The SSNA Research Department conducted its first study in 2006 for TEVA Pharmaceuticals, with Dr. Gudesblatt as the Principal Investigator, and Dr. Zarif and Barbara Bumstead, NP as Sub-Investigators.  The Research Department contributions to South Shore Neurologic Associates included earning the title of Comprehensive Multiple Sclerosis Care Center, as part of the study coordinator requirements.

Since our first study, the Research Department has conducted a total of 65 studies -  over 50 of which were designed for improving the treatment of Multiple Sclerosis.  The Research team consists of Mark Gudesblatt, MD, Myassar Zarif, MD, Barbara Bumstead, ANP-C, MSCN, Wendy Marie Doroski, MS, RN, ANP-C, Deborah Lund, BSN,RN, MSCN, Kaitlyn Jaenicke, BS, and Olivia Kaczmarek, BS. 

Deborah joined the team in January 2020 as the Clinical Research Manager.  She graduated from the nursing program at SUNY Plattsburg and has been a Registered Nurse for 24 years.  She received her MS Certification in 2015.  Wendy joined the team in June 2019 as a Clinical Research Nurse Practitioner.  She graduated as a Nurse Practitioner in 2018 from SUNY Stony Brook while practicing as a registered nurse for 18 years.  Kaitlyn graduated in 2017 from St. Joseph's College with a BS in Biology and began working in the Research Department in February 2018 as a Study Coordinator.  Olivia graduated from SUNY Stony Brook in 2019 with a BS in Biology and began working as a Study Coordinator in the Research Department in October of the same year.

The Research Department is currently conducting 18 studies, 15 of which are for the treatment of Multiple Sclerosis.