Avera Research Institute Update
November 2010
Our Mission
It is the mission of the Avera Research Institute to be a leader in pre-clinical, applied, and clinical research by partnering
with others who are committed to excellence.
Our Vision
It is the vision of the Avera Research Institute to facilitate and conduct healthcare research that will prevent and treat
disease, relieve pain and suffering, promote health improvement, and reduce the overall cost of healthcare.
News on the Avera Research Institute
Clinical Cancer Research Welcomes New Staff and New Location
On October 29, 2010, Avera McKennan celebrated the opening of the Avera Cancer Institute in the newly constructed
Prairie Center. The clinical cancer research staff moved in to their new space on the following Monday. Located on the third
floor, this area includes office space for the clinical cancer research coordinators and regulatory specialist. However, this
new location isn’t the only addition to the cancer research team: three new employees have joined the Avera Research
Institute team since late summer.
Janna Binder, RN, OCN, joined research as the Clinical Research Coordinator for the intra-operative electron radiation
therapy (IOERT) project. This project utilizes a self-shielded, mobile device that delivers radiation therapy during tumor
removal surgery, while attempting to protect adjacent normal tissue. Originally from Browns Valley, MN, Janna currently
lives in Yankton, SD, with her husband and four children. Before working for the Avera Research Institute, Janna worked for
eight years in radiation oncology at the Avera Sacred Heart Cancer Center. In her spare time, Janna enjoys photography
and children’s theatre.
Krista Bohlen, PharmD, hails from Jackson, MN, but now lives in Sioux Falls, SD, with her newlywed husband. Joining the
Avera Research Institute as a Research Pharmacist, Krista is involved in clinical cancer research, as well as non-cancer
research, especially in developing investigator-initiated protocols for new research projects. In her spare time, Krista enjoys
amateur photography, digital design, playing the piano and spending time with her family and friends.
Emily Knight, RN, has been hired as the Clinical Research Coordinator for hematology studies. Born in Watertown, SD,
Emily earned her nursing degree from Augustana College. When Emily isn’t working with patients and physicians on clinical
research trials, she likes to read, play and watch sporting events, and spend time with family.
Please join us in welcoming Janna, Krista and Emily to the Avera family!
Clinical Drug Study Focus – Pathological Gambling Study
Principal Investigator: Patrick Ronan, PhD
Sub-Investigators: Karen Munger, PhD; Susan Weaver, CNP
Study Coordinator: Vicki Munson, RN, MS, CCRC
Overview: The purpose of this clinical trial is to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of Chantix ® in decreasing gambling
urges and behaviors. Chantix has been approved by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration for the treatment of tobacco
smoking addiction; however, it has not been approved for treating individuals with gambling addiction (pathological
gambling).
Inclusion Criteria: Men and women who are at least 21 years old and whose primary form of gambling is video lottery may
be eligible for this research opportunity.
www.avera-research.org