Dedicated Private Practice Nephrology Group
The Southeastern Clinical Research Institute, LLC, is owned by Nephrology Associates, PC (NAPC), of Augusta, GA. NAPC is the largest private practice nephrology group in the CSRA (Central Savannah River Area) with their primary location in downtown Augusta and six additional locations throughout Georgia.
NAPC has seven licensed physicians who actively promote and participate in clinical research. The practice added an eighth physician in summer of 2022.
Investigators
Matthew J. Diamond, DO
Medical Director
Dr. Matthew Diamond serves as the Medical Director of Southeastern Clinical Research Institute, LLC. (SCRI). He is a board-certified nephrologist and internist, as well as a fellow of the American College of Nephrology (FASN) and the American College of Physicians (FACP).
Dr. Diamond received his Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from Clemson University, his Master of Science in Chemistry from the University of Georgia, and his Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree at Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences. Subsequently, he completed his internal medicine internship, internal medicine residency, and nephrology fellowship at the Medical College of Georgia. Prior to joining Nephrology Associates, PC (NAPC) and SCRI, Dr. Diamond was a Professor of Medicine at the Medical College of Georgia, where he participated in groundbreaking clinical trials in addition to the education of our future physicians.
Publications
- A Randomized Trial of Intensive versus Standard Blood-Pressure Control
- Chronic Kidney Disease Classification in Systolic Blood Pressure Intervention Trial: Comparison Using Modification of Diet in Renal Disease and CKD-Epidemiology Collaboration Definitions
- Chronic kidney disease, cerebral blood flow, and white matter volume in hypertensive adults
- Patterns and Correlates of Baseline Thiazide-Type Diuretic Prescription in the Systolic Blood Pressure Intervention Trial
- Association Between Serum Bicarbonate and Heart Rate Variability in Hypertensive Adults: The Systolic Blood Pressure Intervention Trial
- Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System Dysregulation in Healthy African American Adolescents
- Percutaneous Intervention of Left Main Coronary Artery Disease: A Fresh Look at a Class III Recommendation
- A Departmental Initiative for Clinical and Translational Research
- Early Experience with a Novel Device for Ultrasound-Guided Management and Cannulation of Hemodialysis Vascular Access
- Early Mortality in Hemodialysis Patients Anticoagulated for Atrial Fibrillation
- Survival of ESRD Patients Diagnosed with Idiopathic Heart Failure prior to Dialysis
- Mortality following Anticoagulation for Atrial Fibrillation in End Stage Renal Disease Patients
- Risk Stratification Scoring Predicts Mortality in Dialysis Patients with Atrial Fibrillation
- Risk Stratification Scoring Predicts Stroke in Dialysis Patients with Atrial Fibrillation
Barton C. Brezina, MD
Dr. Barton Brezina is board-certified in both nephrology and internal medicine. He obtained his Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from Wheaton College and his medical degree from the Medical College of Georgia. Dr. Brezina completed his internal medicine residency at the Keesler Medical Center, Keesler Air Force Base, and his nephrology fellowship at Wilford Hall Medical Center. While on active duty, he served as an Assistant Professor of Medicine at Wilford Hall Medical Center and the University of Texas Health Center. After an honorable discharge from the Air Force, he joined NAPC and SCRI, where he serves as the president and managing partner. His areas of interest are Acute Kidney Injury, Glomerulonephritis, and Dialysis.
Mark T. Smith, MD
Dr. Mark Smith has bachelor’s and medical degrees from Ohio State University. Dr. Smith completed his internal medicine internship, internal medicine residency, and nephrology fellowship at the Medical College of Georgia. His board-certifications include nephrology and internal medicine. He practiced nephrology for three years in Greenville, South Carolina before relocating to Augusta, Georgia.
Publications
- A Randomized Controlled Trial Comparing Intravenous Ferric Carboxymaltose with Oral Iron for Treatment of Iron Deficiency Anemia of Non-Dialysis-Dependent Chronic Kidney Disease Patients
- Ziltivekimab for Treatment of Anemia of Inflammation in Patients on Hemodialysis: Results from a Phase 1/2 Multicenter, Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial
- Long-term Safety of Epoetin Alfa-epbx for the Treatment of Anemia in ESKD: Pooled Analyses of Randomized and Open-label Studies
- Electrolyte Changes in Contemporary Hemodialysis: A Secondary Analysis of the Monitoring in Dialysis Study
H. Doug Hubert, III, MD
Dr. Doug Hubert is a board-certified nephrologist and internist. He obtained his Bachelor of Science in Biology from the University of Georgia and his medical degree from St. George’s University, School of Medicine. Following medical school, Dr. Hubert completed his internal medicine internship, internal medicine residency, and nephrology fellowship at the Medical College of Georgia. He joined NAPC and SCRI after his fellowship and has been with us since.
Devesh R. Patel, MD
Dr. Devesh Patel obtained his undergraduate degree from the University of Georgia and his medical degree from Ross University School of Medicine. Following medical school, Dr. Patel completed his internal medicine residency and his nephrology fellowship at the Medical College of Georgia. He is board-certified in nephrology and is also certified by the American Society of Diagnostic and Interventional Nephrology. Dr. Patel serves as a physician and clinical investigator at NAPC and SCRI, in addition to being a clinical assistant professor at the Medical College of Georgia and the medical director of DaVita in Aiken, South Carolina.
Publications
- Dapagliflozin in Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease
- Effects of dapagliflozin on mortality in patients with chronic kidney disease: a pre-specified analysis from the DAPA-CKD randomized controlled trial
- A pre-specified analysis of the Dapagliflozin and Prevention of Adverse Outcomes in Chronic Kidney Disease (DAPA-CKD) randomized controlled trial on the incidence of abrupt declines in kidney function
S. Nabil Babar, MD
Dr. Nabil Babar is a board-certified nephrologist and internist who specializes in clinical hypertension. He is also certified through the American Society of Nephrology, the American Society of Hypertension, and the American Society of Diagnostic and Interventional Nephrology. Dr. Babar obtained his bachelor’s and medical degree from Deccan College of Medical Sciences. Subsequently, he completed his internal medicine residency at Jersey Shore University Medical Center, followed by a nephrology fellowship at Robert Wood Johnson University Medical Center, and an interventional nephrology fellowship at the Medical College of Georgia.
Ryan J. Altenburg, DO
Dr. Ryan Altenburg obtained his bachelor’s degree from Northern State University and his medical degree from the Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine. Dr. Altenburg then completed his internship and residency at Brooke Army Medical Center and his nephrology fellowship at the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center. He has obtained board certifications in both nephrology and internal medicine. Before joining NAPC and SCRI, Dr. Altenburg was a nephrologist with Dwight D. Eisenhower Army Medical Center at Fort Eisenhower, formerly Fort Gordon. In addition to his roles as physician and investigator at NAPC and SCRI, respectively, he also currently serves as the medical director of ARA Hephzibah Dialysis Center and ARA Waynesboro Dialysis Center.
James Stenard, MD, MS
Dr. James Stenard recently joined NAPC and SCRI as a board-certified nephrologist and internist. He received a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and Engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, a Master of Medical Science from the University of South Florida, and his medical degree from St. George’s University of Medicine. Following medical school, Dr. Stenard completed his internal medicine internship at Drexel University College of Medicine/Hahnemann Hospital and his internal medicine residency and nephrology fellowship at SUNY Upstate Medical University.
Research Team
The Southeastern Clinical Research Institute’s staff is dedicated to conducting clinical trials. The Clinical Research Coordinators pride themselves on the level of care they dedicate to each patient. Our coordinators receive intensive training, requiring over two years of hands-on experience, before obtaining a certification in clinical research.
Katherine Peacock
Director of Research Operations
Mrs. Peacock joined the Southeastern Clinical Research Institute, LLC. (SCRI) in May of 2021. She brings
over twenty years of experience in industry clinical trial management directing trials from CDA execution
through study closeout. Mrs. Peacock received a Bachelor of Economics from Oglethorpe University and
a Master of Public Administration from the Andrew Young School of Policy Studies at Georgia State
University.
Heather Anderson
Certified Clinical Research Coordinator
Heather joined SCRI in 2016 as a clinical research coordinator. She obtained her professional
certification in research form ACRP in 2022. Prior to joining SCRI, Heather worked as a board-certified
surgical technologist.
Meredith Prichard
Regulatory Coordinator, Certified Clinical Research Coordinator
Meredith joined the company as a clinical research coordinator in 2018. She currently manages all
aspects of our regulatory processes. Meredith obtained her professional certification in research from
ACRP in 2022. Meredith has a bachelor’s degree with dual majors from Augusta University.
Deanna Quinton
Certified Clinical Research Coordinator
Deanna joined SCRI in 2012 as a clinical research coordinator. She obtained her professional certification
in research from the ACRP in 2017. Prior to joining the SCRI, Deanna worked as a registered cardiac
sonographer.
Tyrine “Ty” Zidek
Pharmacy & Lab Manager
Ty started in April of 2023 bringing over 20 years of experience in the field of medical support with her.
She obtained her phlebotomy certification in 2003 and medical assistant certification in 2010. Ty utilizes
her years of experience in various medical settings to manage the pharmacy and laboratory.
Hannah Springfield
Clinical Research Coordinator
Hannah started in October of 2023. She recently graduated from the University of Georgia with a
Bachelor of Science Degree in Biology with an emphasis in Neuroscience. Hannah’s previous experience includes being a Patient Care Liaison, Personal Care Assistant, and Research Assistant for the Institute of Gerontology at UGA.
Lillie King
Front Receptionist
Lillie started at SCRI in January of 2024, she has a bachelor’s in social work and carries her passion for helping others into the world of clinical research.
Malachi Williams
Research Assistant
Malachi started at SCRI in May of 2024. He graduated from Bob University in 2023 with his Bachelors in Premed. Malachi uses his love for helping others and passion for healthcare to make an impact in the world of clinical research.
Judith Sexton
Clinical Research Coordinator
Judith joined SCRI in June of 2024. She has a Bachelor of Science in Education from Augusta State University. Judith has dedicated her life to caring for others through her work in oncology and hospice. Her experience shines through her into her work as she works to advance healthcare.
Trashauna Franklin
Administrative Assistant
Trashauna joined SCRI in June of 2024. She has a Bachelor of Science in Public Health Education from Kennesaw State University.