Research Centers of America

Dr. Schwartz is Board-Certified in Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology and has practiced in South Florida for over 30 years. He is now focusing on making RCA the best-in-class research site in South Florida. He’s an accomplished lecturer and has also been extensively published on many of the clinical trials in which he has participated.  Additionally, he has served as an industry consultant and on numerous Data Safety Management Boards.

Dr. Peter Ventre is the Founder of Research Centers of America.  He has built a strong reputation over the years within the research community as being a diligent and insightful investigator.   With experience in more than 100 clinical trials, he ensures excellent patient care and thorough involvement in the research process.

Dr. Timothy Grant, the medical director of the Neurology and Sleep Medicine Divisions at Research Centers of America. Dr. Grant is a board-certified neurologist and sleep specialist, he is widely recognized for his work in neurology and expertise in sleep medicine.

• Board Certified in Psychiatry by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology
• Licensed to prescribe Controlled Substances and Suboxone

Dr. Cordero has delved into clinical research since starting with RCA and is currently one of RCA’s Principal Investigators. He has experience with over 50 clinical trials and always maintains abreast on current research in CNS. Dr. Cordero’s experience and leadership pave the way for success in conducting clinical trials at RCA.

• Board Certified in Psychiatry by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology
• Licensed to prescribe Controlled Substances and Suboxone

Dr. Mendiratta has served as sub-investigator for the majority of RCA’s clinical trials in both the outpatient and inpatient settings for a variety of diagnoses including schizophrenia, ADHD, substance abuse and depression. His expertise in these areas have led to several features

Dr. Padilla is the Chief of Psychiatry at Nicklaus Children’s Hospital.

His experience includes Directorship of several psychiatric units throughout the city of Miami. Currently, he is conducting numerous researches in the child psychiatric area. He is board certified by The American Board of Neurology and Psychiatry in both Adult and Child, Adolescent Psychiatry.

Dr. Nelia Sanchez-Crespo is an Internal Medicine Physician graduated Cum Laude from PUCMM in Dominican Republic and completed specialty training in United States at Atlanta Medical Center with high honors. She is Board Certified in Internal Medicine. Dr. Sanchez-Crespo has continued experience thru over 15 years of medical practice. She is an investigator in multiple clinical trials at RCA and she secures patient care thru the research operation. She is fluent in English and Spanish.

Barbara Corral is the Director of Operations and serves as a Sub-Investigator for Research Centers of America. She is a well-rounded Nurse Practitioner with extensive experience in emergency, adult, pediatric and psychiatric medicine. She has practiced in various settings including hospitals and private practices. Additionally, she has worked on both inpatient and outpatient clinical trials and has over five years of experience working with Acute and Chronic Illnesses.

Barbara graduated Magna Cum Laude from her Master’s of Science in Nursing. She is a highly dedicated, caring, and hardworking clinician.

Maria Companioni serves as a Sub-Investigator and rater for Research Centers of America.  She has practiced in various settings including home health, hospitals, and private practices.  Additionally, she has worked on both in-patient and out-patient clinical trials and has over five years of experience working with Acute and Chronic Mental Illness.

Jennifer Schwartz is a Board-Certified Family Nurse Practitioner at Research Centers of America. She received her Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing from the University of Michigan furthered her education at the University of Miami, where she received a Master’s of Science in Nursing.

Surisaday Mederos serves as a Sub-Investigator and director of operations at the south office for Research Centers of America. She is a Board-Certified Family Nurse Practitioner and a Certified Clinical Research Coordinator. Suri has over 15 years of experience as a clinical research coordinator and worked on multiple clinical trials in both the inpatient and outpatient setting.

Terry has over 17 years of clinical research experience. As an ACRP Certified Clinical Research Coordinator, Terry was Senior Coordinator for dozens of high enrolling vaccine clinical trials. Since 2009 Terry has been managing a Vaccine Division as Project Manager. She directly oversees all vaccine trials from planning through completion and ensures the highest level of quality.

Alexandra brings over 15 years of finance experience to the table with expertise in research budgeting.

Cecilia has over 26 years of clinical research experience. Before joining RCA, she spent 7 years as an ACRP Certified Clinical Research Coordinator and 13 years as a director of operations. Cecilia has been a Clinical Rater since 1993 and has been with RCA since 2019 where she is a valuable member of the Business Development Team as well as a Clinical Rater.

Mr. Rodriguez began his research career at the University of Florida with the Department of Neurology in 1996. In the last 20 years has worked in over 200 clinical trials, has served as a rater training consultant, recruitment and retention speaker, and sop training and development. Mr. Rodriguez joined in 2017 and has been responsible for quality assurance training, and day to day operations.

Monica is Research Center of America’s regulatory specialist.  She works together with the different site departments in the preparation, organization and maintenance of all essential documents.  This ensures that all clinical trials are conducted in compliance with FDA, IRB, and ICH regulations and guidelines.

As the Quality Assurance and Data Manager, Laura oversees the quality of Research Centers of America’s conduct in clinical trials.

Dunia Torres joined Research Centers of America in 2018 as the Lab Manager.  She oversees specimen collection, processing, and storage.  She also monitors and maintains temperature, calibration, and equipment lists.  She has worked in the research field for over 13 years and has worked on hundreds of research studies.  She is a Medical Assistant with certifications in Phlebotomy and EKG.

Dr. Maria DePombo is a Board Certified Psychiatrist who joined Research Centers of America in 2018 where she serves as a Principal and Sub-investigator. Her areas of research focus on patients suffering from Depression, Bipolar, Schizophrenia and substance disorders.

Dr. Inna Ozerov is a Sub-Investigator at Research Centers of America.  She is a Diplomate of the American Board of Ophthalmology and specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of medical and surgical corneal diseases, with a particular interest in the treatment of Keratoconus and Dry Eye Syndrome.

Board-Certified in OB/GYN

• Fellow, American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology (FACOG)
• Dade County Medical Association
• Florida Medical Association
• North American Menopause Society
• American Association of Gynecologic Laparoscopists
• American Institute of Ultrasound Medicine
• American Society for Colposcopy and Cervical Pathology

Board-Certified Physician Assistant

• Florida Academy of Physician Assistants
• American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology
• Dade County Medical Association