Core Center for Clinical Research

The MUSC P30-funded Improving Minority Health in Rheumatic Diseases (IMHeaRD) Core Center for Clinical Research (CCCR) was established in 2017 to provide unique resources to enable and advance clinical and translational research designed to improve the health of individuals with rheumatic diseases. The center focuses on three autoimmune connective tissue diseases, scleroderma, lupus, and vasculitis that have a disparate impact on women and African Americans. With the core purpose of improving minority health, IMHeaRD researchers place a major emphasis on implementing participatory and collaborative approaches with minority patient groups and communities to encourage input in clinical research and health promotion activities.

The center is built on a solid framework of strong leadership in Rheumatology, Biostatistics and Health Disparities Research coupled with trust and a proven track record of recruitment of African American patients for clinical research. 

Objective and Specific Aims

The ultimate objective of the center is to eliminate health disparities for minority individuals with scleroderma, lupus, or vasculitis and to improve the health of all persons at risk for rheumatic disease. This will be pursued through the following specific aims:

  1. Foster translational, clinical and outcomes research centered on Black patients with lupus and scleroderma that will lead to improved diagnosis, medical management, health outcomes, research participation, and ultimately a reduction of health disparities in debilitating rheumatic diseases. (All Cores)
  2. Develop novel tools and strategies for using the EHR to expand enrollment, increase the frequency of sample collection, and simplify recruitment of participants in clinical research. Our efforts will use the EHR and patient portals through EHR to simplify and enhance collection of samples and patient data. (Clinical and Community Resource Core)
  3. Serve as a specialized resource for providing information and education about these disorders to Black patients and families, their healthcare providers, the general public, investigators and other health professionals, other CCCRs and government agencies. (Clinical and Community Resource Core)
  4. Provide well-characterized chronologic samples and associated clinical data to help our research community identify and understand underlying biologic/clinical reasons for differences in risk profiles. (Clinical and Community Resource Core)
  5. Deliver quantitative guidance to the CCCR Research Community while developing novel biostatistical methods and providing methodologic educational development of trainees and junior investigators. We also have identified a need for enhancing education in biostatistical methods within the user base. (Methodologic Core)
  6. Offer a robust pilot project program with methodologic support and mentoring for recipients. (Administrative Core)

Cores and Funded Projects

IMHeaRD has three cores. The Administrative Core provides overall guidance and direction for the center as well as overseeing the Pilot & Feasibility Program. The Methodologic Core leads the development of methods for clinical research, data management, and data analysis. The Clinical and Community Resource Core manages existing data resources and promotes the use of these resources by the musculoskeletal research community.

Funded Projects

Funding Opportunity

MUSC Core Centers for Clinical Research (CCCR)
Request for Applications (RFA) for Pilot Project Program Grants 2025 Funding Cycle

The MUSC Improving Minority Health in Rheumatic Diseases (IMHRD) Core Center for Clinical Research (CCCR) is seeking pilot project applications for the 2025 cycle. We are requesting applications that directly address minority health in rheumatic diseases or address questions relevant to improving health in rheumatic diseases regardless of race/ethnicity.

RFA Release Date: January 6, 2025 - Two to three pilots will be funded from the following sources:

  • COM Deans Office: Any faculty or postdoc in the College of Medicine eligible to apply
  • Provost: Any MUSC faculty or postdoc eligible to apply

KEY DATES:

  • Jan. 6, 2025: RFA Released
  • March 3, 2025: LOI Deadline
  • April 1, 2025: Full final Application deadline
  • May 20, 2025: Notice of Award
  • July 1, 2025: Start date

For more information and to apply: Application Link Coming Soon!

Questions: Contact Jim Oates, M.D. at oatesjc@musc.edu or call 843-789-6797 or 843-792-7389

Collaborating Investigators

In line with our CCCR mission, we actively encourage and value collaborations across diverse disciplines worldwide, with investigators old and new. Collaborating investigators are encouraged to familiarize themselves with IRB policies regarding nonhuman research before applying for transfer of samples or clinical data from the CCCR and include IRB approval documentation in the application.

Biorepository Request Form

To initiate the process of requesting clinical data and/or biospecimens from the CCCR Biorepository, please complete and submit the following form. Your information will be reviewed by the CCCR research team who will respond to your request within the next 24- 48 hours.

Complete the form

Funding

This project is supported by the South Carolina Clinical & Translational Research (SCTR) Institute, with an academic home at the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC), through NIH Grant Number UL1 TR000062 and by the Core Center for Clinical Research, Improving Minority Health in Rheumatic Diseases (CCCR) at MUSC through NIH Grant Number P30 AR072582.