Research at Helen DeVos Children's Hospital contributes significantly to enhancing the care of our patients and families. As a member of Spectrum Health, our research focuses not only on ensuring the quality and appropriateness of the hundreds of clinical studies under way, but also on improving the early translation of scientific advances to patient care.

Spectrum Health has been a champion of clinical research for more than three decades after first launching clinical trials in the late 1970s. Many of those early studies have led to treatments that have become the current standard of care. Examples of research where Helen DeVos Children's Hospital has been involved include:

• Surfactant for premature infants whose lungs are not fully developed
• Platinum-based chemotherapy for testicular and other cancers
• Lasers for coronary artery treatment

More than 90 percent of Grand Rapids area clinical studies are connected to Spectrum Health. Our department offers:

• 50-plus employees
• 250 physician investigators
• 800 open studies

Our focus includes translational research-the development of laboratory discoveries into potential diagnostic tools, drugs or medical devices. We also are proud of our innovative collaborations with other West Michigan research organizations including studies at the nearby Van Andel Institute.

Spectrum Health research experience includes the following areas:

• Phase I, II, III and IV drug and device trials
• Local, multi-center, national and international trials
• Federally funded grant studies
• Non-federally funded grant studies
• Emergency/expanded use protocols
• Investigator-initiated studies
• Clinical outcomes research
• Investigational new drug or device (IND) applications
• Humanitarian device exemption (HDE) applications

Contact Us
Spectrum Health Research Department
100 Michigan Street NE, MC-038
Grand Rapids, Michigan 49503
Phone: (616) 391-3050
research.department@spectrum-health.org