Purpose
- MD First Research Chandler revolutionizes neurology and more through impactful clinical research studies, leading to new treatments like Droxidopa and Rimegepant, and brain imaging advancements for Alzheimer’s, enhancing patient care and shaping clinical practice.
Core Values
Mission
- Advancing Medicine, Innovating Tomorrow.
Vision
- Our vision is to be a leading force in clinical research within the community, broadening our reach to advance new treatments across diverse diseases.
Our Practice
- MD First Research Chandler, a leading research institution, is strategically located in the East Valley of the Phoenix metropolitan area.
- Our organization collaborates extensively with numerous medical offices, with a primary focus on neurology.
- At MD First Research Chandler, we pride ourselves in conducting clinical research studies that deliver significant real-world impacts.
- From the outset, our team has been instrumental in many successful research endeavors.
- These efforts have facilitated the introduction of novel treatments for patients.
- Notably, our research has supported the approval of innovative therapies like Droxidopa for neurogenic orthostatic hypotension, Rimegepant (Nurtec) for migraine prevention, and advanced brain imaging techniques for Alzheimer’s disease.
- Due to our contributions, these treatments have now been integrated into standard clinical practice.
Investigators
PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
Dr. Hemant K. Pandey, M.D., completed his neurology training at West Virginia University Hospital, Morgantown, WV and graduated as the Chief Resident. He went on to finish a Fellowship in Electrophysiology encompassing Electromyography (EMG) and Electroencephalography (EEG) at University of Texas Health Science Center-MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX. He is board certified in Neurology along with subspecialty board certification in Sleep Medicine, Vascular Neurology and Clinical Neurophysiology. Dr. Pandey is a member of the American Academy of Neurology.
He served as the Stroke Director of the Stroke Program at Chandler Regional Medical Center and leader in the Mercy Gilbert Medical Center Stroke Program.
PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
Rajiv Parikh, M.D., specializing in primary care, brings over two decades of expertise in family medicine, chronic disease management, and has been a key contributor to groundbreaking studies in hypertension, diabetes, and cardiovascular research.
CLINICAL RESEARCH INVESTIGATOR
Jan Levine, RN, MSN, FNP-BC, is an experienced nurse practitioner specializing in neurology, with over a decade of clinical experience treating neuromuscular and neurodegenerative conditions, migraines, and movement disorders. A graduate of ASU and Grand Canyon University, she has presented at the American Academy of Neurology and published in medical journals, with recent work focusing on diagnostic testing with skin biopsies for synucleinopathies including Parkinson’s Disease, Lewy Body Dementia, Pure Autonomic Failure, Multisystem Atrophy, and REM Sleep Behavior Disorder.
SUB-INVESTIGATOR
Simon Parkinson, MSN, ARNP, FNP-C, CNRN, grew up in North Wales before moving to London, where he trained as a nurse. He moved to Phoenix, Arizona, in 1999 to work in the field of neurosurgery at the Barrow Neurologic Institute. He worked there from 1999 to 2005, when he graduated as a Family Nurse Practitioner from the University of Phoenix.
Simon has been a nurse practitioner in family practice and neurosurgery, where he developed an interest in the care and treatment of patients with neck pain, back pain, and neuropathy, as well as fostering a specific interest in the treatment and prevention of headaches. He is currently a member of the American Academy of Neuroscience Nursing and holds his CNRN certification.
Highlights
September 25, 2025 Dr. Pandey presented at Central Arizona Aging Conference 
July 14, 2025 Dr. Pandey presented at Friendship Village of Tempe June 17, 2025 Sponsor and Exhibitor at Maricopa Senior Living Conference/Expo 
June 16, 2025 Jan Levine RN, MSN, FNP-BC presented at Pueblo Norte Senior Living followed by a Memory Screening Event. 
May 24, 2025 Ukulele Band Sponsor for Oakwood Creative Care’s 50th Birthday Bash 
May 22, 2025 Dr. Pandey presents at Indian Association 
April 3, 2025 and May 12, 2025 Dr. Pandey presents at Successful Aging AZ Dementia Conference and Oakwood Creative Care – Dementia Hub 
April 3, 2025 Dr. Pandey presents at Successful Aging AZ Dementia Conference 
March 7, 2025 – March 29, 2025 Sponsor and Exhibitor with YMCA, Miles for Migraine, and Neighbors Who Care Play It Forward February 12, 2025 “All Things Senior” Expo Vendor February 10, 2025 Dr. Pandey presents at Glory Days Senior Day Program 
February 10, 2025 Dr. Pandey presents to Glory Days Senior Day Program January 22, 2025 “Lovin’ Life After 50” Expo Vendor and January 28, 2025 “Aging Made Easier” Conference Vendor January 20, 2025 Jan Levine, RN, MSN, FNP-BC, presents to Anthem at Merrill Ranch Senior Group January 20, 2025 Dr. Pandey presents at Memory Cafe Sun Lakes January 20, 2025 Dr. Pandey presents at Memory Cafe Sun Lakes January 11, 2025 Successful Aging AZ Dementia Conference Guardian Sponsor January 7, 2025 Dr. Pandey presents at The Park at Copper Creek Town Hall December 2024 Staff Holiday Party 
Jan Levine, RN, MSN, FNP-BC presented “From Millennials to Gen-Z: The Evolution of Memory Testing & Dementia Care” at The Park at Copper Creek on November 7, 2024 November 2, 2024 Walk to End Alzheimer’s 
October 17, 2024 2nd Annual Pretty in Pink Luncheon to Support Bosom Buddies of AZ at The Park at Copper Creek 
Dr. Hemant K. Pandey, M.D., Presents “Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) is a Growing Healthcare Crisis” at Friendship Village Tempe on October 3, 2024 Dr. Hemant K. Pandey, M.D., Presents “Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) is a Growing Healthcare Crisis” at Friendship Village Tempe on October 3, 2024 Dr. Hemant K. Pandey, M.D., Presents “Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) is a Growing Healthcare Crisis” at Friendship Village Tempe on October 3, 2024 
Dr. Hemant K. Pandey, M.D., Presents at Friendship Village Tempe’s Family Focus Group on Dementia and Neurological Advances on September 26, 2024 
Dr. Hemant K. Pandey, M.D. presented “New Parkinson Use of Biomarkers in Clinical Practice” at Page Family Practice in Tempe, Arizona on September 11, 2024. 
Dr. Hemant K. Pandey, M.D. presented “New Parkinson Use of Biomarkers in Clinical Practice” at Page Family Practice in Tempe, Arizona on September 11, 2024. 
Dr. Rajiv Parikh, M.D. Presented “Understanding and Managing Type 2 Diabetes and Neuropathy” at Oakwood Creative Care – Dementia Hub in Mesa, Arizona on September 12, 2024 Dr. Rajiv Parikh, M.D. Presented “Understanding and Managing Type 2 Diabetes and Neuropathy” at Oakwood Creative Care – Dementia Hub in Mesa, Arizona on September 12, 2024 
Dr. Rajiv Parikh, M.D. Presented “Understanding and Managing Type 2 Diabetes and Neuropathy” at Oakwood Creative Care – Dementia Hub in Mesa, Arizona on September 12, 2024 
Angela Rush, FNP-C, Investigator presented “Navigating Dementia: Practical Tips for Caregivers and Loved Ones” at Clarendale of Chandler in Chandler, Arizona on September 6, 2024. 
Penny Kalscheur, Clinical Research Marketer, Presents MD First Research Chandler at Oak Street Health in Mesa, AZ on August 13, 2024, Joined by Local Healthcare Leaders Angela Rush, FNP-C, Presents on Frontotemporal Dementia at Oakwood Creative Care – Dementia Hub in Mesa, AZ on August 5, 2024 
Angela Rush, FNP-C, Principal and Sub-Investigator presented “Clinical Research” at Clarendale of Chandler in Chandler, Arizona on July 1, 2024. Dr. Hemant K. Pandey, M.D. presented “Dementia: Can We Reduce the Risk?” at Clarendale of Chandler in Chandler, Arizona on June 3, 2024. Dr. Rajiv Parikh, M.D. and Angela Rush, FNP-C, Principal and Sub-Investigator presented “Clinical Trials Relating to Alzheimer’s, Diabetes, Idiopathic REM Behavior Disorder Study (RBD), and more” on June 1, 2024 at the Health and Wellness/Women’s Day Out Expo held at DoubleTree by Hilton in Gilbert, Arizona. 
Angela Rush, FNP-C, Principal and Sub-Investigator presented “Talking About Dementia” on May 22, 2024 at Hawthorn Court at Ahwatukee with Morning Star Lewis providing complimentary memory screenings. 
Dr. Hemant K. Pandey, M.D. presented at the Neighbors Who Care Summer Speaker Series Session 1: “Preventing Diseases of the Brain through Better Health Habits“ held at The Park at Copper Creek in Chandler, Arizona on May 16, 2024. 
Dr. Hemant K. Pandey, M.D. presented at the Neighbors Who Care Summer Speaker Series Session 1: “Preventing Diseases of the Brain through Better Health Habits“ held at The Park at Copper Creek in Chandler, Arizona on May 16, 2024. 
MD First Research Chandler participates in the Clarendale of Chandler Wellness Expo in Chandler, Arizona on May 14, 2024. Dr. Hemant K. Pandey, M.D. and Angela Rush, FNP-C, Principal and Sub-Investigator presented at Clarendale Chandler in Chandler, Arizona on May 6, 2024. Dr. Hemant K. Pandey, M.D. and Angela Rush, FNP-C, Principal and Sub-Investigator presented at Clarendale Chandler in Chandler, Arizona on May 6, 2024. 
Dr. Hemant K. Pandey, M.D. and Angela Rush, FNP-C, Principal and Sub-Investigator, presented ‘Latest Advances in Dementia’ at Parkland Memory Care in Chandler, Arizona on April 15, 2024. Dr. Hemant K. Pandey, M.D. and Angela Rush, FNP-C, Principal and Sub-Investigator, presented ‘Latest Advances in Dementia’ at Parkland Memory Care in Chandler, Arizona on April 15, 2024. 
Health and Wellness/Women’s Day Out Expo on April 13, 2024 at the Mesa Convention Center. Walk MS to support Multiple Sclerosis research on April 6, 2024 
Miles for Migraine Walk on March 9, 2024 Miles for Migraine Walk on March 9, 2024 Dementia Conference Hosted by Successful Aging AZ on February 29, 2024 Dementia Conference Hosted by Successful Aging AZ on February 29, 2024 Dementia Conference Hosted by Successful Aging AZ on February 29, 2024 
Dr. Hemant K. Pandey featured in the June 2023 Chandler City Lifestyle Magazine.
We are a leading Arizona center for clinical research studies, conducting innovative work in dementia, migraines, neuropathy, and other neurological conditions.
