Established in 2001 by physicians from the Maple Leaf Medical Clinic, Maple Leaf Research has been dedicated to enhancing lives through innovative research. We specialize in Phase II to IV clinical trials across various medical fields, including:
Current Research Areas
HIV Treatment
Exploring cutting-edge therapies to manage HIV.
PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis)
Investigating new methods to prevent HIV transmission.
Weight Management in Type 2 Diabetes
Developing interventions to aid weight management among individuals with Type 2 Diabetes.
Obesity Trials
Initiating studies focused on weight management and obesity-related health issues.
HBV Treatment
Engaging in research to find effective treatments for Hepatitis B.
Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)
Investigating new treatments and prevention strategies for various STIs.
Community-Based Research
Focusing on studies that support Transgender Women and other underrepresented communities.
Medical Devices
Evaluating innovative devices that enhance patient care.
Vaccine Trials
Assessing the efficacy and safety of vaccines.
Our Commitment to Excellence
Our dedicated team ensures the highest standards in clinical research through:
Laboratory
Equipped with advanced research tools and undergoing annual calibrations to maintain accuracy and safety.
Certified & Experienced Staff
Renowned for excellence in recruitment, retention, and adherence to study protocols.
Advanced Technology
Utilizing DicksonOne for cloud-based temperature monitoring and Complion’s eRegulatory system for efficient management of Investigator Site Files.
Ethical Collaboration
Partnering with central and independent ethics boards to ensure swift study startups and ethical compliance.
Roberta Halpenny
MSc, CCRP
Chief Operating Officer | Research Manager | Clinical Research Leader
Roberta is an accomplished clinical research professional with over two decades of experience in project and operations management. Since joining Maple Leaf Research in 2003, Roberta has demonstrated her leadership in clinical operations, overseeing projects with strategic insight and a commitment to excellence. She currently serves as the Chief Operating Officer and Research Manager at Maple Leaf Research, where she has been instrumental in advancing the organization’s clinical research initiatives and upholding high standards in Good Clinical Practice. Roberta holds a BA in French, an Honors BA in Geography, complemented by her paramedic certification. Her clinical research credentials are further strengthened by her MSc in Clinical Research Administration and her SOCRA Clinical Research Professional (CCRP) certification, which she has held since April 2007, alongside her Project Management Professional (PMP) certification.
PHONE: 416-465-7936 Emergency 24H Number 416.454.9148 FAX: (416) 465 - 0502
EMAIL: rhalpenny@mlmedical.com
Tigist Kidane
Tigist Kidane
Senior Laboratory Technician | Expert in Phlebotomy and Sample Management
Originally from Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, Tigist Kidane brings over a decade of expertise in laboratory technology to her role as Senior Laboratory Technician. After earning her Medical Laboratory Technology Diploma from Addis Ababa University, she moved to Canada in 2003, furthering her qualifications at CDI College to become a licensed Medical Laboratory Technician. Tigist joined Maple Leaf Research in 2007 and also works at Pharma Medica Research Centre in Scarborough. Known for her proficiency in phlebotomy and meticulous sample processing and management, Tigist is highly regarded by patients for her compassionate and skilled care.
PHONE: 416.465-5370 ext 4400 Emergency 24H Number 416.454.9148 FAX: (416) 465 - 0502
EMAIL: tkidane@mlmedical.com
Sonca Lengoc
Clinical Research Coordinator | SOCRA Certified Clinical Research Professional
Sonca brings extensive experience in clinical research coordination and patient-centered care to her role at Maple Leaf Research. With a BSc in Life Sciences from Queen’s University and training in Radiation Therapy from the Odette Cancer Centre, she has served as a radiation therapist in major cancer centers across Canada for over 15 years. Most recently, Sonca worked as a Clinical Research Coordinator at UHN, supporting evidence-based research in health professions. A SOCRA-certified Clinical Research Professional since 2016, she also holds a certificate in Health Services Management from Ryerson University. Known for her compassion and attention to detail, Sonca is dedicated to advancing patient-centered research.
PHONE: 416.465-5370 ext 4404 Emergency 24H Number 416.454.9148 FAX: (416) 465 - 0502
EMAIL: slengoc@mlmedical.com
Geraldine Tuason, RN
Geraldine Tuason, RN
Clinical Research Nurse Coordinator | Registered Nurse
Geraldine joined Maple Leaf Research as a Clinical Research Coordinator in 2020 and became a registered nurse in Ontario in 2023. She started working in Labour and Delivery at St. Joseph's Hospital in June 2023. Originally trained as a registered nurse in the Philippines, Geraldine completed her postgraduate Clinical Research studies at Oxford College in 2019. Known for her patient care and adored by the office dog, Harlan, she is Maple Leaf Research’s resident RN, providing part-time support in monitoring and clinical oversight.
PHONE: 416.465-5370 ext 4401 Emergency 24H Number 416.454.9148 FAX: (416) 465 - 0502
EMAIL: gtuason@mlmedical.com
Nirubini Jeyarajah
BSc.
Research Coordinator | Expertise in Clinical Trials and Patient Engagement
Nirubini Jeyarajah is a dedicated research coordinator at Maple Leaf Research with a strong foundation in clinical research. She graduated with a Life Sciences (Biology) degree from the University of Waterloo in 2020, followed by a Clinical Research Post-Graduate program at Seneca College in 2021. Starting as a student and research assistant, Niru quickly advanced to her current role, where she has been instrumental in the Trans Woman DDI study and contributes to multiple pharmaceutical trials. Known for her meticulous organization, attention to detail, and warm personality, Niru is highly valued by patients and colleagues alike.
PHONE: 416-465-5370 x 4401 Emergency 24H Number 416.454.9148 FAX: (416) 465 - 0502
EMAIL: nirubini@mlmedical.com
Jennifer McCully
Jennifer McCully
Senior Research Analyst | Expert in Data Analytics and Python
Originally from the Maritimes, Jennifer McCully is a Senior Research Analyst at Maple Leaf Medical Clinic (MLMC) with a BSc in Molecular Biology and Biotechnology from the University of Waterloo. Her career spans roles at Health Canada and the University Health Network, with recent work in adult genetics research. An expert in Python, Jennifer has transformed MLMC’s database research with her meticulous attention to detail and strong analytical skills. Her interests in healthcare big data led her to complete a Data Science certificate at the University of Toronto in 2019, further enhancing her contributions to the field.
Mona Loufty
MD, FRCPC, MPH
Chief Executive Officer
& Research Director
Dr. Mona Loutfy is an Infectious Diseases Specialist, Clinician Scientist and Full Professor at the University of Toronto and Women’s College Hospital in Toronto. Her main clinical practice is at the Maple Leaf Medical Clinic where she specializes in care of women, youth and couples with HIV and reproductive health and HIV. She founded the Women and HIV Research Program at the Women’s College Research Institute in 2006 to carry out research with and for women living with HIV to combat stigma and health inequity and optimize health care delivery and outcomes. More recently, she acquired her medical license in Saskatchewan and travels there every two and half months to care for women, couples and youth affected by HIV and HCV in northern Saskatchewan.
For information about our research program contact Roberta Halpenny, Research Manager: rhalpenny@mlmedical.com
Jason Brunetta
MD, CCFP
Chief Finance Officer
Dr. Brunetta hails from St. Albert, Alberta, and completed his Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Education degrees in Edmonton. He went on to teach high school for three years before returning to the University of Calgary to complete his Medical Degree. His residency in Family Medicine was in Toronto, and then he moved to practice in Vancouver, British Columbia. He has since returned to Ontario and now practices family medicine along with HIV primary care. He is a certificant of the College of Family Physicians of Canada. Dr. Brunetta is also actively involved in research, and participates in the education of future physicians by acting as an examiner for the Medical Council of Canada.
For information about our research program contact Roberta Halpenny, Research Manager: rhalpenny@mlmedical.com
Graham H.R. Smith
MD, MSc , CCFP
Chief Development Officer
Originally from Montreal, Graham received his medical degree from McGill University where he first became involved with the care of people living with HIV and AIDS. A year in Paris 1991 allowed him to complete an additional year of training in Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine. Upon his return to Montreal, he joined the McGill AIDS Centre and mixed both clinic care and clinical research with a special interest in the treatment of advanced HIV disease. In 1999, he returned to McGill to complete a Master's degree in Epidemiology and since then, has been involved with numerous research projects. After a move to Toronto, Graham joined Maple Leaf Medical Clinic where he is involved with Family Practice, HIV/AIDS care and clinical research.
For information about our research program contact Roberta Halpenny, Research Manager: rhalpenny@mlmedical.com