Since its establishment in 1956, The University of Tennessee Medical Center has continually pursued its mission of healing, education and discovery. It fulfills the mission of discovery through the pursuit of scientific research via research projects, translational research and clinical trials. The medical center expands the frontiers of modern medicine in partnership with the UT Graduate School of Medicine (UTGSM) and a variety of corporate and academic organizations.

Scientific Research

In scientific research, investigators perform experiments and studies in the laboratory. Basic research projects occur across the medical center’s campus. However, most of our research efforts are conducted through the UTGSM. There, investigators across a range of disciplines work together to discover the secrets of genes, cells and organs, and to find solutions to specific medical problems.

Some current research programs at the medical center include:

• Amyloidosis and Cancer Theranostics Program
• Anesthesiology Research Division
• Molecular Imaging & Translational Research Program
• Research being done at UTGSM

Clinical Trials

Where scientific research projects occur in the laboratory, clinical trials rely on human volunteers to help medical researchers answer questions about treatments for a variety of diseases and conditions. Clinical trials allow researchers to test the safety and effectiveness of drugs and medical procedures in people. As a result, clinical trials help set the standards for patient care.

Clinical trial volunteers also receive potential benefits. For instance, those with existing diseases or conditions can gain access to new research treatments before they are widely available, play a more active role in their own health and help others by contributing to medical research.

Clinical trials are conducted by physicians with the medical center’s primary research support operation, the Office of Clinical Trials as well as the UT Graduate School of Medicine. Volunteer Research Group also performs research in conjunction with physicians at the medical center.

Some clinical trials currently being performed include:

• Alzheimer’s trials at The Pat Summitt Clinic
• Oncology trials through the Cancer Institute
• ALS, Migraine, Asthma and more through Volunteer Research Group

See the entire list of clinical trials, learn more about the trial process or become a participant at our Clinical Trials page.