He Researches Better Care

Tim Friel, M.D., is passionate about conducting research to help improve care throughout our health network

His Research Helps You - Tim Friel, M.D., is passionate about research because it helps his HIV and AIDS patients live longer. Now, he hopes to help more people by leading the health network's research efforts.

Tim Friel, M.D., doesn’t have to look far to see the power of research. He sees it every day in the faces of his patients at Lehigh Valley Health Network’s AIDS Activities Office, who are living with HIV. In recent years, his patients have been living longer and thriving thanks to new therapies and treatment strategies carefully evaluated through clinical trials offered there.

“My patients’ successes are a living testament to the immense impact research has on our care,” Friel says. “It’s the reason my colleagues and I are passionate about research.”

Friel is expanding on his passion for research – first discovered while working with HIV patients during his residency and fellowship training at Massachusetts General Hospital. His goal: to invigorate the health network’s research efforts by creating an academic-based research organization.

“Our community should know there already is great research being conducted here,” Friel says. “My goal is to help collaborate our various research efforts.”

By developing this academic research organization, the health network can generate more interest from industry, government and private groups seeking to partner with hospitals to study new products and treatment methods. This means our doctors and clinicians have access to the most cutting-edge treatments, equipment and procedures, and in turn, you have access to progressive health care – close to home.

It’s the kind of health care Friel and his wife, Kristin Friel, M.D., of College Heights OBGYN Associates (whom he met on their first day of medical school), knew they could find for their family in the Lehigh Valley, Tim Friel’s hometown.

He isn’t doing this work alone. He is supported by a steering committee with representatives from all groups currently conducting research in the network. They meet regularly to discuss their challenges and develop strategies for improving the network’s research efforts.

Friel most certainly will draw upon his own experiences. For the past nine years he has been involved in clinical trials looking at HIV medications, vaccinations and diagnostic tests for infections like HIV and hepatitis C. For the past two years he has overseen the health network’s department of medicine’s research efforts.

“In research we test a hypothesis and learn from our results,” he says. “These results will help us continue to improve the care of our patients and our community. It’s thrilling to be part of this process.”

This page last updated 12/29/08 10:25 AM

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