Advancing research that transforms patient care
MedStar Health Research Institute (MHRI) is the research enterprise of MedStar Health, a leading integrated academic health system in the Mid-Atlantic. Embedded across the health system, MHRI advances clinical, translational, and healthcare delivery research through six integrated research networks—Cardiovascular, Orthopedic & Rehabilitation, Neuroscience, Cancer, Health Services, and Primary Care.
Working in close partnership with clinicians and patients, our teams conduct applied research and implementation science to improve how care is delivered, enhancing safety, strengthening clinical effectiveness, and driving more reliable, patient-centered care across real-world settings.
Patient testimonial
Research that changes lives
Watch this video to learn how research at MedStar Health is bringing new hope to patients and advancing care through clinical trials.
Facts and figures
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1,000+
active research studies across MedStar Health
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$70 million
in research funding
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900+
peer-reviewed publications a year
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400+
MedStar physicians involved in research
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1,200
residents and fellows
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60+
Georgetown medical students engaged in
Research with MedStar Health faculty annually
MedStar Health-Georgetown University Partnership
We have a strong partnership with Georgetown University, which is consistently ranked among the country’s top universities. As an academic health system, MedStar Health and Georgetown University’s shared mission is to transform health and advance health equity through our partnership of research innovation, education expertise, compassionate care, and community collaboration.
Programs and services

Clinical trials
While we continue to enhance treatment regimens, ongoing clinical research is the way to best improve patient health and welfare—now and in the future. Every day, our investigators are leading a variety of clinical trials, testing new treatment options, and finding new ways to provide supportive care and symptom management. As a result, novel discoveries and breakthrough innovations benefit our patients more immediately and allow us to deliver the highest quality of care with the best possible outcomes. By participating in a clinical study at MedStar Health, you can not only play an active role in your own healthcare, but possibly help others in the future.
Research networks
Wherever you look throughout the our health system, you're likely to find highly qualified scientists and investigators conducting leading edge clinical research. MedStar Health Research Institute researchers cover many areas and types of research across the six comprehensive networks: Cardiovascular, Healthcare Delivery, Cancer, Medical and Surgical, Orthopedics & Sports Medicine, and NeuroScience and Rehabilitation.
Scientific core services
Our Research Institute's Multidisciplinary Core Services function to support investigators as an interdisciplinary resource. Investigators are encouraged to work with their respective Scientific Center Administrator to access each of the cores. These services include Biostatistics and Biomedical Informatics, Biochemistry and Biomarker Core, Penn Medical Laboratory, and Research Pharmacy.
Research Focus eNewsletter
Subscribe to our Research Focus eNewsletter
Our monthly e-newsletter covers news and insights on the latest clinical and research innovations, updates on clinical trials, advances in patient care, events from our scientific community, and more.
Research resources
No matter your involvement in research throughout MedStar Health Research Institute and the MedStar Health system, here you will find resources and information to keep you informed and educated.
Our leadership
We are dedicated to supporting the academic platform of MedStar Health by conducting high quality translational and health sciences research throughout our health system.
The Board of Directors is supported by a leadership team that encompasses all areas of research. The leadership team is supported by the advisory board, which includes representatives from many of the facets of research being completed at MedStar Health.
