In a major step forward for patient care and medical innovation, two local private practice physicians are bringing world-class clinical research directly to the CNY community by becoming investigators on industry-sponsored clinical trials with Syracuse-based Ichor Research. Dr. Khatuna Stepkovitch (Board Certified Geriatrician and Internist) and Dr. Jason Stepkovitch (Board Certified Psychiatrist) have started offering local patients increased access to cutting-edge investigational treatments and therapies right here in Syracuse at Ichor Research, without needing to travel to distant academic or institutional medical centers.
With these areas of specialty, what better time to launch this new “Research as a Care Option” initiative than May, which is nationally recognized as Older Americans Month, Mental Health Awareness Month, and Women’s Health Month!
“By integrating clinical research into private practice, with education and awareness of new studies a care option, this is closing one of the most persistent gaps in modern medicine: connecting patients with studies that may offer new options for serious and life-altering illnesses,” said Lisa Sonneborn, President of Clinical Trial Services at Ichor Research.
For decades, one of the greatest barriers in clinical research has not simply been the development of promising new therapies, but that research has been limited to large institutions or academic medical facilities. This access gap has historically limited participation for patients with illnesses like depression, Alzheimer’s disease, addiction; all areas where the Stepkovitches are supporting national studies, right here at home.
Sonneborn explained: “By becoming clinical trial investigators, their patients will now have the opportunity to learn about and participate in research studies as part of the care environment they already know and trust. This approach creates a more direct pathway to investigational therapies for devastating illness like Alzheimer’s disease, or severe depression.”
“Patients should not have to navigate a complex and unfamiliar system just to learn about research opportunities that could be relevant to their care,” said Khatuna Stepkovitch, MD. “Bringing clinical trial awareness and expertise into the private practice setting helps make research more visible, more accessible, and more connected to real-world patient needs.”
Industry-sponsored clinical trials play a critical role in evaluating the safety and effectiveness of new medications and therapies before they become widely available. When experienced community physicians participate as investigators, they help extend the reach of this work beyond major institutions and into everyday healthcare settings, where more patients can benefit from the opportunity to participate.
This move also reflects a broader commitment to advancing medicine while serving patients locally. By combining trusted physician relationships with access to innovative research, these practices are helping ensure that their communities are not left behind in the next generation of medical research.
To learn more, please visit www.IchorClinic.com
About Jason Stepkovitch, MD
CNY Psychiatry, based in Marcellus, New York, is a community-focused mental health practice dedicated to providing compassionate, evidence-based care in a welcoming small-town environment. The clinic offers a full spectrum of services, including traditional psychiatric medication management as well as advanced treatments for individuals with treatment-resistant conditions, such as Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS), IV ketamine therapy, and Spravato® (esketamine). With a particular emphasis on patients who have not found relief through standard approaches, CNY Psychiatry integrates personalized treatment planning with innovative therapies to help individuals achieve meaningful and lasting improvement in their mental health.
About Khatuna Stepkovitch
Dr. Khatuna Stepkovitch is a board-certified physician in both internal medicine and geriatric medicine, providing comprehensive, patient-centered care in private practice in Marcellus, New York. She leads an MDVIP-affiliated primary care practice, where she emphasizes personalized medicine, preventive care, and strong physician–patient relationships to optimize long-term health outcomes. In addition, Dr. Stepkovitch offers specialized consultation in geriatrics and memory disorders, bringing a thoughtful, evidence-based approach to the care of older adults and individuals experiencing cognitive concerns.
About Ichor Research
Research Central LLC, operating as Ichor Research , is a clinical research organization based in Syracuse, New York, with expertise in conducting clinical trials for life-threatening and serious medical conditions. Ichor Research is dedicated to overcoming the unique challenges involved in Alzheimer’s disease and psychiatric clinical trials, advancing medical innovation through high-quality, patient-focused clinical trials. Under the leadership of experienced clinical trials experts Lisa Sonneborn and Kristen Stebbins, Ichor collaborates with industry sponsors to evaluate novel treatments across a variety of therapeutic areas. The site is committed to ethical research practices, scientific integrity, and improving outcomes for patients through the development of evidence-based medical therapies.