About Us

At Orange County Research Center, we are dedicated to advancing clinical research through strong partnerships with leading pharmaceutical companies, including AstraZeneca, Arrowhead Pharmaceuticals, Boehringer Ingelheim, Eli Lilly, Gilead, Merck, Moderna, Novartis, Pfizer, Roche, and Viking Therapeutics. Additionally, we collaborate with innovative biotech firms and contract research organizations to drive groundbreaking clinical studies. Our success is built on strong relationships with industry leaders, where we provide comprehensive clinical trial management, cutting-edge solutions, and dedicated teams that support their research and development goals. We are committed to continuous improvement, staying at the forefront of clinical research by embracing ongoing training, leveraging the latest technological advancements, and adhering strictly to regulatory standards. Transparency, efficiency, and excellence are the pillars of our approach, ensuring that every trial is conducted with precision, compliance, and reliability.

Our Leadership

Joel M. Neutel, MD

Medical Director & Principal Investigator

Dr. Joel Neutel is a pioneering force in clinical research, serving as the Medical Director and Principal Investigator at Orange County Research Center, which he co-founded over 30 years ago. With an extraordinary career serving as the Principal Investigator on more than 2000 clinical trials, he plays a critical role in the development of groundbreaking medical advancements. A highly respected expert in his field, Dr. Neutel serves on numerous medical advisory boards and is widely published, contributing to the advancement of scientific knowledge and medical breakthroughs. His passion for clinical research and patient care has positioned OCRC as a premier institution in the industry. With an unparalleled commitment to scientific innovation and excellence, Dr. Neutel continues to drive the future of medicine, ensuring that every study conducted under his leadership upholds the highest standards of integrity, safety, and progress.

Madonna Nicolai, RN, MSN, CFNP

Nurse Practitioner & Sub-Investigator

A highly experienced Sub-Investigator and Nurse Practitioner, Madonna Nicolai brings a wealth of clinical expertise to Orange County Research Center for over 28 years. Her clinical trial experience spans a wide range of therapeutic areas, including diabetes, hypertension, dermatology, liver disease, kidney disease, obesity, women’s health, and hypertriglyceridemia, among others. With a deep passion for patient care, she is dedicated to ensuring the safety, well-being, and positive experience of every study participant. Her extensive background in clinical research allows her to seamlessly integrate advanced medical science with compassionate, patient-centered care. Madonna’s commitment to excellence in both patient care and clinical research continues to drive the success of the OC Research Center.

Debra Georlitz

Executive Director

As the Executive Director of Operations, Debra brings over 34 years of experience in clinical trial management. Debra oversees all operational aspects of the organization and clinical trials, ensuring seamless execution, regulatory compliance, and the highest standards of excellence. Her strategic guidance and unwavering commitment to operational efficiency have been instrumental in driving innovation and success at OCRC. A true mentor, Debra inspires and empowers her team, fostering a culture of collaboration and continuous growth within the organization.

Lisseth Merino

Site Manager

Lisseth brings over 20 years of clinical research experience to the team. As a leader in Phase I-IV trials, Lisseth combines her research expertise with unwavering dedication to ensure the highest standards in study execution, patient safety, and regulatory compliance. Her exceptional leadership and ability to manage complex trials make her a driving force behind the success of our Sponsors’ clinical studies. Lisseth’s commitment to excellence and passion for research are instrumental in delivering top-quality results and maintaining the center’s reputation for excellence in clinical research.

Lara Lai

Pharmacist

Lara is the driving force behind the pharmacy operations at Orange County Research Center, overseeing all aspects of investigational product (IP) management across Phase I-IV clinical trials. Her meticulous attention to detail ensures that every IP preparation aligns seamlessly with regulatory and safety standards, safeguarding the integrity of our research endeavors. Lara’s commitment to excellence is evident in her rigorous documentation practices, guaranteeing that IP dispensing adheres strictly to study protocols.

Rythme Silva

Project Manager

Rythme brings expertise in overseeing client relations, contracts, grants, and study start-up. As an integral part of the business development team, Rythme also plays a key role in identifying new opportunities and fostering relationships with sponsors. Additionally, she oversees budget management for clinical trials, ensuring financial efficiency throughout each study. With a keen eye for detail and a commitment to excellence, Rythme ensures seamless collaboration between sponsors, investigators, and research teams, driving the success of each study from initiation to completion.

Rosa Quiceno

Lead Clinical Research Coordinator

Rosa Quiceno, CCRC is a Lead Clinical Research Coordinator at Orange County Research Center and brings over 20 years of experience in coordinating Phase I-IV trials. Her passion lies in mentoring and training junior team members to become great researchers, fostering a culture of excellence in clinical research.

Jessica Van Fleteren

Operations Manager and Regulatory Coordinator

With a keen focus on optimizing processes, Jessica plays an integral role in ensuring the center remains organized, compliant, and operates at the highest standards. Her ability to streamline operations and implement forward thinking practices is essential to the success of our clinical trials. Jessica’s leadership supports the team in meeting regulatory requirements while driving efficiency, contributing significantly to the overall success and growth of the organization.

Tisha Bauhard

Lead Patient Care Coordinator

Tisha Bauhard leads the recruitment team at Orange County Research Center, successfully identifying study volunteers and consistently exceeding enrollment goals. Her dedication to patient engagement and outreach ensures a steady flow of qualified participants, contributing to the success of clinical trials that advance medical research.

Khyati Amin

Quality Associate

Khyati Amin serves as the Quality Associate at Orange County Research Center, where she plays a pivotal role in maintaining the highest standards of quality and compliance across all clinical research activities. With a meticulous eye for detail and a deep understanding of regulatory requirements, Khyati ensures that all processes adhere strictly to industry guidelines, thereby safeguarding the integrity of our clinical trials.

Maria Serrano

Lab Manager

Maria Serrano is the Lab Manager at Orange County Research Center, bringing extensive experience in lab preparation, organization, and quality-controlled, on-time shipments. She plays a crucial role in maintaining efficient lab operations to support our Phase I-IV clinical research trials.

About Us

Our Leadership

Joel M. Neutel, MD

Madonna Nicolai, RN, MSN, CFNP

Debra Goerlitz

Lisseth Merino

Lara Lai

Rythme Silva

Rosa Quiceno

Jessica Van Fleteren

Tisha Bauhard

Khyati Amin

Maria Serrano

Joel M. Neutel, MD

Madonna Nicolai, RN, MSN, CFNP

Debra Georlitz

Lisseth Merino

Lara Lai

Rythme Silva

Rosa Quiceno

Jessica Van Fleteren

Tisha Bauhard

Khyati Amin

Maria Serrano

Let’s advance healthcare together

Orange County Research Center

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