Post-Approval Research Oversight (PARO)

The Post-Approval Research Oversight (PARO) Program is designed to enhance research quality and safety.  The PARO program includes the Research Subject Advocates (RSAs), who are experts in human biomedical research, assisting with monitoring human research protocols, and institutional human subjects protection and quality assurance professionals who are experts in their field and may also be consulted for advice.  The PARO program is responsible for assisting in the development and implementation of Data and Safety Monitoring Plans, quality assurance, incident and adverse event reporting, and participant advocacy.  PARO professionals ensure the safety and welfare of all research subjects.  They review study feasibility, safety, and integrity.  A main objective of the PARO program is to enhance research quality by early detection, correction, and prevention of research issues that may arise during the course of a study.  PARO professionals educate research teams about ethical and regulatory responsibilities at their respective institutions.

Contact Us

UCLA Office of Investigator Services
Telephone: (310) 794-CTSI (2874)
E-mail: ois@ctsi.ucla.edu

Cedars Sinai Medical Center

Brian Kan, M.D., S.M.
CTRC Research Subject Advocate
Associate Clinical Professor of Internal Medicine & Pediatrics
Cedars-Sinai Medical Center
Phone: 310-423-4683
brian.kan@cshs.org

Keren Dunn, C.I.P.
Manager, Research Compliance & Quality Improvement
Office of Research Compliance & Quality Improvement
Phone: 310-423-3783
keren.dunn@cshs.org

Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science

Junko Nishitani, Ph.D.
IRB Director
Office for the Protection of Human Subjects
Phone: 323-563-4966
junkonishitani@cdrewu.edu

Petra Duran
Research Subject Advocate
Phone: 323-357-3428
petraduran@cdrewu.edu

Connie Dzekov, B.A., C.C.R.P.
Quality Improvement Monitor
Phone:  323- 568-3504
conniedzekov@cdrewu.edu

Harbor - UCLA Medical Center

Catherine S. Mao, M.D.
Research Subject Advocate
Clinical Professor of Pediatrics
Division of Pediatric Endocrinology and Metabolism
Phone: 310-222-2503
mao@labiomed.org

University of California, Los Angeles

Laurie Shaker-Irwin, Ph.D., M.S.
Research Subject Advocate
Co-Leader, Regulatory Program
Director, Office of Investigator Services
Phone: 310-794-0504
lshakerirwin@mednet.ucla.edu

Marcia Malmet, R.N.
Manager, Quality Improvement
Office of the Human Research Protection Program
Phone: 310-983-3150
mmalmet@research.ucla.edu