Administrative Core

The overall goal of the Administrative Core is to coordinate the development of the Core Center for Clinical Research (CCCR) at MUSC. Our approach combines responsible management, fiscal accountability, comprehensive programmatic strategies, a pilot project program, and a multifaceted program evaluation. Jim Oates, M.D., directs the core with support from Gary Gilkeson, M.D., who serves as associate director. They are guided by an External Advisory Committee that includes core directors, health disparities experts, and key members of the research base.

Administrative Core Leadership & Staff

Director:

Jim Oates, M.D.
Professor and Division Director, Rheumatology and Immunology
Vice Chair for Research, Department of Medicine

As Center Director, Dr. Oates is responsible for planning, directing, and implementing all aspects of the Center's activities. This includes monthly meetings with the Executive Committee and regular communication with project leaders, co-investigators, and advisory committees. He is responsible for selecting visiting speakers on subjects of interest to the CCCR and for all CCCR publicity. Dr. Oates reviews all Center publications and is accountable for the scientific and financial activities of the Center.

Associate Director:

Gary Gilkeson, M.D.
Distinguished University Professor
Division of Rheumatology and Immunology

As Associate Director, Dr. Gilkeson directs the lupus-related efforts of the CCCR and recruitment of new research base members. He oversees all aspects of the website and external communications to the community and stakeholders.

Administrative Coordinator:

Terri Lynn Mills,
Administrative Coordinator
Division of Rheumatology and Immunology

Mrs. Mills has excellent organizational skills and is responsible for facilitating communication between all CCCR investigators, Advisory Committee members, and invited speakers. She performs all center-related word processing, records minutes at meetings, distributes memos and correspondence, coordinates travel arrangements, processes reimbursement requests, and maintains the Director's calendar and CCCR correspondence files.

External Advisory Committee

Ashira Blazer, M.D., MSCI
Associate Professor of Medicine
University of Maryland School of Medicine

Francesco Boin, M.D.
Professor of Medicine
Director, Division of Rheumatology
Director, Kao Multispecialty Scleroderma Program
Cedars-Sinai Medical Center

Patricia Katz, Ph.D.
Professor of Medicine and Health Policy
University of California San Francisco

Edith Williams, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Medicine
Director, Office for Heath Equity
Director, Center for Community Health Prevention
Department of Public Health Sciences
University of Rochester