A Passion for Research

Tim Friel, M.D. embraces research to help improve care throughout our network

Tim Friel, M.D., doesn’t have to look far to see the power of research. He sees it every day as he cares for patients living with HIV at Lehigh Valley Health Network’s AIDS Activities Office. In recent years these patients have been living longer and thriving thanks to new therapies and treatment strategies carefully evaluated through clinical trials.

“Their successes are a living testament to the immense impact of research on clinical care,” Friel says. “It’s the reason my colleagues and I are passionate about being involved in clinical trials.”

As the vice chair of research for the department of medicine, Friel is expanding on his passion for research—first discovered while working with HIV patients during his residency and fellowship training at Massachusetts General Hospital—by leading an initiative to invigorate the network’s research efforts. His goal: to create an academic-based research organization.

“There already is great research being conducted here within all areas of the network—medicine, surgery, neurology, pediatrics, anesthesia, nursing and many other disciplines,” he says. “Some are thriving; others need a boost. My goal is to help our departments collaborate and improve the efficiency and quality of their research.”

By developing this academic research organization, the network will be more attractive to sponsors from industry, government and other private groups. This gives our clinicians access to the most leading-edge treatments, equipment and procedures, assuring our community has access to progressive health care.

It’s the kind of health care Friel and his wife, Kristin Friel, M.D., of College Heights OBGYN Associates (whom he met on their first day of medical school), knew they could find for their family in the Lehigh Valley, Tim Friel’s hometown.

He isn’t doing this work alone. He is supported by a steering committee with representatives from all groups currently conducting research in the network. They meet regularly to discuss their challenges and develop strategies for improving the health network’s research efforts.

Friel most certainly will draw upon his own experiences. For the past nine years he has been involved in clinical trials looking at HIV medications, vaccinations and diagnostic tests for infections like HIV and hepatitis C. Friel has overseen the department of medicine’s research efforts for the past two years.

“In research we test a hypothesis and learn from our results,” he says. “These results will help us continue to improve the care of our patients and our community. It’s thrilling to be a part of this process.”

ARTICLE TOOLS: