New medical director joins ASU to advance clinical and translational research

Arizona State University's College of Health Solutions has announced the selection of Dr. Frank LoVecchio as the new medical director of clinical and community translational research. 

LoVecchio will provide medical oversight of clinical and community translational research studies aimed at improving population health. In this role, he will foster research collaborations both within the university and in the greater community that employ the translational research process, which shortens the time from research discovery to clinical practice. 

An attending physician in the Department of Medical Toxicology at Banner University Medical Center, LoVecchio practices emergency medicine and critical care and is board certified in emergency medicine, medical toxicology, medical forensics and addiction medicine. He also holds research scholar and professorships at both the University of Arizona College of Medicine and the Creighton University School of Medicine in Phoenix. 

He is the principal investigator for the EMERGEncy ID NET, a group of emergency departments funded through the Centers for Disease Control to conduct infectious disease trials. Together with collaborators he has garnered more than $15 million in research funding throughout his career.

As part of his work with the College of Health Solutions, he will join the college's Clinical and Community Translational Science program as a key addition to the team working to significantly advance research at the Phoenix Biomedical Campus in downtown Phoenix. The program is led by Scott Leischow, a College of Health Solutions professor and director of clinical and translational science.

“We are pleased that Dr. LoVecchio has joined our team as medical director. His extensive clinical experience, as well as his expertise in laboratory and clinical research, will be essential as we expand our Clinical and Community Translational Science program in collaboration with partners at ASU and in the community,” Leischow said.  

In previous positions, LoVecchio served as director of the Banner Poison and Drug Information Center. He also served as vice chair and research director at the University of Arizona College of Medicine at Maricopa Integrated Health (now Valleywise Health). In the course of his professional work, he has published more than 100 articles, book chapters and textbooks.

“Dr. LoVecchio is a well-known and highly regarded medical professional who will accelerate our efforts to take research from discovery into practice to improve the health of people and communities across Arizona. His expertise in clinical trial research will be invaluable as we collaborate across ASU and with community partners on solutions that help people stay healthy, improve their health and manage chronic disease,” said Deborah Helitzer, dean of the College of Health Solutions. 

“From my first discussions with Dean Helitzer, I saw a natural alignment between the mission of the College of Health Solutions and my strong passion for research to improve population health. I am truly honored to further this work in the ASU community and to collaborate with the esteemed faculty here,” LoVecchio said.

LoVecchio holds a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree from the New York College of Osteopathic Medicine and a master’s degree in public health from the Harvard Medical School of Public Health. He has served on several journal editorial boards and is the recipient of local and national teaching awards.

In addition to working with the College of Health Solutions, LoVecchio will provide medical oversight of clinical trials for ASU’s Biodesign Institute, Edson College of Nursing and Health Innovation and the Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering.