Research and innovation are thriving at the Erie Campus of Magee-Womens Research Institute with the celebration of a significant milestone: over 1,100 research enrollments since the regional expansion four years ago, with more signing up every day.  

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“Thanks to the very generous $6 million donation from the Erie Community Foundation and the investments from the Hamot Health Foundation, we are thrilled to have achieved more than 1,100 recruitments. The women of Erie have truly embraced the opportunity to participate in cutting-edge research and contribute to science and new discoveries,” says Linda Paterniti, Director of Satellite Operations at Magee-Womens Research Institute, Erie Campus.

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Beginning with in-person recruitment efforts in the summer of 2021, the inaugural year was dedicated to establishing a robust research infrastructure, including laboratory facilities and staffing. Then in 2023, its footprint expanded to the UPMC Specialty Clinic's West Ridge office, broadening access to cutting-edge trials in the community.

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To date, the Magee-Womens Erie Campus has launched more than 20 trials locally, and co-sponsored six seed grants with Penn State Behrend, fostering local research collaboration. Building on the Penn State Behrend partnership, the launch of the EVery Mom study marks the first clinically focused study. EVery Mom explores trauma's impact on biomarkers of stress in expectant mothers' bloodstreams. This pioneering research has the potential to help better understand the relationship of how trauma impacts a woman during their pregnancy.

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Among other notable studies, Magee-Womens in Erie has supported SCOOP3, a study assessing postoperative cognitive dysfunction in older women undergoing pelvic organ prolapse surgery. The Heart Health for New Moms trial which explored lifestyle interventions targeting cardiovascular health in new mothers, the ongoing TAPER trial which is examining 2 common applications of vaginal estrogen cream for the prevention of recurrent urinary tract infections.

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Feedback from participants has been overwhelmingly positive.

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“The secret sauce of our enviable recruitment is without a doubt the amazing research assistants. They are passionate, professional, and incredibly dedicated,” says Dr. Halina Zyczynski, Medical Director of Magee-Womens Research Institute, Erie Campus.

While Magee-Womens Research Institute, Erie Campus, has already achieved remarkable success, the team is focused on future growth.

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“[Magee-Womens Research Institute in Erie] will continue to build on our initial success in pregnancy-focused research and biospecimen acquisition for translational research by facilitating relationships between Magee-Womens investigators and Hamot-based primary care practices in Erie,” says Linda. “We anticipate that these collaborations will lead to the implementation of community-based studies that will benefit our investigators, providers, and patients, and continue to advance women’s health.”

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