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Clinical Research

Clinical Trials at Spring Valley Pediatrics

"Dr. Van Vleck thinks ahead to help my daughters prepare for summer, for social dynamics, athletics, and other things that go along with their ages. She provides 360 degrees of care in a kind and respectful manner." -M.C.

"We have been patients for 7 years and would not think about switching practices. The level of detail and advocacy that Dr. Sexter gives is most impressive. She is the best! We sleep better knowing that our son is in Dr. Sexter’s care. I’m so happy we found her." -D.Z.

"The kids both love seeing Dr. Long and she is always so thorough. It’s always a wonderful experience." -L.G.

"We love Spring Valley Pediatrics overall. We have always had great experiences and they are so willing to take the extra time with us every time we are sick. Our pediatrician, Dr. Caroline Van Vleck is the best pediatrician we have ever had. She cares for my children as if they were her own." -C.S.

"Dr. Sexter has always been pleasant, attentive and patient with my daughters as patients, and very patient with me when I have questions. She is thorough and always takes the necessary time to accurately diagnose my child. Her nurse Jennifer is exceptionally responsive, helpful, and the office is very well organized." -J.F.

"We are so grateful for the wonderful and dedicated care that Dr. Sexter has given to our daughter over the years — we could come to her with any problem, and she always helped her in such a compassionate and brilliant way. And we have always found the Spring Valley practice so lovely and accommodating, from the great nurses, to the lab, weekend hours, and morning call in times." –M.G.

"Dr. Long was very likable and easy to talk to. She immediately made my 5-year old feel comfortable. She explained things clearly and was a pleasure in general." -L.B.

"Dr. Long is always great with my daughter and very thorough. She is never rushed and always takes the time necessary to treat my daughter." -J.W.

"Dr. Palumbo has been my children’s pediatrician for 10 years. He is great with all the kids. He spends time during the visits. He is extremely patient and overall a great and reassuring doctor." -M.S.

"I brought in my sick and unhappy ten month old for a visit. We were able to easily schedule an appointment to get in quickly to see the doctor. Dr. Palumbo was so comforting to her while he examined her. It’s never fun to have a sick child, but Dr. Palumbo and Spring Valley Pediatrics ensure that our children are seen quickly and are well cared for." -D.B.

"Dr. Palumbo is holistic, wisely conservative with medication, and discusses avenues to pursue with patient and parent." -N.Y.

"We’ve been seeing Dr. Warfield for 12 years and really couldn’t be happier with his care. He is diligent in diagnosis, willing to listen and very thorough. He is compassionate with the children and they love him." -N.S.

"Dr. Warfield is an exceptional pediatrician. He relates well to both the children and their parents by making both feel at ease in sometimes difficult situations. I feel free to call the office day and night with any questions and I know I will get a quick and thoughtful response." -A.M.

"Dr. Warfield is a great physician. He is so gentle with our children and I always feel like they are in excellent care with him. He always takes the time to listen to my concerns, evaluate the situation, and thoughtfully discuss the possibilities." -J.M.

"Dr. Warfield is a warm and engaging physician, always happy to spend time getting to know the patient. He is a very kind and helpful man, an amazing doctor who will listen and follow up." -F.L.

"We have been seeing Dr. Warfield since my son was born 11 years ago. He always takes the time to do a thorough examination and answer any questions we have. He is knowledgeable and extremely kind. We have total confidence in Dr. Warfield and recommend him to all our friends. He is also really great with kids." -R.P.

"The doctors at Spring Valley Pediatrics are fantastic, caring, responsible, and responsive. Overall we have a great experience every time we come." -Z.Y.

"The practice will always let us schedule same day appointments and they are always able to fit us in. All the doctors are very kind and willing to spend extra time answering my questions." -N.C.

"I love that I can call in the morning and speak to my doctor directly during their call-in time. I never have a problem getting an appointment." -T.W.

"The doctors at Spring Valley Pediatrics have been wonderful in guiding both of my children - and us, as parents -- through complex chronic illnesses. We have two children in their 20’s now and we will greatly miss the care we have received." –M.G.

"We LOVE Dr. Sexter!! This is one of the best practices in the entire metropolitan area. We saw Dr. Palumbo for years before switching to Dr. Sexter several years ago when my daughter (entering adolescence) requested a female doctor. They are both superb." –P.G.

At Spring Valley Pediatrics our goal is to provide the best possible care for our patients. Sometimes it’s as straightforward as writing a prescription or giving a shot — other times the best therapy is still in development. That is why clinical trials are so important. Without clinical trials, it would be impossible to develop new medicines, vaccines, and cures for children.

Spring Valley Pediatrics partners with Meridian Clinical Research. Together, we conduct clinical studies (overseen by our participating physicians) to help develop better therapies for the patients we see, and for people worldwide.

Without clinical trials (also called ‘clinical studies’ or ‘research studies’), it would be impossible to develop new medicines and cures. These studies may offer more care options for our patients suffering from chronic and rare health conditions. This is particularly helpful for patients who struggle to find effective therapies currently on the market. Clinical trials also help us improve the standard of care for routine health care issues affecting children of all ages. In short, clinical studies help us deliver better care to our patients.

Clinical Trials in Washington DC

We regularly conduct studies for healthy children and those with specific conditions. These studies offer a way for almost anyone, regardless of age or background, to help improve human health and wellbeing. Right now, we’re seeking participants for the following:

  1. Varicella (chicken pox) vaccine study: At the 12 month visit all children receive the Varicella vaccine. There is an investigational vaccine that may provide improved efficacy and it is being compared with the current varicella vaccine. This study is for children who have not yet had their 12 month visit.
  2. Meningitis vaccine study: At their 11 year visit, all children will receive the Meningitis vaccine that covers strains ACWY. At age 16, they receive the Meningitis B vaccine. This is study for an investigational vaccine that combines those two vaccines into one vaccine for Meningitis strains ABCWY. This study is for children who have not yet had their 11 year visit.
  3. Parainfluenza virus (croup) and Human metapneumovirus (another common respiratory virus) vaccine study: This is an investigational mRNA vaccine for two of the most common childhood respiratory viruses that cause significant illness. This study is for any child between the age 1 and 5 years.
  4. Pneumococcal vaccine study: All infants receive a vaccine for pneumococcal disease (meningitis, pneumonia, ear infections) at ages 2, 4, and 6 months. This is an extremely important vaccine for this age group. The original pneumococcal vaccine protects against 7 different strains. The vaccine currently being used is against 13 strains. This investigational vaccine is against 21 strains. This study is for infants who have not yet had their second Hepatitis B vaccine, as that will be given along with the study vaccine at age 2 months. Of note, all required childhood vaccines for the first 6 months are paid for as part of the study.
  5. Constipation with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS-C) medication study: This study is for children ages younger than 18 years who suffer with IBS and constipation/diarrhea. An FDA-approved treatment in adults is now being studied in children and adolescents.

Clinical Trial Safety

Our clinical studies are held to incredibly high standards set by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Meridian. Every effort is made to ensure patient safety. Participating in a clinical study is always optional — regardless of what you decide, we will continue to provide excellent traditional care.

Why Participate?

Beyond helping advance medicine, you and your child may also:

  • Get care and/or exams from a local doctor at no cost
  • Get access to investigational medications in development
  • Receive compensation for study-related time and/or travel (amounts vary for each study)

If we believe a study is right for you, someone from our office or Meridian may contact you at our request. You can also ask about current studies when you visit our office. As physicians, we fully support the clinical studies you are contacted about. We encourage you to consider participating if you are contacted.

If you’d like to be notified when a study may be right for you, you can sign up online, or call (912) 623-2240 (Meridian’s call center supporting DC).

Current Research Studies in DC

To learn more about current studies at Spring Valley Pediatrics and Meridian, talk to your doctor or visit Meridian’s website. Participating in a clinical study is always optional. As always, your child’s health is our greatest priority, and we will continue to provide excellent traditional care. To support great leaps in medicine, we support clinical research. We hope you will, too.

Meridian Clinical Research is located inside our facility at 4850 Massachusetts Ave NW, 2nd Floor, Washington, DC 20016.

Contact Spring Valley Pediatrics

202.966.5000