About CKRA

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Learn More About Central Kentucky Research Associates

Central Kentucky Research Associates (CKRA) makes it possible for people to participate in clinical trials that can change the face of medicine. Founded in 1991 by Deborah Dyer, RN, BSN and the late Jacqueline Smith, RN, BSN, CCRC, Central Kentucky Research Associates was Kentucky's first independent clinical drug research facility. CKRA is also one of the few such facilities in the nation that is owned and operated by women who are not physicians.

CKRA has conducted over 350 Phase I, II, III, and IV clinical trials in the areas of Allergy, Cardiology, Dermatology, Endocrine/Metabolism, Gastroenterology, Infectious Diseases, Musculoskeletal, Neurology Pain Management, Pediatrics, Respiratory, Urology, and Women's Health. Patients are recruited through the company’s extensive database and through advertising mediums such as television, radio, and print.

WBENC

The Women's Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC) is dedicated to advancing the success of certified women's business enterprises, government agencies and corporate members in partnership with its affiliated women's business organizations. Founded in 1997, WBENC is the nation's leading advocate of women-owned businesses as suppliers to America's corporations. It also is the largest third-party certifier of businesses owned and operated by women in the United States.

WBENC works to foster diversity in the world of commerce with programs and policies designed to expand opportunities and eliminate barriers in the marketplace for women business owners. WBENC works with representatives of corporations to encourage the utilization and expansion of supplier/vendor diversity programs.

CKRA is proud to be a Certified Women’s Business Enterprise.

A Tribute to Jacqueline Smith

Jacqueline Yvonne Miller Smith

Jacqueline Smith was born in Richmond, KY on January 31st, 1956 to David and Betty Miller and she was the third of seven children. On November 9th, 2005, she left this world to spend eternity with her Lord.

A graduate of Madison Central High School, Mrs. Smith continued her education at Eastern Kentucky University. She graduated from EKU in 1982 with an Associate’s degree in Nursing and received her Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing degree in 1988. She worked at UK Medical Center for nine years in the Coronary Care Unit, Intensive Care Unit, and Division of Rheumatology.

In 1991, she became the CEO and co-founder of Central Kentucky Research Associates, Inc. (CKRA) along with her close friend and business partner, Deborah L. Dyer. In 1999, CKRA was named a Small Business of the Year Finalist by the Greater Lexington Chamber of Commerce Council of Small Enterprises, and in 2000, Mrs. Smith and Mrs. Dyer received the Working Women Entrepreneurial Excellence Award. Also in 2000, Mrs. Smith and Mrs. Dyer was named Small Business Person of the Year for the Commonwealth of Kentucky by President Bill Clinton and the U.S. Small Business Administration in Washington, D.C.

Her vibrant smile and joyous laugh were two of her many great qualities that she will be remembered by. Jacqueline made a lasting impression on all those she encountered, exhibiting a genuine concern for those in her life and being truly dedicated to the many aspects of her life. Even though she is with her Lord now, she is not gone. The work that she did while with us will not be forgotten, but cherished. Her spirit lives on through us all and we will never forget the impact she made on us all.

Our CEO

Deborah Dyer, RN BSN
Founder & CEO

Debbie has been actively involved in the clinical drug development process for the past 25 years. She graduated from Eastern Kentucky University in 1985 with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree and proceeded to work in nursing and clinical drug research at the Lexington Veterans Administration Medical Center and the University of Kentucky Medical Center. Her extensive nursing and research experience was focused in the areas of acute medicine and gastroenterology. In 1991, she became the CEO and Co-Founder of Central Kentucky Research Associates, Inc.

Principal Investigators

James L. Borders, M.D.
Principal Investigator- Internal Medicine
Board certified in Internal Medicine, Dr. Borders has served as the Primary Investigator for CKRA since 2005. Dr. Borders has been in private practice since 1982 and currently heads Drs. Borders and Associates, PSC, a large group practice of six physicians. The practice provides CKRA with a diversified pool of patients from which to recruit for trial participation. Dr. Borders has extensive trial experience in smoking cessation, insomnia, vaccines, fibromyalgia, obesity, gout, migraine headaches, and restless legs syndrome, as well as numerous other indications.

Fernando R. DeCastro, M.D.
Principal Investigator- Dermatology
Dr. DeCastro is a board certified dermatologist who has been conducting clinical trials for CKRA for over five years in areas of skin infection, atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, tinea pedis and acne. Dr. DeCastro is a partner in the largest dermatology practice in the Central Kentucky area with 10 board-certified Dermatologists as well as a Pediatric Dermatologist.

Donald E. Edger, M.D.
Principal Investigator- Gynecology
Dr. Edger is board certified in Gynecology. In 1996, he joined CKRA as a principal investigator and has conducted more than 30 trials in the areas of dysfunctional uterine bleeding, genital herpes, herpes zoster, hormone replacement therapy, sexual dysfunction, oral contraceptives, vaginosis and vulvovaginitis.

Terrence Robert Grimm, M.D.
Principal Investigator- Urology
Dr. Grimm is a practicing urologist who is board certified in Urology. He has served as a principal investigator for CKRA since 1995. Dr. Grimm has conducted more than 20 clinical trials in the areas of benign prostate hyperplasia, erectile dysfunction, rapid ejaculation, urinary tract infection and unstable bladder.

Barnett W. Lewis, M.D.
Principal Investigator- Pediatrics
Dr. Lewis has worked with CKRA as principal investigator for over eight years, where he has conducted more than 20 pediatric clinical trials in the areas of allergic rhinitis, GERD, flu, conjunctivitis and otitis. A board-certified Pediatrician, he has been with his private practice since 1976, as well as working as an assistant professor at the University of Kentucky Medical School.

Administrative Staff


Ginger Arthur Director of Operations and Finance	Susan Lanthorn Director of Business Development

Cathy Jett Patient Retention Specialist	Denisha Henry, CMA Regulatory Administrator

Kathleen MacDonald Quality Assurance	Tracy Hudson Director of Human Resources

Greta BonDurant Director of Marketing and Patient Recruitment	Leign Anne Campbell Marketing and Patient Recruitment

Marie Booker and Stephanie Gibson, CMA Front Office Manager and Front Office Assistant