The Translational Medicine Unit (TMU) serves as a cornerstone for advancing military medical research by bridging the gap between basic science discoveries and clinical application. It exemplifies USU’s mission to lead in military medical education and research—delivering high-impact science that improves force health protection and global public health outcomes.
The TMU operates as an adult clinical research unit designed to accelerate the development of novel diagnostics, therapeutics, and medical interventions that directly support the health and readiness of U.S. military personnel and beneficiaries. Through strategic collaborations with federal laboratories, military treatment facilities, and academic partners, it also provides critical research support and training opportunities for military health professionals, enhancing readiness and fostering a culture of innovation within the Military Health System.
The TMU is equipped with state-of-the-art clinical research infrastructure, including exam rooms, phlebotomy and infusion capabilities, sample processing and short-term biobanking, and advanced clinical data management systems. Staffed by a multidisciplinary team of clinicians, research nurses, laboratory experts, coordinators, and regulatory professionals, the unit ensures rigorous adherence to Good Clinical Practice and Human Subjects Protection regulations.
As part of USU’s academic health center, the TMU supports both investigator-initiated and sponsor-driven research protocols with a strong emphasis on infectious disease, cardiovascular disease, critical care, metabolic health, and precision medicine—areas aligned with DoD priorities and global military health needs.
Currently Enrolling Studies
We are enrolling volunteers for the studies below. If interested, please call (301) 318-6024 or email us at clinical.research.unit.53-ggg@usuhs.edu.
COVIVA is enrolling volunteers with symptoms of postural orthostatic tachycardia (POTS) such as dizziness, fatigue, exercise intolerance, gastrointestinal symptoms, ‘brain fog’, headaches, chest pain, anxiety or passing out. Click the link for more information Clinical Trial ID NCT0548117.
Peds RECON is done enrolling volunteers (November, 2024). Peds RECON was enrolling healthy children aged 1 month to 17 years. Please see our website for more information on our study.
SC2i (TDAP) is enrolling healthy volunteers. Contact: (202) 819-6482.
If you are interested in any of our studies and would like to learn more, please fill out this form at the link below to be contacted at a later date: TMU Study Interest Form
Lead Faculty
Erin L. Tompkins MD, MPH, MHA, LTC, MC, USA
Director, Translational Medicine Unit
Assistant Professor
Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences
Bethesda, MD 20814
Dr. Daoqin Bi, MD
Chief, Analytical Chemistry Laboratory
Department of Medicine
