Pulmonary – Clinical One Research

Seela Ramesh, MD

Dr. Ramesh is a board-certified Gastroenterologist with extensive expertise in Advanced and Therapeutic Endoscopy, ERCP, Endoscopic Ultrasonography (EUS), and the management of liver diseases. He completed his medical education at the Medical College of Virginia, an institution globally recognized for its excellence in Gastroenterology and Hepatology.

A highly experienced Principal Investigator, Dr. Ramesh has led numerous clinical trials across a wide range of therapeutic areas, including hepatology, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and metabolic liver disorders. His research contributions have helped advance innovative treatments, and he has been published in leading peer-reviewed journals. His work includes studies on hepatitis C, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), and the role of cannabinoid receptors in hepatic metabolism.

Dr. Ramesh’s publications and presentations include:

Ramesh, S., & Sanyal, A. J. (2004). Hepatitis C and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Seminars in Liver Disease, 24(4), 399-413.
Ramesh, S., & Sanyal, A. J. (2005). Evaluation and management of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis. Journal of Hepatology, 42(1), S2-S12.
Ramesh, S., Mirashi, F., Choudhoury, J., & Sanyal, A. J. (2005). Cannabinoids block interferon-mediated suppression of hepatitis C virus replicon. AASLD, Poster Presentation.
Ramesh, S., Mirashi, F., Choudhoury, J., Gupta, S., & Sanyal, A. J. (2005). Methanandamide promotes hepatic lipogenesis by increasing SREBP-1 and SREBP-2 activity—a novel effect of cannabinoid (CB1) receptor activation. AASLD, Poster Presentation.
Qasem, A., Ramesh, S., & Naser, S. A. (2018). Role of TNF antagonists in susceptibility to mycobacterial infection in association with genetic polymorphisms in Crohn's disease. UCD Biomedical Sciences Annual Graduate Research Symposium, Poster Presentation.

Dr. Ramesh is a Clinical Assistant Professor of Medicine at the University of Central Florida and plays an active role in training medical professionals at Osceola Regional Medical Center. He is also a distinguished member of professional organizations, including the American Gastroenterological Association (AGA), the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ASGE), the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases (AASLD), and the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation (CCF).

With a strong background in clinical research, protocol development, and investigational therapies, Dr. Ramesh is dedicated to advancing medical knowledge and improving patient outcomes through innovative clinical trials.

SUVARCHALA DARA, MD

Medical Director, Principal Investigator

Dr. Suvarchala Dara is a board-certified cardiologist and internal medicine specialist with extensive experience in cardiovascular research and clinical trials. As the Medical Director of the Cardiovascular Institute of Orlando and a Clinical One Research Principal Investigator, she is committed to advancing innovative therapies and evidence-based treatments for cardiovascular diseases. Since founding CIO in 2009, Dr. Dara has been dedicated to developing and leading clinical research initiatives that improve patient outcomes and shape the future of cardiovascular medicine.

Dr. Dara obtained her medical degree from Osmania Medical College, one of the oldest and most prestigious medical institutions globally. She completed her residency and advanced training at Virginia Commonwealth University and is affiliated with Advent Health Systems.

With a focus on preventive cardiology, heart failure, and vascular disease management, Dr. Dara actively participates in clinical trials investigating novel treatment modalities, medical devices, and interventional therapies. She has successfully conducted research in multiple therapeutic areas, contributing to the development of new treatment protocols and FDA-approved therapies.

Dr. Dara fosters a patient-centered research environment, ensuring that participants receive the highest quality care while contributing to groundbreaking advancements in cardiovascular medicine. Her commitment to translational research bridges the gap between scientific discovery and real-world clinical application, helping to bring cutting-edge treatments to the community.

Dr. Dara is passionate about improving community health through research, education, and innovation. Her dedication to clinical trials and research excellence continues to shape the future of cardiovascular healthcare.

SHOBA THEIVANAYAGAM, MD (Dr. T)

Research Investigator | Board-Certified Gastroenterologist Gastroenterology Institute of Orlando

Dr. Shoba Theivanayagam is a double board-certified gastroenterologist with extensive experience in clinical research and evidence-based gastroenterology care. She trained at prestigious institutions, completing her internal medicine residency at the University of Illinois College of Medicine and a Gastroenterology fellowship at the University of Missouri Hospitals and Clinics, where she also served as Chief Fellow of Gastroenterology.

With a strong background in both academic and community hospital settings, Dr. Theivanayagam integrates cutting-edge research with clinical expertise to improve patient outcomes. She has presented multiple research papers at national and regional conferences and remains actively engaged in advancing clinical trials in gastroenterology and hepatology.

As Research Investigator, Dr. Theivanayagam leads clinical trials focused on innovative treatments for gastrointestinal disorders, including:

✔ Colorectal cancer screening & prevention
✔ Women's health in gastroenterology
✔ Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) research
✔ Functional & motility disorders

She is dedicated to evidence-based medicine, ensuring that research participants receive the highest standard of care while contributing to groundbreaking advancements in gastroenterology. Her work is instrumental in shaping the future of digestive disease management and expanding treatment options for patients. Dr. Theivanayagam’s commitment to clinical research, education, and patient-centered care makes her a leader in the field, driving medical innovation and transformative therapies in gastroenterology.

Laurie Letizia, MMS, PA-C

Sub-Investigator | Physician Assistant – Gastroenterology

Laurie is a board-certified Physician Assistant with over a decade of experience in clinical medicine and a growing focus in clinical research. Originally from Montgomery, Alabama, she earned her undergraduate degree from Mercer University in Macon, GA, in 2010, followed by a Master of Medical Science in Physician Assistant Studies from Mercer’s Atlanta campus in 2012. She is certified by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants and is a member of the American Academy of Physician Associates.

Laurie brings a diverse clinical background that includes four years in colorectal surgery and nearly a decade in gastroenterology
, with experience in both inpatient and outpatient settings. Her areas of clinical interest include inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and colorectal disorders.

In addition to her patient care experience, Laurie has served as a sub-investigator on clinical trials in gastroenterology, asthma, and cardiovascular disease. She has supported protocol execution, subject screening and enrollment, adverse event monitoring, and data collection in alignment with GCP and FDA guidelines. Her dual role as a provider and research clinician allows her to bridge clinical insights with study requirements, enhancing both recruitment and retention.

Laurie joined our team in July 2023 and continues to combine her passion for research and patient care. She is committed to advancing medical knowledge through clinical trials that expand treatment options and improve outcomes for patients.

A strong advocate for patient education and shared decision-making, Laurie believes in empowering individuals to actively participate in their healthcare. She also mentors advanced practice providers and contributes to the professional development of emerging clinicians.

Outside of work, Laurie enjoys spending time with her husband and children, cooking, reading, and visiting the beach.

Dr. Eliam M. Fuentes-Tirado, M.D.

Sub-Investigator

Dr. Fuentes is a Clinical Research Investigator at Clinical One Research in Orlando, specializing in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. Board-certified and experienced in neuromuscular care, electrodiagnostics, and interventional pain management, he brings a strong academic foundation with research spanning both organic chemistry and clinical rehabilitation. He is an active member of several national medical societies and is passionate about improving patient outcomes through evidence-based clinical trials and compassionate, personalized care.

Dr. Leon Hendley, MD

Principal Investigator – Vero Beach, FL

Dr. Leon Hendley is a board-certified Cardiologist and experienced Principal Investigator with over 20 years of clinical research leadership and more than 45 years in clinical practice. Based in Vero Beach, FL, Dr. Hendley is affiliated with Cleveland Clinic Indian River Hospital and has consistently delivered high-quality data and patient care across Phase II-IV cardiovascular trials.

A graduate of the University of Florida, Dr. Hendley is widely regarded for his clinical expertise in conditions including Mitral Valve Prolapse, Mitral Valve Regurgitation, and Sick Sinus Syndrome. His research portfolio spans therapeutic areas such as heart failure, arrhythmias, ischemic heart disease, and preventive cardiology.

Dr. Hendley is committed to advancing evidence-based medicine through rigorous clinical research. His site offers a reliable patient population, efficient enrollment, and a collaborative environment for sponsors and CROs. With a track record of successful regulatory compliance and patient retention, Dr. Hendley is a trusted partner for cardiovascular trials in the Southeast region.

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