Meet Our Experts
Yissette Arolas Leal, MD
Site Director, MEDVIDA Research Group
Dr. Yissette Arolas Leal serves as the Site Director at MEDVIDA Research Group, where she delivers strategic leadership and oversees the clinical, administrative, and operational aspects critical to the effective execution of research initiatives. With over ten years of combined experience in healthcare and clinical research, she possesses extensive expertise in study management, organizational development, and clinical operations.
Dr. Arolas Leal earned her Doctor of Medicine degree from Universidad Iberoamericana (UNIBE) in the Dominican Republic. Throughout her career, she has contributed to numerous clinical studies and held academic appointments as lead instructor in the health sciences—teaching both nursing and pre-medical students. In addition to her research experience, she founded MedVida Physician Group, a hospitalist organization delivering comprehensive inpatient care across Indiana, North Carolina, and Florida.
Her extensive clinical and administrative expertise, combined with a deep commitment to research excellence, continues to advance MEDVIDA Research Group’s mission to deliver high-quality, ethical, and data-driven clinical research.
Elizabeth Martinez
Lead Study Coordinator, Psychologist
Elizabeth Martinez serves as the Lead Study Coordinator at MEDVIDA Research Group, overseeing the planning, implementation, and management of clinical trials to ensure efficient operations and high-quality data collection. As a psychologist, she brings expertise in participant assessment, patient engagement, and ethical research practices. Elizabeth works closely with investigators, research staff, and participants to ensure protocols are followed accurately, participants are supported throughout the study, and research outcomes meet the highest standards of scientific integrity.
Ricardo Martinez
Business Development and Marketing at MEDVIDA Research Group
Ricardo leads MEDVIDA Research Group’s efforts to connect with the patient community and drive meaningful outreach for clinical trials. By leveraging the trusted relationships of the adjacent medical center, which has served the community for over 25 years, he ensures patients are informed, engaged, and confident in participating in research. His patient-centered approach strengthens enrollment, supports high-quality study outcomes, and advances MEDVIDA Research Group’s mission to deliver innovative, ethical, and impactful clinical research. Ricardo has served as CEO for Centro Medico Latino & Perfect Dentistry for the last 10 Years. He also brings the experience of being a Nursing Home Administrator for 15 years.
Joel Rodriguez Jr.
Study Coordinator
Joel Rodriguez Jr. serves as a Clinical Research Coordinator at MEDVIDA Research Group, where he supports the planning, coordination, and execution of clinical trials. Currently a second-year medical student, Joel brings a strong foundation in medical knowledge and patient care to his role. He works closely with investigators, study participants, and research staff to ensure adherence to protocols, accurate data collection, high standards of participant safety and engagement throughout each study.
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Gloria Mohar
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Research Pharmacist
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Gloria is in charge overseeing all pharmacy-related aspects of clinical trials. She ensures the accurate handling, preparation, and dispensing of investigational products in compliance with study protocols, regulatory requirements, and safety standards. Gloria keeps the pharmacy department meticulously organized, keeping track of study medications by study, subject, drug, and dates. Gloria maintains comprehensive records of temperature logs, equipment calibration, and inventory. By working closely with the research team, she ensures protocol adherence, safeguards participant safety, and upholds the integrity and quality of every trial conducted at the site. Gloria has over 25 years of experience managing successful Medical Centers and Dental Practices.
Yandro Leal, MD
Medical Director & Principal Investigator, MEDVIDA Research Group
Dr. Yandro Leal leads MEDVIDA Research Group as Medical Director and Principal Investigator, bringing passion, precision, and innovation to every study conducted at our site. With a strong commitment to scientific excellence and patient safety, Dr. Leal ensures that all clinical trials are conducted with the highest ethical and professional standards.
As Medical Director, Dr. Leal provides expert oversight and guidance to our team of investigators and research professionals. He fosters a culture of education and collaboration through regular training sessions, ensuring that every team member is equipped with the knowledge and tools to deliver quality research.
As Principal Investigator, Dr. Leal is dedicated to advancing MEDVIDA Research Group’s mission through his strong leadership and commitment to excellence. His focus on maintaining compliance with GCP, IRB, and site SOPs, along with his emphasis on participant safety and data integrity, will continue to guide the team toward achieving higher standards in clinical research. With his vision, expertise, and integrity, Dr. Leal aims to help drive MEDVIDA Research Group’s future growth, strengthen sponsor partnerships, and expand the site’s role as a leader in quality-driven clinical studies.
Dr. Leal earned his Doctor of Medicine degree from Universidad Iberoamericana (UNIBE) in the Dominican Republic and completed his Family Medicine residency at Houston Methodist Hospital in Houston, Texas. He is board certified and licensed to practice medicine in Florida, Indiana, North Carolina, and Illinois.
With over four years of clinical experience as a Family Medicine physician and hospitalist, Dr. Leal combines deep medical expertise with a vision for advancing healthcare through research and empowering MEDVIDA Research Group to make a lasting impact on patient care and scientific discovery.