Health
US-based Nigerian doctor seeks increased clinical research in developing countries
Angela Onwuzoo
A Nigerian physician and clinical research professional based in the United States, Dr. Olufisayo Ogunbayo, has called on tertiary healthcare institutions in Nigeria and other developing countries to place greater emphasis on clinical research.
He noted that research remains one of the most effective ways to improve patient outcomes, strengthen healthcare systems, and attract global investment.
Speaking with PUNCH HealthWise, Ogunbayo said his work in the United States has focused on supporting clinical trials that evaluate the safety and effectiveness of investigational medicines and medical interventions.
According to him, clinical research serves as the bridge between scientific discoveries and the treatments ultimately used by patients.
“Many of the medicines and therapies we rely on today became available because patients, researchers, physicians, and healthcare institutions participated in well-designed clinical studies. Clinical research is how we generate evidence and improve healthcare delivery,” he said.
Ogunbayo, a medical doctor with graduate-level training in environmental public health, explained that his experience in the clinical research industry has exposed him to the critical role hospitals play in advancing medical knowledge while simultaneously improving patient care.
Currently, he is actively involved in the coordination and execution of multiple clinical trials in endocrinology and other areas of Internal Medicine at the SIU School of Medicine. His work includes supporting studies evaluating investigational therapies for metabolic and autoimmune conditions, as well as innovative treatments being assessed in complex patient populations.
According to him, his responsibilities span patient recruitment and screening, informed consent, study implementation, and the accurate collection and integration of clinical data into research databases.
“One of the things I have learned from working in clinical trials is that successful research depends on both scientific rigor and patient participation. Even the most promising treatment cannot be properly evaluated if eligible patients are not enrolled efficiently and ethically,” he said.
The researcher revealed that he is also developing a standardized, data-driven Clinical Trial Recruitment Optimization Framework (CTROF) aimed at improving participant recruitment and enrollment efficiency in investigational drug trials.
He explained that recruitment remains one of the most significant challenges in clinical research globally and that better use of data, workflow optimization, and patient engagement strategies could help healthcare institutions conduct studies more efficiently.
Ogunbayo noted that leading hospitals in the United States are not only treatment centers but also major research institutions that continuously contribute to the development of new therapies, medical devices, and healthcare innovations.
“In many U.S. academic medical centers, research is integrated into routine healthcare delivery. Physicians, nurses, pharmacists, and other healthcare professionals actively participate in studies that help answer important clinical questions and improve future patient care,” he said.
The researcher emphasized that tertiary hospitals should move beyond their traditional roles of patient care and medical training to become active centers for clinical research.
According to him, increased participation in research would help healthcare institutions build local evidence, attract funding opportunities, strengthen professional development, and improve healthcare outcomes.
He added that countries with large and diverse populations possess a unique opportunity to contribute valuable data that can help shape global healthcare decisions.
“Research findings generated in other regions may not always reflect the realities of our populations. Local participation in clinical research helps ensure that healthcare decisions are informed by evidence that is relevant to the people being served,” he explained.
Ogunbayo further advocated greater research training among healthcare professionals, noting that physicians interested in participating in clinical research should obtain foundational certifications in Good Clinical Practice and Human Subjects Protection.
“Ethical conduct is the foundation of clinical research. Healthcare professionals who participate in research should understand internationally accepted principles for protecting participants, ensuring informed consent, maintaining data integrity, and conducting studies responsibly,” he said.
He added that strengthening research education and certification opportunities would help expand Nigeria’s capacity to conduct high-quality clinical trials that meet global standards.
The clinical research professional also highlighted the growing role of technology, data analytics, and artificial intelligence in modern healthcare research.
“Healthcare is becoming increasingly data-driven. Institutions that invest in research today will be better positioned to leverage emerging technologies, improve operational efficiency, and deliver higher-quality care in the future,” he said.
While acknowledging existing challenges such as limited funding, infrastructure gaps, and administrative barriers, Ogunbayo maintained that sustained investment in research would yield long-term benefits for both healthcare institutions and the populations they serve.
“Clinical research should not be viewed as an optional activity. It should be considered a strategic investment in better healthcare, stronger institutions, and healthier communities,” he added.
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