endocrinology, orthopedics and oncology. Currently, more than half of these trials focus on oncology. One motivating factor for the Zembrodt’s to support to the Clinical Research Institute is making an impact that will change lives for years to come. “The major impact will hopefully bring in renowned scientists and physicians that will open the door to treatments that were not available to the St. Elizabeth network before. In the past, these were only available to larger academic hospitals and cities that were out of reach financially and not easily accessible to many in the Northern Kentucky community,” said Dr. Zembrodt, “Having the courage to branch out is admirable. Lowcost and nearby facilities make it possible for more people to improve their quality of life.” For Dr. Flora, oncology research is also about hope. Hope for patients now and for patients in the future by improving patient outcomes, providing new treatment options, and hopefully one day providing cures for cancer. One breakthrough example is the positive results he’s documented by integrating immune therapy treatments with oncology patients. “If we can look at certain types of cancer and certain types of immune therapy treatments, perhaps we can find the right key for the right lock, and it fits and it works,” added Dr. Flora, “So that’s what research is all about — trying to find the right treatments for patients.” If you would like to support the work of the Clinical Research Institute, visit stelizabeth.com/supportresearch. To support Cancer Research at St. Elizabeth, visit stelizabeth.com/cancerresearch. Continue discovering new treatments that are just as effective, or more effective as traditional treatments but may produce BETTER OUTCOMES with fewer side effects. Expand patient participation rates to 10- 15% Use research to discover how to engineer the body’s immune system to FIGHT CANCER FUTURE GOALS: Meet The Doctor: Dr. Dan Flora, Medical Director Oncology Research • Dr. Flora was a pharmacist before return- ing to medical school to earn a second doctorate to practice in Medical Oncology/ Hematology. • His wife, Dr. Sarah Flora, is also a physician at St. Elizabeth Healthcare practicing Family Medicine in Edgewood. Sarah and Dan met at Wright State University — Boonshoft School of Medicine. What does he like to do outside of work? • Music has been a lifelong passion for him. He learned to play the guitar after his mother died of breast cancer when he was a teenager. Dr. Flora says it helped him get through her diagnosis, treatment, and ultimately her passing. Since then, he learned to play several different instruments and uses music to decompress. A few years ago, he started playing with a band and often performs in fundraising events. • Dr. Flora and his wife have three children who have developed a passion for soccer. He also enjoys playing golf and tennis. What drew him to Cincinnati? • While he moved around a lot as a child, Dr. Flora’s roots are here in the Cincinnatiarea. After his brother, Dr. Doug Flora, started practicing in Northern Kentucky, he saw St. Elizabeth’s commitment to build a Clinical Research program from the ground up and an exciting opportunity to build a leading-edge program. “Without clinical research, without clinical trials, there will be no cure,” says Dr. Flora. St. Elizabeth Healthcare is changing the face of cancer care by integrating new ways to treat some of the most prevalent forms of cancer with new and innovative approaches. The heart of many of these advances start with clinical research and the clinical trials conducted right here by top doctors and researchers at St. Elizabeth Healthcare. Dr. Dan Flora, Medical Director Clinical Research and Oncology explained, “Every one of us has been impacted by cancer, so we understand just how important it is to develop better treatments with lower side effects. We want to limit toxic side effects of treatment and produce treatments that are as effective but may be kinder and gentler to the patients.” St. Elizabeth Healthcare first started clinical research trials at the end of 2014 before establishing the Clinical Research Institute in July 2015. With the support of generous donors, the Clinical Research Institute has increased the number of patients in studies tenfold, more than doubled its staff and opened a dedicated building for the Clinical Research Institute on St. Elizabeth’s Edgewood campus. “We are actively enrolling patients into clinical trials, making great strides and progress with cancer treatments, and we want patients to understand these are available now and they don’t have to wait until the next generation of drugs comes out, we have access to those things now,” continued Dr. Flora. The generosity of community members such as scientist Dr. Tony Zembrodt and his wife, Gerry, is integral in moving life-saving clinical research forward at St. Elizabeth Healthcare. Dr. Zembrodt believes we must investigate as many opportunities as possible. “I know that research can often bring about answers,” said Zembrodt. “But, more importantly, it can result in new discoveries that allow surges ahead. These advances are a requirement, not a wish.” Thanks to the leadership of Dr. Flora and Clinical Research administrators, in conjunction with the daily work by researchers, doctors, nurses and the patients participating in studies, St. Elizabeth had nearly 170 active and enrolling clinical trials in 2022. Research conducted includes cardiology, electrophysiology, Research Brings Hope Generosity paired with innovation improving patient treatments and outcomes Inspiring Generosity, Vol . 6 | St . Elizabeth Foundation | Spring 2023 4 5 Contact Us: (859) 301–3920 | stefoundation@stelizabeth.com | stelizabeth.com/foundation
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