Our Investigators and Senior Research Staff

Nusrat Deen, President & CEO

Nusrat Deen is the President and CEO at multiple research sites, with her background in accounting and SAP systems management, she has made a name for herself in bootstrapping new sites. She has successfully initiated multiple Clinical Research sites from concept to high enrolling sites. A veteran research professional with extensive experience in site management, quality assurance, contract negotiation, recruitment and retention. She brings a rich IT experience and health care which enables her to lead into various aspects of the business. She brings invaluable experience as a healthcare executive, having successfully led six diverse healthcare services organizations.

Deen has the responsibility for all facets of the business and has guided the organization through the ever-evolving field of clinical research.

Dennis J. Levinson, MD, FACP, FACR

Dr. Dennis Levinson is a Clinical Associate Professor of Medicine at University of Illinois, Chicago. He received his undergraduate education at the University of Illinois and attended the Rosalind Franklin University (formerly Chicago Medical School). After spending three years in medicine residency at Michael Reese Hospital, and military service, he did his fellowship training in rheumatology at the University of Chicago. He has been in the practice of Rheumatology for 40 years.

Dr. Levinson is board certified in Internal Medicine and Rheumatology, and a Founding Fellow of the American College of Rheumatology. He is a past president of the Chicago Rheumatism Society and was Chief of Service and Program Director of Internal Medicine, Michael Reese Hospital, Chicago (1999-2008). Currently, he sits on the board of the Michael Reese Research and Education Foundation devoted to the legacy of Michael Reese Hospital through the funding of scholarships for minorities. Dr. Levinson has published over 76 articles, abstracts and book chapters and continues to participate in clinical research. He participated in the first Stem Cell Transplant for Sickle Cell Disease in the Chicagoland area. In 2016 he received the Hispanocare Outstanding Community Award for scholarship support in the Latino community.

Azazuddin A. Ahmed, MD, FACP

Azazuddin A. Ahmed, MD, FACP is a board-certified internist. He received his medical degree from Osmania University in Hyderabad, India and completed his internship at John H. Stroger Jr. Hospital of Chicago.

Dr. Ahmed is an active member of multiple societies including the American College of Physicians and the Indian American Medical Association of Illinois. He was president of IAMA-CF, a charitable foundation serving Chicago’s underserved from 2017 to 2018. Under his guidance the free health clinic implemented a Women’s Health Initiative and a Mental Health Initiative. In addition, he was instrumental in facilitating technological improvements to streamline the delivery of patient care. He received the lifestyle humanitarian service award from IMRC for his work with serving the underprivileged in India. Dr. Ahmed has been involved in diabetes and metabolism-related research for over 30 years and has authored numerous publications in this field. He has conducted more than 100 clinical trials as an investigator.

Dr. Z. Ali Ahmed

Dr. Z. Ali Ahmed received a B.S. in biology from Elmhurst University. He completed medical school at the Medical College of Wisconsin and his MSTP at Vanderbilt University. He went on to complete his residency in Neurology at the Cleveland Clinic where he served at Chief Resident. While there he served as Quality Improvement Officer and as the Director for Clinical Research. Dr. Z. Ali Ahmed now serves as the Associate Director of Apex Medical Research.

JR MS, CCRC

Ms. JR is ACRP certified study coordinator and brings with her a rich background in clinical research. She is the senior research coordinator and is committed to the field of clinical research, not only is she meticulous and detail oriented with a type A personality but she is also compassionate and goes the extra mile for her patients. Her patients survey provided rave reviews of her compassion and follow up care.

Following is just one of the many compliments she has received from her monitors
“ It just gives me joy to come to your site, very few coordinators are as organized and detail oriented as Jovita” – CRA from Sanofi

JM, MS, CCRC

Ms. JM is ACRP certified study coordinator and completed her medical degree in medicine from Russia. She is passionate about clinical research and meticulously follows her patients from screening, to enrollment to completion. She meets her study goals and deadlines always with a smile and with ease.

AM, MS

Mr. AM having a master’s degree in clinical research is new to the field of clinical research and brings with him a breath of fresh air and ideas. Mr. AM continuously strives’ to improve and bring efficiencies in our day to day operation.

Mr. DM is a college graduate from UIC and is our patient advocate, he is the lead recruitment specialist and is always ahead in meeting our enrollment goals. Patients love him for his friendly demeaner.

Ms. AP is a foreign medical graduate and is the newest member of our team, with a bright smile and eager to learn and help everyone when things get a little stir crazy.