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About Us


Who we are...

Hillcrest Medical Research was founded in 2021 as a dedicated independent research center that specializes in the management and coordination of phase II-IV clinical research trials. Our staff of highly trained professionals have over 100 years of combined clinical trial experience and have completed more than 500 studies in a variety of therapeutic areas.

Part of the Community

Part of the Community

We love the community in which we live and do what we can to support it by providing our time and resources to those who come through our doors.

Patient Focused

Patient Focused

We try our very best to make ourselves available. If a patient ever has any questions we can be reached 24/7. Our goal is to make your clinical trial experience the best it possibly can be.

We Love What We Do

We Love What We Do

We are excited to be involved with the field in which we work. Each day offers new opportunities to learn and be part of a solution.


Dr. John Hill

John Hill, MD, CPI, FAAFM
Principal Investigator

Dr. John M Hill MD is a board certified physician in family medicine and specializes also in sports medicine.Dr. Hill graduated from Deltona High School and from Ross University School of Medicine April 30, 2002. He also has a Bachelor of Science degree in Cardiopulmonary Medicine from the University of Central Florida, and an Associates of Science degree from Daytona Beach Community College in Respiratory Care Technology. He is married with two children. Dr. Hill is very active in the community with his church and high school sports, as well as with the soccer and baseball teams at Stetson University.Dr. Hill has been conducting Clinical Trials since 2005 and has become a nationally known Principal Investigator.


Steven T. Shinn

Steven T. Shinn, MD, CAQSM, CPI
Principal Investigator

Dr. Shinn is a board certified, fellowship-trained Internal and Sports Medicine physician. He earned a bachelor's degree from Stetson University and is an alumnus of The Ohio State University College of Medicine. He completed an internal medicine residency at Ohio State and a sports medicine fellowship at the University of Tennessee/Campbell Clinic. Dr. Shinn is a team physician for Deltona High School and Stetson University. He is happily married to his high school sweetheart, and they have two children. Dr. Shinn believes in getting to know his patients to provide personalized, high-quality care, and works hard to help them reach their healthcare goals.


John C. Hervert

John C. Hervert, D.O, FACOI
Principal Investigator

Dr. John Hervert is board certified in Internal Medicine and a fellow of the America College of Osteopathic Internists. He earned a bachelor’s degree in Chemistry at Rockhurst University, leading to his acceptance and graduation from West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine. Dr. Hervert completed his Internal Medicine residency at Oklahoma State University Medical Center, where he met his wife. Dr. Hervert loves practicing Internal Medicine and learning from his patients at every visit. He believes in treating the whole person; Body, Mind and Spirit. In his free time, he loves spending time with family, exercising, and watching all types of sports.


Vishal Gupta

Vishal Gupta, MD
Principal Investigator

Dr. Gupta is board certified in gastroenterology by the American Board of Internal Medicine. Dr. Gupta started a solo gastroenterology practice in Volusia County in 2006. Dr. Gupta has interests in all aspects of gastroenterology and hepatology including GERD, Ulcerative Colitis, Inflammatory Bowel Disease, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Colorectal Cancer, Hepatitis C and diseases of the pancreas and liver. Dr. Gupta has written state of the art review papers in gastroenterology. He is considered an authority in motility disorders (Irritable Bowel Syndrome, gastroparesis, and bacterial overgrowth), pancreatic disease, and inflammatory bowel disease. He is also the lead investigator in developing many new and innovative new gastrointestinal therapies. A family man and loving husband, Dr. Gupta considers himself blessed to be the father of two children. In his spare time, he enjoys running, water sports, and reading.


Pinkal Patel, MD

Pinkal Patel, MD
Principal Investigator

Dr. Patel is a board certified family physician, who has lived in the Orlando area since 1998. He finished his undergraduate degree at the University of Florida (Gainesville), and then moved on to the University of South Florida (Tampa) for medical school. Dr. Patel completed a residency in Family Practice at Florida Hospital in Orlando, where he also served as chief resident. His specialty interests include pediatrics, dermatology, and preventative medicine. He has been at the Oviedo Family Health Center since 2001. Dr. Patel serves on the staff at Florida State University College of Medicine, and University of Central Florida College of Medicine mentoring students. He was recently named to the Top Docs List of Orlando. He lives in Winter Springs with his wife Monal, daughter Maya, and son Ayan.


Aashiv N. Hari, MD

Aashiv N. Hari, MD
Principal Investigator

Aashiv N. Hari, MD is board certified in Family Medicine by the American Board of Family Medicine. Dr. Hari was awarded his doctor of medicine degree from the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston.Prior to medical school, he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Biology with a minor in Chemistry at Southern Methodist University in Dallas. Dr. Hari completed his residency training at AdventHealth in Orlando and has been practicing in Clermont since 2004. Dr. Hari is committed to providing personalized, evidence-based, whole-person care to the families of this community. He emphasizes preventative health care and enjoys treating all ages.


Christie King

Christie King - Family Nurse Practitioner
Sub-Investigator

Christie King is a Board Certified Family Nurse Practitioner through American Nurse Credentialing Center(ANCC). Mrs. King graduated from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville in 2010. Her undergraduate work includes a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Mercy College of Health Sciences in Des Moines, Iowa, and Associate of Science in Nursing Degree from North Iowa Area Community College in Mason City, Iowa. She has practiced in rural Maine for the past 10 years prior to her move to Florida. She retired in 2017 after 21years, Commander in the United States Navy Nurse Corps. She is married, enjoys travel, and is active in music ministry in her church.


Elena Lushine

Elena Lushine - Certified Physician Associate
Sub-Investigator

Elena obtained a Bachelor of Arts in Biochemistry from the University of Northern Iowa and subsequently a Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies from The College of St. Scholastica, which is in her hometown of Duluth, Minnesota. Throughout her studies, she spent much of her time serving others as a certified nursing assistant in long-term care and physical rehabilitation. She is dedicated to practicing evidence-based medicine and passionate about providing high-quality care for her patients. In her free time, Elena can be found at the beach, practicing yoga, and enjoying her cockapoo, Nala.


Christopher Chambliss

Christopher Chambliss, APRN
Sub-Investigator

Christopher Chambliss is a certified Advanced Practice Registered Nurse. Chris graduated from Palatka High School in 2000 and completed his Master's degree of nursing in 2020. The majority of his nursing experience is from working in the Emergency Department, Cardiac Catheterization lab and progressive care units. He enjoys many activities including anything outdoors. Examples include boating, fishing, bicycling, and kettlebell workouts. He is also an active participant in Brazilian jiu-jitsu and is actively pursuing his black belt.


Pam Hart

Pam Hart, Family Nurse Practitioner
Sub-Investigator

Pam is a Family Nurse Practitioner who grew up in DeBary. She received both her Doctorate and Bachelor’s of Nursing from the University of Central Florida. She received her ADN from Santa Fe College in Gainesville, and has a degree in Anthropology from the University of Florida. Pam’s nursing experience includes bariatric surgery, progressive care, and wound care. Along with cheering on Gator athletics, Pam enjoys the outdoors, reading, and spending time with family and friends.


Sarah Case

Sarah Case, Family Nurse Practitioner
Sub-Investigator

Sarah Case is a certified Family Nurse Practitioner through The American Academy of Nurse Practitioners (AANP). Mrs. Case graduated from Bellarmine University in August 2019 with her Master of Science in Nursing degree and Spalding University in June 2012 with her Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree both in Louisville, Kentucky. She practiced in Louisville, Kentucky in the Pediatric Emergency Department prior to her move to Florida. She is married and has one son and enjoys spending time with her family and traveling.


Crystal Paccione

Crystal Paccione, CCRC, CCRA, MA
Director of Site Operations

Dedicated professional with 20+ years of Clinical Research and Healthcare Facilities Management experience managing the design and development of clinical research studies and trials including sampling design and recruitment, communications, and performance analysis.

Committed leader with strong communication, analytical, time management, and organizational skills. Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint). Certified Clinical Research Coordinator (CCRC).


Ashley Velez

Ashley Velez, CCRC, CP, CLA
Director of Business Development

Self driven and reliable administrative professional with 19 years of experience in the legal and medical industry.

Experienced in business development, working independently and managing a team. Ability to provide accuracy, consistency and efficiency while coordinating various aspects of the administrative and medical field. Prior to her career in clinical research, Ashley was a certified paralegal.

In her free time, Ashley enjoys ministry work, traveling, camping, boating and making everlasting memories withher family.


Lori Quinones

Lori Quinones, CCRP
Manager of Regulatory Operations

Lori has over 20 years of experience in the clinical research industry. She has extensive expertise in regulatory operations, compliance, and project management for clinical trials.

Throughout her career, Lori has worked closely with pharmaceutical sponsors, CROs, investigators, and ethics committees to ensure the integrity and quality of clinical trials from study start-up through close-out. Her therapeutic expertise spans a wide range, and she has proven ability coordinating and monitoring studies across multiple sites.

Lori is highly proficient in FDA and ICH guidelines, GCP, medical terminology, and clinical documentation requirements. She prides herself on her meticulous attention to detail, organization, communication skills, and accountability.

Prior to her career in clinical operations, Lori worked as an EEG and sleep technologist. This experience gave her valuable insights into medical testing procedures and working directly with patients.

When Lori is not working, she enjoys traveling, cooking, and spending quality time with family. She is excited to leverage her expertise in clinical research to contribute to the success of future trials and bring new treatments to patients in need.


Wildeliz Moore

Wildeliz Moore
Clinical Research Coordinator

Wildeliz provides support and assistance with keeping the team organized and positive. Wildeliz is a dedicated team player!


Daisy Sawyer

Daisy Sawyer
Clinical Research Coordinator

Daisy’s eye for detail allows her to analyze and dissect study protocols to ensure patient and site success. Her sense of humor makes her patients’ feel welcomed and taken care of!


Jasmine Paccione

Jasmine Paccione
Data Entry Coordinator

Jasmine assists the team with data entry and patient charts. Jasmine is outgoing and thoughtful with her team and patients.


Holly Perez

Holly Perez
Clinical Research Coordinator

Holly is very detail-oriented and organized. Holly handles our data entry and queries with ease and swiftness. Our patients love her easy going personality with scheduling and reminders!


Nathan Youngers

Nathan Youngers
Data Entry Coordinator

He recently completed his BS in Kinesiology at the University of Central Florida! Nathan looks forward to expanding his clinical experience in the research field and growing with Hillcrest Medical Research. He's always got a positive attitude and happy to help those around him.


Larry Moulder

Larry Moulder
Clinical Research Coordinator

Larry graduated from Lake Sumter Community College with his Associates in Science. Shortly after the Florida Gator's fan started in clinical research and now looks forward to continuing his efforts towards the advancement in science with Hillcrest Medical Research. In his personal time, Larry enjoys playing the guitar and riding his motorcycle. Welcome to the team Larry!



Carrie Cahn

Carrie Cahn
Clinical Research Coordinator

Carrie graduated as an Athletic Trainer & Instructor from Valdosta State University followed by Georgia Southern University. After completing her education, she spent 9 years at Stetson University as an Associate Athletic Trainer. She is now looking forward to expanding her knowledge in the medical research field and being part of medical advanced in science. In her personal time, Carrie enjoys attending sporting events, traveling and taking the plunge on the next big roller coaster!


Andrew Garcia

Andrew Garcia
Clinical Research Assistant

Andrew earned his Bachelor of Science in Biology at University of Central Florida in 2023. He genuinely wants to make a difference in the healthcare industry to better the health of patients in our communities. He’s intrigued by clinical research and excited to expand his knowledge in the medical field. To relieve stress, he enjoys yoga, spending time at the beach, working out at the gym, hiking trails and playing golf.


Milissa-Santos

Milissa Santos
Clinical Research Assistant

Milissa graduated from Turabo University in Puerto Rico following a career as a child development specialist. In 2016, she joined clinical research after being inspired watching her stepdads quality of life improve after being a participant in a study. This made a profound impression on Milissa resulting in her own dedication to research personally. She soon became a healthy volunteer and found her first research position along the way. In her spare time, she enjoys cooking, dancing, traveling and roller derby.


Natalie Hindsman

Natalie Hindsman
Clinical Research Receptionist

Natalie is the friendly voice who answers our phones and assists the team with administrative tasks. She loves to find ways to make our patients smile with just a phone call. She’s always happy to answer your questions, schedule your appointments and make sure your call to Hillcrest Medical Research is positive. In 2021, she graduated from Valencia College with her Associates in Business. During her free time, she enjoys maintaining her garden of fresh fruits and vegetables, spending time with her cats and working on home renovations! We are so excited to have Natalie on the team to collectively provide the best service and attentive care for our patients!


Peter J. Seguinot, III,

Peter J. Seguinot, III, PharmD, BSPharm, RPh
Pharmacist

Peter is a retired Petty Officer with the US Navy and board certified Pharmacist. Graduated from Temple University School of Pharmacy in May 1993 with his Bachelor’s degree in Pharmacy and University of Florida earning his Doctorate degree in Pharmacy. Peter is a great addition to our team, extremely dedicated and always willing to offer assistance. He brings a smile to everyone around him.