St. Claire HealthCare Welcomes Mike Brunet, Ph.D., ATC, to Lead New Research Program

St. Claire HealthCare is investing in a new research program to expand both clinical and academic research opportunities throughout the entire healthcare system. Mike Brunet, Ph.D., ATC, will lead this new program as SCH’s Director of Clinical Research.

“We’re thrilled with the new opportunities this program will open for us and the connections St. Claire will gain through the tremendous work Dr. Brunet has already accomplished during his career,” said Donald H. Lloyd, II, SCH President/CEO. “The expertise Dr. Brunet brings to the table will give our research program a strong foundation.”

Through the new program, Dr. Brunet will seek external grant funding opportunities to develop clinical and academic research programs which, in turn, will benefit the organization and the SCH service region. Most importantly, this work will benefit the patients in our health system.

“With guidance from David Gross, SCH Administrative Director for Education and Research, Dr. Brunet will collaborate with SCH partners, including the University of Kentucky (UK), the Kentucky College of Osteopathic Medicine (KYCOM), Morehead State University (MSU), Maysville Community & Technical College (MCTC), and other notable colleges, universities, academic medical centers, pharmaceutical and medical device manufacturers, and clinical laboratories throughout the United States to develop and expand the SCH research program,” said Lloyd.

Dr. Brunet will work closely with UK Rural Physician Leadership Program (RPLP) students and family medicine, surgery, and PharmD residents, as well as a multitude of undergraduate and graduate nursing and allied health students.

“This new opportunity will also create new collaborations with pharmaceutical companies, medical manufacturers, and world-renown research institutions for St. Claire,” said Lloyd.

“Since 2002, I have led over 70 grants and grant programs, including community development programs, healthcare delivery, and healthcare associate assistance,” said Dr. Brunet. “I’ve had the opportunity to oversee programs related to healthcare and education during my career.”

Dr. Brunet earned a bachelor’s degree in interdisciplinary studies from Louisiana College, a master’s degree in exercise physiology from the University of Virginia, and a doctorate from the University of Virginia in sports medicine. He brings years of experience in clinical research to SCH. In his most recent position, he oversaw a team of clinical research coordinators and was responsible for integration and oversight of research for five hospitals within Louisana and Texas. He served as the primary investigator for multiple protocols and CDC grant-funded programs while also teaching courses as a contributing faculty and research mentor at Walden University.