Meet Our Team

The Clinical Research Institute of Ohio (CRIOH) in Westlake, OH, is home to a dedicated team of physicians, nurse practitioners, and research coordinators specializing in clinical trials for liver disease, obesity, and metabolic disorders. Our experts combine scientific knowledge, compassion, and precision to deliver exceptional patient care and advance medical innovation through research.

Naim Alkhouri, MD, FAASLD, DABOM

Board Certified in Internal Medicine & Obesity Medicine

Dr. Naim Alkhouri Dr. Naim Alkhouri is a distinguished figure in the fields of gastroenterology and hepatology, holding several key leadership positions. He is the Director of the Steatotic Liver Program at Northshore Gastroenterology and the Director of Research at the Clinical Research Institute of Ohio (CRIOH). Dr. Alkhouri also serves as the Chief Academic Officer at Summit Clinical Research in San Antonio, TX. His previous appointments include Director of the Metabolic Health Center at the Texas Liver Institute and Assistant Professor of both Medicine and Pediatrics at the University of Texas (UT) Health in San Antonio.

Dr. Alkhouri completed his Gastroenterology and Transplant Hepatology fellowship at the Cleveland Clinic in Cleveland, OH. While there, he was an Assistant Professor of Medicine and served as the Director of the Metabolic Liver Disease Clinic at the Cleveland Clinic Digestive Disease and Surgery Institute.

As a leading expert in NASH therapeutics, Dr. Alkhouri is an advisor and consultant for many pharmaceutical and biomarker development companies. He acts as a Principal Investigator on numerous multicenter, global NASH clinical trials and is a member of the AASLD NASH Special Interest Group (SIG).

Dr. Alkhouri has an extensive publication history with more than 300 published works and has presented his findings at major national and international medical conferences. His research contributions have received multiple awards, including the American College of Gastroenterology Junior Faculty Development Award for his work on diagnosing nonalcoholic fatty liver disease using breath volatile organic compounds. His primary areas of expertise include steatotic liver disease, metabolic liver diseases, and viral hepatitis.

Mousab Tabbaa, MD

Board Certified in Internal Medicine & Gastroenterology

Dr. Mousab Tabbaa Dr. Mousab Tabbaa, a native of Damascus, Syria, brings over 35 years of expertise in internal medicine and gastroenterology. He earned his medical degree from the University of Damascus College of Medicine, where he graduated in the top 5 percent of his class. Early in his career, he served as a clinical instructor at Tichrine Medical Center in Damascus before relocating to the United States in 1982. Dr. Tabbaa began his American medical journey with an externship at Jackson Memorial Hospital in Miami, Florida, followed by a move to Ohio, where he completed his internal medicine internship and residency, as well as a fellowship in gastroenterology, at Cleveland Metropolitan General Hospital.

Since completing his advanced training, Dr. Tabbaa has made Cleveland his professional and personal home. In 1989, he co-founded North Shore Gastroenterology alongside Dr. Peter Greenwalt, who retired in 2016. Today, Dr. Tabbaa serves as president of North Shore Gastroenterology and medical director of North Shore Endoscopy Center. Over the years, he has also taken on a variety of leadership roles, including serving as a founding trustee of the Community Physician Partnership (formerly the Cleveland Clinic Health Systems Physician Organization), chairman of its finance committee, and Chief of Gastroenterology at Lakewood Hospital. Additionally, he has chaired the Board of Trustees at Lakewood Hospital and served on the Board of Trustees for both the Cleveland Clinic Foundation and the Cleveland Clinic Western Region. Dr. Tabbaa has contributed extensively to numerous hospital and health system committees.

Dr. Tabbaa is board-certified in both internal medicine and gastroenterology and is a member of numerous professional organizations, including the American College of Gastroenterology, the American Liver Foundation, the American College of Physicians, the American Gastroenterology Association, the American Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy, the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation, and the American Medical Association.

Dr. Tabbaa specializes in treating liver and bile duct disorders and has extensive experience in pancreatobiliary endoscopy, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), colorectal cancer prevention and detection, and the evaluation and management of Barrett’s esophagus. An accomplished researcher and author, he has contributed to numerous studies and presentations covering a wide range of topics in gastroenterology.

Adam Tabbaa, MD

Board Certified in Internal Medicine, Palliative Medicine, & Gastroenterology

Dr. Adam Tabbaa Born in Cleveland, Ohio, Dr. Adam Tabbaa attended Ohio State University for undergraduate studies before completing his medical degree at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine. He then traveled to San Francisco, where he completed his Internal Medicine training at the University of California, San Francisco. His experience with seriously ill patients during that training led him to complete a Fellowship in Palliative Medicine and Hospice at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, before pursuing his Gastroenterology training back home at the Cleveland Clinic. He joined North Shore Gastroenterology in 2023.

Dr. Tabbaa’s areas of special interest are inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), gastrointestinal malignancies, general gastroenterology, colon cancer screening and detection, and the management of chronic liver disease. In addition to medicine, he spends his free time with his family and creates music. He is thrilled to be practicing in the community he grew up in and feels it is a privilege to provide medical care to the people of the greater Cleveland area.

Iryna Kalinina, MSN, NP-C

Board Certified Nurse Practitioner, Sub-Investigator

Iryna Kalinina, MSN, NP-C Iryna Kalinina, MSN, NP-C, is a board-certified nurse practitioner and sub-investigator at the Clinical Research Institute of Ohio (CRIOH). She earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Indiana Wesleyan University in 2011 and her Master of Science in Nursing from Ursuline College in 2013.

Iryna is an active member of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners and the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases. She also holds a certificate in Transplant Immunology (2020).

Her clinical interests include metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), alcohol-associated liver disease, autoimmune liver conditions, viral hepatitis, cirrhosis, and liver transplant care. She is dedicated to providing thoughtful, evidence-based support to patients participating in clinical research.

Nina Pollard, DrPH, MPH

Clinical Research Manager

Dr. Nina Pollard Dr. Nina Pollard is a dedicated Clinical Research Manager with over ten years of experience in public health and a genuine passion for improving patient lives. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Biology, a Master of Public Health from Kent State University, and a Doctor of Public Health, building a strong foundation in both research and community engagement. With three years of hands-on experience in clinical research, Nina is committed to making research approachable, meaningful, and patient-focused. Known for bringing warmth, understanding, and even a bit of fun to her work, she strives to create connections that advance liver research while keeping compassion at the heart of every study.

Kenina Black, CRC

Kenina Black is a motivated clinical research coordinator who combines robust coordination skills with hands-on phlebotomy and laboratory experience to support impactful medical research. Specializing in hepatology (liver disease) studies, her background includes managing patient visits, ensuring regulatory compliance, and performing precise biological sample collection and processing. She excels in maintaining accurate data within EDC systems, collaborating with multidisciplinary teams, and providing compassionate patient care while upholding the highest standards of data integrity and ethical conduct.

Bertha Buan

Regulatory QA/QC Coordinator

Bertha Buan is a seasoned professional in clinical research, bringing over 19 years of expertise in Phase 1–3 clinical trials. She currently serves as the Regulatory QA/QC Coordinator at the Clinical Research Institute of Ohio (CRIOH), where she plays a pivotal role in ensuring regulatory compliance, quality oversight, and audit readiness. Her work is instrumental in maintaining adherence to protocol and Good Clinical Practice (GCP) standards.

Bertha began her career in clinical research in 2006, initially focusing on Phase 1 trials. In 2013, she transitioned into Phase 2–3 studies, with a specialization in hepatology and liver research since 2016. Over the years, she has advanced through various roles, from Assistant Coordinator to Operations Manager, showcasing her dedication and leadership in the field.

Bertha earned her undergraduate degree from Our Lady of the Lake University in 2005. Her extensive experience and commitment to excellence make her a key contributor to the success of CRIOH's clinical research initiatives.

Valeria Shvygin

Clinical Research & Business Admin Coordinator

Valeria Shvygin is a dedicated Clinical Research & Business Admin Coordinator at the Clinical Research Institute of Ohio (CRIOH). With over three years of experience as a Clinical Research Coordinator specializing in liver disease, Valeria is committed to supporting patients as they navigate the clinical trial process. Her role also includes managing administrative tasks such as study finances and patient outreach, ensuring smooth and efficient operations.

Valeria earned her bachelor’s degree in biology from James Madison University before joining the CRIOH team after relocating from Virginia. Her passion for hepatology research and patient care drives her efforts to make clinical trials as accessible and seamless as possible for everyone involved.

Outside of the clinic, Valeria enjoys exploring Cleveland, running, hiking with her dog, and discovering new restaurants. Her enthusiasm and dedication make her an invaluable member of the CRIOH team.

Ramir Chandler, CRC

Ramir Chandler is a highly motivated Clinical Research Coordinator with over five years of experience as a certified phlebotomist and a strong background in clinical operations. Known for his precision, professionalism, and patient-centered approach, he excels in sample collection, data accuracy, and protocol compliance. His hands-on experience and medical expertise allow him to effectively support investigators and research teams while ensuring the highest standards of care and ethical conduct. Currently pursuing a nursing degree, Ramir is committed to advancing his clinical knowledge and contributing to meaningful, high-quality research that improves patient outcomes.

Clinical Trials in Westlake, Ohio

Our experienced team of investigators and research professionals is committed to advancing patient care through innovative clinical studies. Contact the Clinical Research Institute of Ohio today at (440) 363-4000 or schedule an appointment online to learn more about our current clinical trials and meet the specialists leading the way in liver and metabolic research.