Inova Outcomes Research Team

Lynn Gerber, MD, internationally renowned physician-investigator, leads the Center for Integrated Research as the medical director of the Functional Assessment Laboratory and is the current medical director of research for the Department of Medicine. She has been the director of the Center for the Study of Chronic Illness and Disability (CCID) at George Mason University. She brings her vast knowledge and experience as former chief of the Rehabilitation Medicine Department at The National Institutes of Health. Members of the functional assessment lab supervise and mentor students who are pursuing careers in biology and medical science.

Ali Weinstein, PhD, associate professor and director of CCID, brings experience as an investigator examining bio-behavioral aspects of chronic illness and is collaborating on studies evaluating the relationship between psychological symptoms, function and adherence in patients with chronic liver disease.

Carey Escheik, program manager of the Outcomes Research Program, provides support in all aspects of the program from internal studies to working with collaborators within Inova and collaborators and students from George Mason University. In addition, she prepares abstract posters for major conferences (such as AASLD, DDW, and EASL), provides support for grant initiatives, organizes the annual Research Day event which showcases the Department of Medicine and the Integrated Research Center’s academic achievements. She also provides programmatic support to the Department of Medicine Rheumatology specialty. Carey enjoys being able to work closely alongside her team members and the day-to-day tasks of running a busy program.

Patrick Austin, exercise specialist, provides experience in designing and overseeing tests of physical function, performance and evaluating safety concerns of potential candidates for cardiopulmonary exercise testing. Patrick has experience in monitoring and supervising over 30 tests. He also offers lifestyle support for patients and research participants wishing to lose weight, change their diet or improve physical functioning related to their strength, endurance and management of fatigue and pain.

Jillian Price, the previous program manager of the Outcomes Research Lab and now a George Mason University PhD student, provides an administrative base for the program. She also provides years of clinical research protocol development, grant and publication submission support, and education and training on the inclusion and implementation of outcomes measures in research studies within Inova.

Sina Gallo, PhD, RD, nutrition consultant, is trained as a registered dietitian with expertise in dietary assessment, body composition and clinical trials. She is also the assistant professor in the Department of Nutrition & Food Studies at George Mason University. Dr. Gallo contributes to projects which include the development of nutrition interventions as well as those which evaluate the nutrition, diet and food behaviors of patients with chronic liver disease.