Overview

The Center for Emotional Fitness (CFEF) is a dedicated clinical research site that offers unsurpassed execution of protocols. We are known for our efficient performance of procedures and thorough attention to details. All of the elements of CFEF work together to create a professional, conscientious and productive environment for the performance of clinical research trials.

The mission of CFEF is to provide the highest quality psychiatric care while following the highest standards in conducting clinical research studies. We recruit only the most qualified participants and, as a result, provide the most complete and accurate study data in the industry.

Research Experience

CFEF is comprised of a highly professional and dynamic staff with more than 75 years of combined research experience. The staff includes board-certified psychiatrists, certified clinical research coordinators, certified technicians and other experienced research professionals.

Our staff has participated in more than 200 clinical trials. We have worked with most major pharmaceutical companies. Our CV of clinical trials includes both adult and pediatric studies for indications such as:

• Major depressive disorder;
• Bipolar disorder;
• Bipolar depression;
• Treatment-resistant depression;
• Posttraumatic stress disorder;
• Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder;
• Generalized anxiety disorder;
• Social phobia;
• Panic disorder;
• Schizophrenia;
• Insomnia; and
• Alzheimer’s disease.

CFEF stays at the cutting edge of clinical research by providing our staff with continuing education and training.

Facility Description

CFEF is located in Cherry Hill, N.J., centrally located just outside of Philadelphia, Camden and Trenton. Our facility includes double-locked, secure drug storage rooms, two patient exam rooms and a spacious laboratory/procedure room. We also have a large room designated for monitors to use during site visits. The center operates Monday through Friday. We open at 9:00 a.m. daily; and, to better accommodate our patients, we have evening hours on Tuesdays. As a courtesy to our research subjects, we also offer complimentary transportation to and from our facility for those patients who may require it.

Investigator Experience

Leon I. Rosenberg, MD
Medical Director  
Principal Investigator 

Dr. Rosenberg graduated from Harvard University with honors in biology in 1974 and received his medical degree from the State University of New York Upstate Medical Center at Syracuse in 1978. He has been working in the field of psychiatry since then, beginning with an internship in psychiatry at Long Island Jewish Hillside Hospital, followed by a residency in adult psychiatry at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania from 1979 to 1981.  He then completed a two-year fellowship in child psychiatry at Hahnemann University Hospital in 1983. He is board certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology in psychiatry, geriatric psychiatry and forensic psychiatry, and he is board eligible in child psychiatry.

Dr. Rosenberg has been in the private practice of adult, adolescent and child psychiatry since 1982. He has been the president and medical director of the Center for Emotional Fitness since 1983. His dedication and caring manner have earned him the respect of both patients and colleagues. His treatment philosophy centers on patients’ well-being by educating patients to promote their own emotional fitness through an understanding of their condition. Dr. Rosenberg has been conducting clinical trials in psychiatric medicine since 1995. He has been the principal investigator of more than 200 clinical trials.

Jake Rosenberg, MD
Primary Rater
Sub-investigator

Dr. Rosenberg graduated from the University of Pennsylvania with honors in applied science and received his medical degree from the State University of New York Downstate College of Medicine in 2012. He has been working in the field of psychiatry since then with a residency in adult psychiatry at the Mount Sinai Medical Center from 2012 to 2016.  He then completed a fellowship in addiction psychiatry at University of Pennsylvania in 2017.

Staff Expertise

Hayon Kim Choe, CMA, CCRC
Director of Clinical Research

Kim is a dedicated and experienced clinical research professional. Kim received her training and certification as a medical assistant from the Omega Institute, where she was on the dean’s list and received numerous awards for her academic achievements. She also received her CCRC certification from the Association of Clinical Research Professionals (ACRP). Kim brings to CFEF her dedicated and caring manner and her experience with more than 175 clinical trials since 1999, including psychiatric and internal medicine trials. Kim manages all of the clinical trials conducted at CFEF. She also conducts in-house audits to assure adherence to protocols, GCPs, CFRs and SOPs, and develops systems, procedures and processes to improve both overall staff performance and study conduct. Kim has been with CFEF since 2002.

Donna Rose M. Colucci, MLT, CCRC
Director of Regulatory and Financial Affairs
 
Donna is a highly experienced and dedicated medical professional with numerous years in clinical research. Her background also includes medical laboratory technician, medical office manager and IV/nursing department supervisor. She received her degree in medical technology from the St. Agnes Medical Center School of Medical Technology and certification as a medical laboratory technician from the Philadelphia County Medical Society. Donna attended Gloucester County College for information systems, where she was on the president's list and also received a certificate in management training. Donna brings to CFEF her attention to detail and her experience with more than 175 clinical trials since 1998. She received her CCRC certification from ACRP. Donna handles all of the regulatory and financial documents. She also develops and updates CFEF's standard operating procedures; reviews and develops systems, procedures and processes to improve both overall staff performance and study conduct; and develops CFEF's detailed, study-specific source workbooks.  Donna has been with CFEF since 2003.

Jin Jang, BA, CRC
Clinical Research Coordinator

Jin is a dedicated and detailed professional. She received her bachelor of arts degree in communications and public relations from Rutgers University. She received her research training here at CFEF. Jin brings to CFEF her professional manner and great enthusiasm. Jin has been with CFEF since 2020.

Jennifer Mellon, MST, CRC
Recruitment Coordinator
Clinical Research Coordinator

Jennifer is a dedicated medical and research professional. She received her training and certification as a multiskilled technician from the Omega Institute. She received her research training here at CFEF. Jennifer brings to CFEF her caring manner and attention to detail. She has experience with more than 100 clinical trials.  Jennifer has been with CFEF since 2005.

Elisabel Albizu, NCPT, NCET
Laboratory Coordinator  

Elisabel is a dedicated medical and research professional. She received her training as a cardiology technician and phlebotomy technician from the Star Career Academy and her certification from the National Center for Competency Testing. She received her research training here at CFEF. Elisabel brings to CFEF her caring manner and attention to detail.  Elisabel has been with CFEF since 2016.

Patient Demographics

Our facility consists of a large psychiatric private practice. We have access to patients of all ages, ethnicities and socio-economic status.

Other

We are able to use a central IRB and can, therefore, provide a rapid study start. Contracts and budgets are negotiated quickly. We are highly experienced with electronic CRFs and interactive voice/web response systems.