Study Nurses and Staff
Julie Large, BSN, RN
Study Nurse
Julie has been with the Midwest Cardiovascular Research and Education Foundation since 2003. After completing her nursing degree at Indiana University, she started her career working in cardiovascular nursing at Memorial Hospital of South Bend. With her energy and positive attitude, Julie was recruited into the role of clinical rounding nurse for a large, multi-county cardiology practice. She then joined Ruthann Weil in clinical research as a Clinical Trial Coordinator (CTC), starting with just one enrolling clinical trial. Since that time, Julie has expanded her CTC role to include such responsibilities as regulatory management, budgeting, and overall study management. Julie has enjoyed caring for countless patients in clinical trials, taught CPR throughout the community, and organized on the Foundation’s annual continuing medical education event.
I love clinical research. The patients that agree to participate in our clinical trials are the most enjoyable people to care for. I am proud to be an integral part of piloting future treatments for cardiovascular disease. I learn something new each and every day.
Vanessa De Pue, BSN, RN
Study Nurse and Research & Education Coordinator
Vanessa is an experienced Research Nurse and Clinical Trial Coordinator with 11 years in the clinical trial research setting. Her path to research began with her interest in science and her love of community service, and which led to a career that can combine both science and service to others. After 2 years of volunteer service and 7 years as a chemist, Vanessa became an RN in 2010. Three years on a general surgery inpatient unit solidified her nursing skills. She then transferred to the Goshen Center for Cancer Care research department as a Research Nurse/Coordinator and found the perfect fit: a job that kept her studying the latest in medical science, but also working with, educating, and serving patients directly. From 2013-2020, she assisted in coordinating 142 oncology clinical trials and expanded her role into budgeting and regulatory work. She joined Midwest Cardiovascular Research and Education Foundation in 2021 as the Research and Education Coordinator and is proud to work in a non-profit organization that focuses on research, education, and serving the community she lives in.
I have a passion and need to always keep learning, especially in science and medicine, but I want to educate and serve others. Being a Research Nurse satisfies my analytical thirst for knowledge and my heart’s desire to help others. I have the privilege of time to answer questions and educate my patients and their families about medications and diagnoses at each visit, and time to develop a relationship of trust and care. That knowledge and relationship empowers them to understand and be actively engaged in their care. I am very fortunate to be able to work alongside colleagues with a similar heart and vision.
Marci Feldman, ASN, RN
Study Nurse
Marci is a seasoned registered nurse with over twenty years in the healthcare setting. She started her healthcare journey by working in the laboratory as a diagnostic assistant (phlebotomy, setting up plates/slides in microbiology, specimen processing, point of care, etc.). During the course working in the laboratory, she developed a passion for teaching and the need for doing more for the patients at the bedside. She received her nursing degree and went on to work in some amazing roles as a registered nurse in the emergency department, vascular access/PICC team, cardiac rehabilitation, nursing leadership and now in cardiovascular research.
I have always had a passion for cardiology. Our research team and the patients are part of the cutting edge of change in medicine. We are lucky enough to provide education with each of our patients, give patient care, and help them understand their disease process. It is so rewarding and impactful. We have patients that truly enjoy their time in a certain study and want to be part of another.
Ruthann Weil, BSN, RN (Retired)
Study Nurse
Ruthann’s care and leadership were instrumental in the growth of the Foundation into the successful and productive organization it is today. Ruthann graduated from the Ball State University in 1980 with a Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing. During her 44 years of nursing, she has served the needs of both stable and acutely ill cardiac patients. In 2003, a group of area group of cardiologists invited her to accept the mission of establishing the Midwest Cardiovascular Research and Education Foundation. She served the Foundation tirelessly for more than 20 years. As a result of her team’s work, patients are able to access cardiovascular clinical trials, cutting edge education offerings are made available to local health providers, and CPR education was provided to area non-profit entities, including shelters, schools and places of worship. Locally, her team oversaw the Foundation’s charitable distribution of grant scholarships to medical students and financial support for cardiac indigent hospitalized patients discharge medications.
We promise our participants that the added attention they receive as part of their research experience will serve to enhance their sense of well-being. Our team consistently delivers on this promise.