Staff
Michael R. Liebowitz, M.D.
Managing Director and Founder
Dr. Liebowitz has been a pioneer in Social Anxiety Disorder and is an internationally recognized leader in the research of anxiety and affective disorders. He is Board Certified in Psychiatry and Neurology, and has devoted over thirty years to the research and treatment of anxiety, phobic, and affective disorders, serving as chair of the DSM-IV Workgroup in Anxiety Disorders. His major contributions have been in the areas of social anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder, panic disorder, atypical depression, and rapid cycling mood disorders. Dr. Liebowitz is also a consultant to many major pharmaceutical companies for clinical trial design.
In 2007, Dr. Liebowitz retired from his position as Director of the Anxiety Disorders Clinic at the New York State Psychiatric Institute, a post he held since 1982. During his tenure, his influential research led to the recognition of Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD) as a prevalent, debilitating, and chronic condition. He also developed the Liebowitz Social Anxiety Scale (LSAS), which is now widely utilized as a primary outcome measure for clinical trials of SAD. He has been at the forefront of psychopharmacology studies in generalized SAD. Dr. Liebowitz continues as Professor of Clinical Psychiatry at Columbia University. He is currently involved in the development and testing of rapidly acting anxiolytic medications. Dr. Liebowitz' dedication to MRN ensures clinical trial excellence in all studies we undertake.
For additional information about Dr. Liebowitz' experience and qualifications, please click here to review his CV.
Contact Dr. Liebowitz by email at: MLiebowitz@MedicalResearchNetwork.com
Jason Careri, M.D.
Research Psychiatrist
Dr. Careri joined MRN in February 2013. He completed his residency in Psychiatry at Albert Einstein College of Medicine and is a former Assistant Professor at Mt. Sinai School of Medicine. He is Board Certified in Psychiatry and Neurology and has been involved in clinical and basic science research since 1997.
Dr. Careri has published peer-reviewed articles and given conference presentations on anxiety disorders and addiction. In addition, he operates a private practice in Garden City, NY specializing in the treatment of anxiety and mood disorders.
Contact Dr. Careri by email at: JCareri@MedicalResearchNetwork.com
Ann E. Draine
Chief Operating Officer
Ann has been with MRN since 2004, when she was initially hired as a Clinical Research Coordinator. In 2006, she was promoted to the post of Research Administrator and in 2011 to Associate Director. She manages MRN's clinical trial contracts and fiscal budget and provides daily oversight of clinic staff and coordination of clinical activities, ensuring consistent adherence to study protocols, Good Clinical Practices, FDA guidelines, and site SOPs. Ann oversees the regulatory affairs and documentation at MRN, as well as serving as our experienced recruitment specialist.
Ann obtained her Bachelor of Arts degrees in Psychology and Spanish from Dickinson College and is fluent in Spanish. She has co-published three posters which have been presented at NCDEU and APA meetings, and has co-authored an article published in the Journal of Affective Disorders.
Ann is trained and certified in the administration of many standardized clinical ratings for mood and affective disorders. She has been certified to perform Painful and Swollen Joint Assessments, Quantitative Sensory Testing, and standardized cognitive exams. Ann is also IATA certified and is trained and skilled in the preparation of study medication for intravenous injections.
Contact Ann by email at: ADraine@MedicalResearchNetwork.com
Matthew T. Turzilli
Director of Operations
Matt has been with MRN since October 2015, during which time he has contributed to the recruitment, coordination, organization, and success of over 30 different research studies. He has experience with a vast variety of clinical indications, including Opioid Addiction, Major Depressive Disorder, Borderline Personality Disorder, ADHD, Social Anxiety Disorder, Binge Eating Disorder, Mild Cognitive Impairment, Low Back Pain, and Osteoarthritis. He has worked in Phase II, III, and IV studies involving compounds administered orally, intravenously, and topically. Matt is trained and certified in GCP and CPR and oversees all recruitment activity at MRN.
Contact Matt by email at: MTurzilli@MedicalResearchNetwork.com
Clinical Research Coordinators
Julie Newcombe
Justin Liu
Skylar Scull
Genevieve Durso
Claire Lawler
Senior Medical Assistant:
Nicole Flowers
Backup Medical Assistant/Front Desk:
Joshua Ramesar
Eligibility Coordinators:
Nichika Holdrum
Gabe Perez
Ashley Crowder