ABOUT RELARO
At Relaro Medical Trials, we are committed to delivering a patient-centered approach to clinical research in Dallas. Our experienced team is dedicated to excellence and innovation, driving advancements in the future of medical treatments.
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We prioritize our patients' well-being at every stage of their journey. We understand that enrolling in a clinical trial is a significant decision, and we are devoted to ensuring that our patients feel informed, supported, and valued throughout the process.
WHY RELARO MEDICAL TRIALS?
We are dedicated to upholding "Good Clinical Practice" (GCP) guidelines with the utmost integrity, driven by our shared commitment to creating meaningful change in medical research. With years of experience, our team prioritizes patient safety and fosters a culture of trust that supports lasting partnerships. Through every interaction, your satisfaction remains our top priority, helping us collectively advance the future of medical research.
OUR TEAM
We are committed to creating only positive experiences and relationships with our patients and providing clean clinical trial data to our sponsors.
Renee LaRoque
SITE DIRECTOR
With over 28 years in the industry, Renee Unger-LaRoque, Founder and Director of Relaro Medical Trials, is deeply committed to providing care that puts patients first. She takes a hands-on approach to overseeing clinical operations, making sure everything runs smoothly, stays compliant, and continues to grow in a way that benefits both the team and the patients they serve. Renee cherishes the simple pleasures of life outside of work—spending quality time with her wife and two dogs, playing Mahjong with family, unwinding on a white-sand beach, and dreaming of the day she can bring her vision to life by starting a non-profit to provide hospice care for dogs in need.
Dr. Eric Williams, M.D.
PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
Dr. Eric Williams, MD, is a board-certified psychiatrist with over 15 years of experience, specializing in adult psychiatry. Since 2017, Dr. Williams has served as a Principal Investigator at Relaro, where he is instrumental in conducting groundbreaking clinical trials that contribute to the development of innovative treatments in mental health. Based in Dallas, Texas, he also runs a small, personalized practice, taking a psychotherapeutic approach to help patients achieve “recovery and resilience”, using medications when appropriate. Dr. Williams is deeply committed to advancing mental health care through both his research at Relaro and his dedication to understanding and addressing each patient’s unique needs.
Dr. Bradley Musser, M.D.
PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
Dr. Thomas Grugle, M.D.
PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
Dr. Thomas Grugle graduated magna cum laude from the University of Texas at Dallas with a B.S. in biology and earned his medical degree from Southwestern Medical School at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Dallas. He served as a lieutenant in the United States Navy for four years, gaining specialized training in psychiatry, aerospace, and undersea medicine. After completing his military service, he practiced general medicine before pursuing psychiatry training at Timberlawn Psychiatric Hospital and eventually entering private practice in Dallas. With over 50 clinical trials to his name, Dr. Grugle has also served on the adjunct faculty at UT Southwestern for more than 30 years and joined Relaro as a Principal Investigator in 2024.
Dr. Vipin Kuriachan, M.D.
PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
Dr. Vipin Kuriachan, MD, has been a valued member of the Relaro team since 2016, bringing his expertise in ophthalmology to the organization. He is the founder and leader of Kuriachan Eye Institute in Irving, Texas, where he has served the community since 2014, offering comprehensive eye care, chronic condition management, and surgical treatments. Dr. Kuriachan graduated magna cum laude in biomedical engineering from Texas A&M University and earned his medical degree from the Texas A&M Health Science Center College of Medicine. His dedication to excellence in eye care and patient outcomes has been a hallmark of his career.
Alisha, the Clinical Operations Manager at Relaro Medical Trials, has been with the organization since 2016. Over the years, she has taken on a variety of roles, including patient recruitment, training, management, and much more. Alisha takes great pride in seeing team members grow and move on to exciting opportunities, both within and beyond Relaro, and values the personal and professional growth she has experienced along the way. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her family, watching professional sports, reading, and listening to music.
Alisha Howarter
CLINICAL OPERATIONS MANAGER
Dr. Seema Gupta is a Principal Investigator at Relaro Medical Trials, where she has been a valued team member since 2019. She earned her medical degree from Texas A&M Health Science Center College of Medicine and completed her psychiatry residency and a fellowship in child psychiatry at the University of Texas Medical Branch. Prior to working in clinical research, Dr. Gupta served as Medical Director for a day treatment program for children and adolescents and worked at an outpatient Veterans Affairs clinic. At Relaro, she is a very involved Principal Investigator on many of the psychiatric clinical trials.
Dr. Seema Gupta, M.D.
PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
Dr. Kinjal Gadhiya is a board-certified internal medicine and obesity medicine physician, currently serving as an Investigator at Relaro Medical Trials, where she has been a valued team member since 2024. She completed her residency in internal medicine at UPMC Pinnacle Harrisburg in Pennsylvania, gaining extensive experience in managing complex medical conditions. Prior to transitioning into clinical research, Dr. Gadhiya worked as both a hospitalist and a primary care provider, bringing a well-rounded perspective to her work. She is also the founder of FitFocus MD Weight Loss & Wellness Clinic, where she combines her expertise in internal medicine and obesity medicine to help patients achieve sustainable weight loss and improved overall health through personalized care, including nutrition plans, pharmacological therapy, and behavioral strategies.
Outside of her professional endeavors, Dr. Gadhiya enjoys spending quality time with her family and is passionate about physical fitness, embodying the healthy lifestyle she encourages in her patients.
Dr. Kinjal Gadhiya, M.D.
SUB-INVESTIGATOR
Susan Mahadi has been an important member of the Relaro team since 2022, contributing her expertise as an independent Rater. With a background in clinical psychology, as well as experience as an educator and mental health program facilitator, she brings a unique and valuable perspective to her role in clinical research. Outside of work, Susan is a dedicated mom to three young adults. She enjoys playing pickleball and tennis with them, watching movies, listening to music, and caring for her lively flock of chickens, embracing a well-rounded and fulfilling life.
Susan Mahadi, M.Ed
INDEPENDENT RATER
Selam Beyene
REGULATORY SPECIALIST
As the Quality Assurance & Regulatory Specialist at Relaro, Selam is dedicated to upholding compliance and maintaining the highest standards for regulatory documentation. She plays a vital role in ensuring efficient processes and managing essential documents for both current and past studies. Known for her attention to detail and ability to build strong professional relationships, Selam contributes to the seamless execution of regulatory operations. Outside of work, she enjoys shopping and exploring new cuisines, with a particular love for Italian food. When not focused on quality and compliance, Selam can often be found discovering the latest trends or indulging in a culinary adventure.
Moraima Avalos
With three years of experience in recruitment, Moraima has worked in education, healthcare and the oil and gas industry. She is passionate about building trusting relationships with patients, which is one of the things she loves most about her role. Driven by a commitment to giving back to the community, Moraima finds purpose in recruiting for clinical research studies, knowing it plays a vital role in serving people in the Dallas metroplex, and advancing healthcare on a larger scale
PATIENT RECRUITMENT & RETENTION SPECIALIST
Kali Gervais
PATIENT RECRUITMENT & RETENTION SPECIALIST
Kali is a patient recruiter at Relaro Medical Trials, excited to connect patients with healthcare services through research studies. Though new to recruiting, she brings a solid foundation in understanding people, thanks to her Master’s degree in Psychology. In her spare time, Kali enjoys watching professional sports, exploring new destinations, and rooting for the Cowboys!
Claudia Harris is a Clinical Research Coordinator with over five years of experience. She is passionate and dedicated to her work, finding fulfillment in contributing to advancements in medicine that make a difference in people’s lives. Claudia is committed to ending the stigma surrounding mental health illnesses, tackling the challenge one study at a time. In her free time, she enjoys interior decorating, cooking, and spending quality time with her family.
Claudia Harris
CLINICAL RESEARCH COORDINATOR
While Makenzie is new to the field of research, she is no stranger to the world of medicine. With a strong passion for helping others, she has gained valuable experience working as a medical scribe. Holding a B.A. in Biology from the University of North Texas, she is eager to continue expanding her knowledge and skills in the exciting and ever-evolving field of research. Outside of work, she loves spending quality time with her girlfriend, her incredible family, and staying active at the gym. She is always looking for new ways to grow both personally and professionally and is excited about the journey ahead!
Makenzie Cota
CLINICAL RESEARCH COORDINATOR
Jasmyne is an experienced clinical research professional with a passion for fostering connections within the clinical research community. Her experience working on RFPs with sponsors, site selection and trial management within a CRO, consulting with multiple sites, and thorough understanding of Relaro's processes and patient access, ensures that we are set up to succeed in our studies while building long-lasting Sponsor relationships along the way. She also developed and manages our local patient referral network, giving our team access to a larger patient pool and our patients access to low-cost mental healthcare resources. In her free time, she enjoys reading, anything that can be turned into a competition, and eating dessert.