About Us

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Purpose

  • MD First Research Chandler revolutionizes neurology and more through impactful trials, leading to new treatments like Droxidopa and Rimegepant, and brain imaging advancements for Alzheimer’s, enhancing patient care and shaping clinical practice.

Core Values

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 trials that deliver significant real-world impacts.
  • From the outset, our team has been instrumental in numerous successful research endeavors.
  • These efforts have facilitated the introduction of novel treatments for patients.
  • Notably, our research has supported the approval of innovative therapies such as 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

Dr. Hemant K. Pandey, M.D.

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 complete 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.

Rajiv Parikh, M.D.

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.

Angela Rush, FNP-C, Investigator, is a board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner who has over 20 years of experience in the medical field and 6+ years of experience conducting various clinical trials.

Diala Manfoukh, PA-C, Sub-Investigator

Diala Manfoukh, PA-C, Sub-Investigator, is a graduate from A.T. Still University in Mesa, Arizona, earning a Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies in September 2023.

Simon Parkinson, FNP-C, Sub-Investigator

Simon Parkinson, FNP-C, Sub-Investigator, is originally from North Wales and trained as a nurse in London. He moved to Phoenix in 1999 to work in neurosurgery at Barrow Neurologic Institute and graduated as a Family Nurse Practitioner from the University of Phoenix in 2005. Simon has experience in family practice and neurosurgery, with a focus on neck and back pain, neuropathy, and headaches. He is a member of the American Academy of Neuroscience Nursing and holds a CNRN certification.

MD First Research Team

Highlights

  • 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 - Oakwood Creative Care Dementia Hub
  • 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.
  • 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.