Advancing Medicine, Close to Home

Cellulite isnt an urgent health risk for anyone, but many people who have it and others who worry about developing it, are intrigued to learn that Dr. Leroy Young, M.D., FACS, is conducting a clinical study right here in Washington on the efficacy of a new drug to reduce the dimpling appearance of this common unwanted skin condition.

Dr. Young, who joined Mercy Clinic team of physicians Jan. 1, smiles when people question him about the cellulite study. Its a cosmetic concern, yes, but one that many people would be interested in reducing or eliminating all together, he said.

It wasnt hard to find people interested in volunteering to participate, especially since its so close to home.

Mercy Health Research-Washington, which opened earlier this year, is located in the space that was once going to be a three-bed hospital for Patients First Health Care, before it merged with Mercy.

The facility, which is attached to the east end of the Mercy South building (formerly Patients First) but with a separate entrance, includes four treatment rooms and two labs. Local patients enrolled in clinical studies come here for their doctor visits and treatments, saving the time and expense of driving into St. Louis.

Staff includes Dr. Ann-Elizabeth Mohart, who was with Patients First for 10 years and conducting research for the last two years, and Dr. Young, who has 35 years of experience in plastic surgery and research.

There also are three study coordinators and a manager of clinical research, Donna Straatmann, who comes once a week from the Mercy Health Research center in Creve Coeur to work in Washington.

The addition of Mercy Health Research-Washington is a coup for the local hospital, said Mercy Hospital Washington President Terri McLain, but its also a great thing for the entire community,

It really is a nice opportunity to participate in these studies, where typically you would have to travel into St. Louis, so we are very excited, she said.

From Allergies to Acne to High Cholesterol

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Advancing Medicine, Close to Home