Eckhart Tolle is known for the quote “Awareness is the greatest agent for change.”  For Ashiqua Jackson, DNP, FNP-C, truer words have never been spoken.  It was in 2020, during the height of COVID, that Dr. Jackson realized that one of the reasons for the lack of minority participation in clinical trials can be attributed to the lack of awareness about clinical trials.  Prior to COVID, most people did not understand clinical research and the necessity of clinical trials for drug and vaccine development.  It was then she decided to start a healthcare facility in order to establish a presence in the Memphis underserved community. The facility addresses healthcare disparities in general, as well as disparities associated with COVID.  She also sought to educate the community about clinical research.

In April of 2021 Dr. Jackson launched a new business, AVIATI Healthcare & Clinical Research.  Just as she envisioned AVIATI is a community-based facility that not only gives back to the community but also educates the community about improving health outcomes through patient education and partnerships with patients.  This site can be found in the heart of Memphis, in the Hickory Hill area, where the population is widely African-American and Hispanic.  Located in the historic Hickory Ridge Mall, the site is only 20 minutes away from any part of Memphis.

Dr. Jackson serves as the Clinical Director and Sub-Investigator for AVIATI.  The staff also includes a Principal Investigator, Katosha Muse, MD, who is a family medicine practitioner and obstetrician.  In addition, there is also a translator and 4 clinical research coordinators.  With such an experienced staff they are capable of conducting clinical trials in a number of therapeutic areas, including but not limited to, women’s health, primary care, diabetes, hypertension, obesity management, and infant formula.

AVIATI Healthcare & Clinical Research has a thriving relationship with approximately 10 physicians who they reference as community partners.  Though these physicians do not directly work in clinical research, they frequently refer patients who they deem to be viable trial participants.  Dr. Jackson maintains an excellent relationship with these physicians by meeting with them at least twice monthly.  

Even before its inception Dr. Jackson’s vision for AVIATI’s extended beyond clinical research.  At AVIATI Healthcare & Clinical Research one can receive a variety of healthcare services including weight loss injection services, Department of Transportation (DOT) physical exams for commercial motor vehicle drivers and youth sports physicals.  

Perhaps the greatest service AVIATI Healthcare & Clinical Research provides is community outreach.    Though the community outreach provided may have started with participation in community health fairs, it now extends well beyond that.  The site’s work within the community has made them more aware of the needs of many families.  This has prompted them to begin a baby’s closet to assist families going through hardships with free essential baby items to care for their child adequately.  In addition, AVIATI also has quarterly giveaways, including a year’s supply of diapers, gift cards, car seats, clothing, baby wipes, etc.  

AVIATI Healthcare & Clinical Research provides clinical research education.  The community partners are educated on clinical research and how it can benefit their patients.  The training also highlights how minority participation in clinical trials is beneficial to reducing healthcare disparities within minority communities.  Dr. Jackson takes special care in educating the Memphis community about clinical research, what clinical trial participation entails and how it can be beneficial to them as well as others.  By providing clinical research education to healthcare providers as well as the community, AVIATI is planting the seeds of knowledge that will hopefully evoke change in minority participation in clinical trials.

Though this is not a primary care facility, Dr. Jackson is focused on making sure every patient knows they are cared for.  At AVIATI, they are not so detached that patients aren’t touched.  Physical examinations involve not only being heard, but also receiving physical contact.  Dr. Jackson’s primary goals for the future are to grow and reach more people and expand their community outreach.  She hopes to eventually have multiple sites in various communities, all dedicated to community outreach.  Let’s celebrate AVIATI Healthcare & Clinical Research as they continue to build bridges between healthcare, the Memphis community and clinical research. 

Myra Fonville

Myra Fonville is the Executive Editor of Interim Visits magazine.  Myra is a former pharmacist who has worked in the clinical research industry for the past 28 years.  She brings a wealth of knowledge about pharmacy, pharmaceuticals and clinical research.  Myra is very passionate about diversity and health equity which is one of the primary reasons Interim Visits is educating the public about the importance of clinical trials.