Velocity Slidell

Velocity Clinical Research, Slidell

Louisiana

862 Brownswitch Road Slidell, LA 70458

Help Make a Difference

By Participating in Clinical Research

People who volunteer to participate in clinical trials are key to the advancement of medical research. Our sites are dedicated to conducting clinical trials with an emphasis on patient care. Our physician investigators and other members of our research teams are extensively trained in different medical subspecialties as well as the complex field of clinical research. We strive to provide our study participants and sponsors a high quality, efficient and care-directed clinical trial experience.

Velocity Clinical Research, Slidell

Velocity Clinical Research, Slidell, formerly MedPharmics - Slidell, is part of the Velocity Clinical Research Organization, a wholly owned Site Organization, providing excellence in patient care, high quality data and fully integrated research sites.

Our Mission

Velocity’s mission is to bring innovative medical treatments to patients. We are committed to making clinical trials succeed by generating high quality data from as many patients as possible, as quickly as possible while providing exemplary patient care at every step.

Our Story

Conducting Clinical Trials Since 2019

Velocity Clinical Research, Slidell was founded in 2019 as a part of MedPharmics. Since its inception, the site has previously conducted trials in Infectious Diseases and Women’s Health. Slidell also now conducts pediatric trials and will continue to expand to new therapeutic areas.

The site is easily accessible as it near I-12 on Brownswitch Road, right after the roundabout. The stand-alone building is fully equipped to accommodate various types of clinical trials.

The Slidell team is committed to being a resource for study volunteers, to providing the highest quality of patient care with compassion and kindness and to advancing medicine through research. By joining Velocity Clinical Research organization in August 2022, they added new efficiencies and integration to their already comprehensive approaches to conducting clinical trials.

Our Experienced Research Team

The Velocity Slidell team of physician investigators and clinical research professionals are experienced clinical researchers. All physicians are board certified in their specialty area(s) and all research staff is trained in clinical research regulations, including GCP and HIPAA. Training records and certifications are maintained. Our clinical team is dedicated to conducting quality research in a professional and caring environment and strives on collecting quality data.

Blake Landry, MD

Principal Investigator

A native of New Orleans, Dr Landry has been practicing medicine in Slidell since 1999 where he has been an integral part of the women’s healthcare community.

Dr Landry received his medical degree and trained at LSU Medical Center-Shreveport for his OBGYN residency. Since that time, he has maintained his status as board certified through ABOG.

In addition to his private practice, he became a principal investigator, working with trials related to women's healthcare and babies, conducting clinical trials with Velocity Clinical Research since 2020. Outside of work, you will find him enjoying time with his family, his dogs, exercising, reading, and enjoying his eclectic musical tastes.

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Allan Larcena, MD

Principal Investigator

Dr. Allan Larcena has happily served the people of Slidell and surrounding communities as an Internist/Primary Care Physician since 1995. He completed his internship at Seton Hall affiliated hospital in Newark NJ and residency in Internal Medicine at Columbia University affiliated hospital in in Summit, New Jersey. He is currently Board Certified in Internal Medicine as well as Hospice and Palliative Care Medicine. Before his time in United States, Dr. Larcena completed his undergraduate degree, medical degree and post graduate internship in Cebu City, Philippines.

Dr. Larcena has continued to expand his interests as he joined the clinical research world as a Principal Investigator and Sub Investigator in 2021. Although new to research, he’s looking to explore new therapeutic areas to help the people of Slidell and beyond.

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Cherie Oertling, MD

Principal Investigator

Dr. Cherie Oertling earned her undergraduate degree at Louisiana State University before obtaining her medical degree at Louisiana State University School of Medicine in New Orleans. Upon graduation she remained in New Orleans to complete her residency in pediatrics at Children's Hospital and the Medical Center of New Orleans.

In 1996 Dr. Oertling began practicing in Slidell, LA where she has served children and their families for over 25 years. Dr. Oertling manages her practice along with her husband and fellow pediatrician, Dr. Robert Oertling.

Dr. Oertling entered the clinical trials world in 2022. Her interest in clinical trials began with the advent of the COVID pandemic. She hopes her participation in trials will bring new medications, vaccinations, and treatments to the children in her community and across the world.

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Mary Hess, FNP

Sub Investigator

Mary Hess joined the field of clinical research in 2022 as a full-time sub investigator for Velocity Clinical Research, Slidell. She initially became interested in research in the late 90’s while working for an endocrinologist from 1999-2007. Aside from research, Mary is no novice to the medical field with over 30 years of experience as a nurse.

Mary earned undergraduate nursing degrees from Elizabethtown Community College and Bellarmine University. Soon afterward, she received her Master of Science in Nursing from Loma Linda University. She then got her Master of Family Nurse Practitioner from Emory. Finally, she obtained her Doctor of Health Administration from University of Phoenix.

In the public sector, Mary also served in the U.S. Army Reserves for five years, U.S. Army Nurse Corps Active Duty for five years, and the U.S. Air Force Reserves for three years. In the private sector, Mary has held numerous nursing roles across Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, Virginia, and Montana.

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Christal Keller, Pharm.D., RPh

Site Director, Pharmacist

Christal Keller joined Velocity Clinical Research (formerly MedPharmics) in 2021 as a multi-state licensed, registered Pharmacist. In her role as Site Director, she utilizes her expansive drug knowledge to help the site run smoothly.

Before joining the research world, Christal worked as a Pharmacist for Walmart & Southeastern Grocers.

Christal completed her undergraduate studies at the University of New Orleans where she earned her Bachelor of Science degree and her Doctorate of Pharmacy degree from Xavier University of Louisiana's College of Pharmacy.

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