Pioneering Clinical Research For Native American Communities In South Dakota

By Stefanie Palmer, CRIO

Lynn Bartholow is transforming clinical research through her organization, Circle Clinical Research. Lynn's personal mission is motivated by a desire to serve her community, overcoming challenges like her initial inexperience as a Principal Investigator and the absence of established research facilities in diverse areas. Her dedication resulted in securing a lung cancer screening trial, directly addressing her community's health needs.

To build trust and foster participation, Lynn prioritizes community engagement. Circle Clinical Research has also received a grant from the FDA Office of Minority Health and Health Equity, that will allow the organization to continue identifying and addressing barriers for urban Indigenous communities working to increase trial participation. Lynn continues to work toward bridging the gap between her research site and the Native American community, emphasizing relationship-building. Lynn's pioneering work is setting a new standard for inclusive research, underscoring the value of community-focused methods and entrepreneurial perseverance. Her efforts are paving the way for a more inclusive and representative future in clinical research.