Code Blue and Gold

The quarterly newsletter of the University of Pittsburgh Department of Medicine

Launching a clinical trial can be complex, but the Clinical Trials Support Office (CTSO) of the Department of Medicine (DOM) is here to help. The DOM-CTSO provides comprehensive guidance, training, and operational support to investigators, research staff, and clinical teams conducting human subjects research at the University of Pittsburgh and UPMC. From trial startup through day-to-day operations, the CTSO is a central resource for navigating regulatory requirements, coordinating logistics, and streamlining processes. By fostering an environment of innovation, collaboration, and efficiency, the office is dedicated to supporting the Department of Medicine’s research community in advancing medical discovery and improving health outcomes.

The Clinical Trials Support Office (CTSO) offers comprehensive services to guide research teams through every stage of clinical trial planning and execution. From early sponsor engagement and feasibility assessments to study startup and regulatory submissions, the CTSO provides hands-on support with protocol review, contract and budget development, and coordination with PITT and UPMC offices. The team assists with IRB and ancillary committee submissions, legal agreements, operational planning, and the implementation of research technologies like OnCore and BRIDGES. Ongoing services include quality assurance, audit preparation, recruitment strategy, and financial management—such as billing plans, invoicing, cost tracking, and revenue reconciliation. The CTSO also supports trial closeout activities and ensures compliance with institutional and regulatory requirements, helping investigators conduct efficient, high-quality research from start to finish.

Please contact the DOM CTSO team at any time for support via email at
DOMCTSO@groups.pitt.edu.

Visit the DOM CTSO Website
Internal use only via Pitt login.

On the website you can find:

  • Forms, Templates & Checklists
  • Important Links
  • Useful Resources
  • Standard Operating Procedures
  • Training & Professional Development Resources
  • Pitt Grant Submission Timeline