Research Services
What is Clinical Research?
Clinical research helps medical professionals understand how to prevent, diagnose, and treat illnesses.
It plays a vital role in advancing medical knowledge and shaping the future of healthcare. Every prescription medication and medical device used today has gone through the clinical research process before becoming available to patients.
Therapeutic Areas of Research at Kootenai Health
- Oncology/Hematology
- Cardiology
- Rare Diseases
- Infectious Diseases
- Cardiology
- Neurology
- Nephrology
- Pulmonology
Oncology Research at Kootenai Health
Kootenai Clinic Cancer Services, as a leading regional cancer treatment center, offers a multidisciplinary approach to care, tailoring to each patient’s needs including potential to explore participation in clinical research studies that may provide new treatment options not yet widely available.
As a member of the Montana Cancer Consortium, Kootenai Clinic Cancer Services provides patients with access to over 100 oncology clinical research studies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can participate in a research study? How do I know if I quality for a study?
Clinical studies have specific criteria for who can participate. The criteria can be based on factors such as age, gender, the type and stage of a disease, previous treatment history, and other medical conditions. We encourage you to consult with your provider or contact the study team at (208) 625-3723 to determine eligibility.
Is it safe to participate in a clinical trial?
Being in a clinical trial may pose benefits and risks. When considering participation in a clinical trial, the possible risks and benefits will be explained in detail through the review of the informed consent form with the study team. The study team will also go over the purpose of the study, what will take place during the duration of the study, and answer any questions a participant may have may have.
Can a participant withdraw from a clinical trial?
Yes! Participation in research studies is 100% voluntary. If at any point a study participant wishes to leave a study, they have the right to do so. Withdrawing from a clinical trial will not affect nor jeopardize anyone’s access to care at Kootenai Health.
Where can I learn more about clinical trials?
American Cancer Society
National Cancer Institute
National Institutes of Health
Neurology Clinical Trials
"We're proud to bring advanced MS research to our community while ensuring the patient voice is part of every step forward. Through clinical studies and patient registries, our patients help shape the future of MS care—right here and around the world."
Academic Research Collaborations
Investigators, Sponsors, and other Community Partners interested in collaborating - please fill out our inquiry form:
Clinical Research Inquiry Form
Our Current Academic Partners
Boise State University
Kootenai Health maintains an ongoing partnership with Boise State University as a clinical affiliate of the initiative. The Healthy Idaho CTR-D is a program supported by the National Institute of General Medical Sciences of the National Institutes of Health to build a foundation that supports clinical and translational research, workforce development, and infrastructure enhancements to address the health needs of Idahoans with the goals of:
- Increase collaborative and multidisciplinary clinical and translational research between participating institutions.
- Grow the clinical and translational research workforce, while providing workforce development to academic and clinician investigators.
- Develop infrastructure needed to support clinical and translational research that targets the healthcare needs of Idahoans and addresses common barriers.
University of Idaho
Kootenai Health maintains an ongoing partnership with the University of Idaho to bridge academic research with clinical practice and advance improvements in health outcomes.
University of Washington
Kootenai Health partners with the University of Washington through shared initiatives designed to improve health outcomes for patients throughout the Northwest. In addition, Kootenai Health is an active member of the University of Washington’s ITHS | NW PC Network. This collaborative network aims to advance translational research by fostering connections among clinicians, communities, and investigators across the five-state WWAMI (Washington, Wyoming, Alaska, Montana, Idaho) region.
Todd Hoopman, M.D.
Molly's Story
When Molly was diagnosed with triple-negative breast cancer, she found more than advanced treatment. Through a clinical trial and the support of Kootenai Health's oncology and research teams, she gained confidence, hope, and a deeper understanding of how research is shaping the future of cancer care for patients like her.
