Ryan Casey, MD
Principal Investigator & Medical Director
Dr. Casey earned his MD at the University of Anahuac in Mexico City, Mexico. He completed the family and community medicine residency program at Yuma Regional Medical Center in AZ, which is affiliated with the University of Arizona College of Medicine and a clinical partner in the Mayo Clinic Care Network.
Board certified in family medicine, he holds medical licenses in both the US and Mexico. He is a member of the Primary Healthcare Interprofessional Research Collaborative, American Association for Physician Leadership, American Academy of Family Physician, and World Organization of Family Doctors.
Over two decades, his diverse professional experience has primarily centered in US states bordering Mexico. His roles have included Medical Director and Laboratory Director at multiple organizations and providing and overseeing home-based care and telehealth for Medicare Advantage beneficiaries, private insurance plan members, and U.S. military Veterans.
His clinical experience also includes practicing as a family physician at the intersection of New Mexico, Texas, and Chihuahua and as the sole primary care provider in three rural Mexican communities. Dr. Casey has contributed to a community health collaboration serving migrant and seasonal farm workers and other Hispanic community members in AZ.
In addition to working as a principal investigator at a dedicated clinical trial site in El Paso, TX, he has worked on multiple vaccine studies and bioproduct projects. At Headlands Research El Paso, Dr. Casey continues to focus on collaborating with healthcare professionals, regional health services, and government agencies to serve vulnerable populations.
Annette Garcia
Site Director
Annette brings 11 years of experience in the clinical trial industry. Based in New Mexico, she has a deep appreciation for the region and its unique environment. With a strong background in site management, she is dedicated to ensuring the success of clinical research operations.
Project Vida
Community Partner
Project Vida is a community-driven organization dedicated to empowering individuals and families through accessible healthcare, education, and social services. Guided by its mission to identify and implement the community's vision for a healthier, more equitable future, Project Vida focuses on building structures and programs that address the unique needs of underserved populations.
Serving a diverse patient population—including low-income individuals, immigrant families, and residents of border communities with limited access to care—Project Vida delivers culturally sensitive, neighborhood-scaled solutions that bridge gaps in healthcare and support systems.
With a vision to foster active, engaged communities, Project Vida strives for a future where economic and social barriers no longer limit opportunities to thrive. Beyond healthcare, its work includes affordable housing, education, and outreach, ensuring a comprehensive approach to reducing disparities and improving quality of life.
Project Vida stands as a beacon of hope and innovation, creating opportunities for lasting change and healthier, more resilient communities.
Project Vida Health Center, is a Federally Qualified Health Center that provides care to approximately 15,000 patients annually, delivering over 45,000 patient visits per year. Among this population, Project Vida supports nearly 2,500 diabetic patients, offering comprehensive and culturally sensitive chronic disease management.
By partnering with Headlands Research Group, Project Vida can bring innovative clinical research opportunities directly to its patients. This collaboration allows patients to access cutting-edge treatments and therapies, often at no cost, while contributing to advancements in medical science. Such partnerships enhance care quality, expand treatment options, and provide underserved communities with opportunities to benefit from medical breakthroughs.
