Clinical Director & Sub-Investigator
Psychiatry and Neurology Principial Investigator
Family Medicine Principal Investigator
Podiatric Medicine Principal Investigator
Director of Clinical Operations & Sub-Investigator
Clinical Coordinator
Clinical Coordinator
Podiatric Medicine Principal Investigator
Dr. Deeva Frankel is an experienced podiatric surgeon and clinical investigator specializing in foot and ankle care, wound healing, and medical research. She currently serves as a Principal Investigator at Vital Medical Research, Program Director for the Podiatric Medicine and Surgery Residency at Mount Sinai Medical Center in Miami Beach, Florida, and a practicing physician at a private podiatry office, Advanced Footcare, Inc.
Dr. Frankel received her Doctor of Podiatric Medicine from Barry University and completed her residency at Mount Sinai Medical Center, where she serves as Chief Resident. She has led and participated in numerous clinical trials focused on diabetic foot ulcers, wound care, and plantar fasciitis, among others.
Certified by both the American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery and the American Board of Podiatric Medicine, Dr. Frankel is committed to improving patient outcomes through evidence-based medicine, innovation, and compassionate care.
Clinical Coordinator
Silvia Castellanos is a Clinical Coordinator and Medical Assistant at Vital Medical Research, where she has been a key member of the team since 2023. With a strong background in clinical research and hands-on experience in patient care, Silvia has been working in the research field since 2020. She is passionate about supporting high-quality clinical trials and plays a vital role in ensuring study protocols are followed and participants receive attentive, compassionate care. Her dedication, organizational skills, and clinical expertise make her an integral part of the research team.
Clinical Coordinator
Leslie Ulloa serves as a Clinical Coordinator and Medical Assistant at Vital Medical Research, where she contributes to the successful execution of clinical trials through her strong organizational skills and patient-focused approach. Since entering the research field in 2020, Leslie has developed a solid foundation in clinical trial operations and regulatory compliance. She joined Vital Medical Research in 2023 and has since played a key role in coordinating study activities, supporting patient visits, and maintaining data accuracy. Leslie is committed to ensuring each participant receives exceptional care while helping drive meaningful progress in clinical research.
Director of Clinical Operations & Sub-Investigator
Lauren Morlan is an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse and Board-Certified Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner with a strong foundation in both clinical care and research. She began her nursing career after earning her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Florida International University in 2017 and later completed her Master of Science in Nursing at the University of Miami in 2021.
Lauren has been involved in clinical research since 2018 and joined Vital Medical Research in 2023 as Director of Clinical Operations and Sub-Investigator. Her experience spans patient care, protocol management, and clinical team leadership. With a dual focus on clinical excellence and research integrity, Lauren plays a critical role in ensuring the success of each trial and the well-being of every participant.
Family Medicine Principal Investigator
Lijo John Jose is a Board-Certified Family Medicine physician with nearly a decade of clinical and research experience. He earned his medical degree from St. Matthew’s University and completed his residency training at The Brooklyn Hospital Center. Currently serving as a hospitalist at South Miami Hospital, Dr. Jose brings a broad scope of expertise in inpatient care and evidence-based medicine.
In addition to his hospital work, Dr. Jose plays an active role at Vital Medical Research, where he contributes to advancing clinical trials across a range of therapeutic areas. His dual commitment to patient care and clinical research reflects a deep passion for improving health outcomes and expanding access to innovative treatments.
Psychiatry and Neurology Principial Investigator
Collado brings a wealth of experience in adult and child psychiatry to Vital Medical Research, where she plays a key role in advancing innovative clinical trials in mental health. Dr. Collado graduated from Jackson Memorial Hospital/University of Miami with a fellowship in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. She is a Board-Certified Diplomate of the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology.
Dr. Collado is an Affiliated Assistant Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine and Jackson Behavioral Health Hospital where she teaches and supervises medical students and psychiatrists in training. She is a member of the American Psychiatric Association, the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and American Medical Association. At Vital Medical Research, Dr. Collado is dedicated to improving psychiatric care through cutting-edge research, helping shape the future of mental health treatment with compassion, precision, and innovation.
Clinical Director & Sub-Investigator
Alejandro Morlan is an Acute Care Nurse Practitioner with over 10 years of clinical experience and a strong passion for advancing healthcare through research. After earning his degree from the University of Miami, he built a solid clinical foundation at South Miami Hospital, where he continues to deliver high-quality, patient-centered care in a fast-paced hospital setting.
His dedication to bridging clinical care and research led him to found Vital Medical Research, where he now serves as Clinical Director and CEO. Under his leadership, the organization is committed to bringing innovative, community-focused clinical trials to the forefront—improving access to new therapies and contributing to the future of evidence-based medicine. Alejandro believes that research and clinical care go hand in hand, and he is proud to lead efforts that make a meaningful impact on patients’ lives.