certifications. Since then, Nate has worked alongside multiple providers from both Urgent Care and Podiatry specialties in order to provide a high standard of patient care. Today, Nate is applying his clinical experience to the realm of clinical trials at Curalta in order to be on the forefront of new, state-of-the-art therapies, medications, techniques, and products that could revolutionize the healthcare industry.

Lisa

With over 30 years of hands-on experience in clinical research, Lisa began her career at the site level, where she worked in nearly every operational role—from study coordinator to site director—eventually growing a single-site operation into a thriving organization of over 50 employees. Lisa brings unmatched insight into the challenges and opportunities facing research sites today. She specializes in streamline operations, improving study performance, and building scalable infrastructure for growth. Known for her collaborative leadership style and deep industry knowledge, Lisa is passionate about mentoring new leaders and delivering high-quality, compliant clinical trials.

At Curalta Clinical Trials, our vision extends beyond advancing research. We are committed to building a program where patients feel valued, providers feel supported, and innovation is not only welcomed but expected. Every study we conduct reflects our belief that high-quality research should directly enhance the quality of patient care. As we continue to expand our capabilities and collaborate with leading investigators across podiatry, orthopedics, and internal medicine, we remain focused on upholding the highest standards of ethics, safety, and scientific rigor. Our goal is simple yet ambitious: to contribute meaningful discoveries that lead to better treatments, better outcomes, and a better future for the communities we proudly serve.

Visit Our Research Center

Map showing Curalta Clinical Trials at 680 Kinderkamack Rd, Suite 301, Oradell, NJ 07649

680 Kinderkamack Rd, Suite 301, Oradell, NJ 07649 Get Directions

Have Questions About Participating in a Study?

Our research team is here to help you understand your options and determine if a clinical trial is right for you.

(551) 553-8430 clinicaltrials@curalta.com

(551) 553-8430