GI Clinical Research & Digestive Trials in Portland, TX
Partnering with the Vitality Digestive Institute to bring advanced gastroenterology treatments directly to South Texas.
Why Patients Choose to Participate
Three reasons patients at our clinics sign up for clinical trials.
Early Access to Treatments
Study participants receive treatments before FDA approval or general availability. Your physician explains the specific protocol and what to expect.
Physician-Led, Not Outsourced
Dr. Verma and the team manage your care directly. Studies run through the Vitality Digestive Institute, but your doctor stays involved.
You Help Future Patients
Every participant contributes data that improves how physicians treat digestive conditions. That matters to the doctors here.
What the Research Program Covers
Here is what happens when you express interest in a study at one of our locations.
Screening First
We review your diagnosis, history, and current medications to see if you qualify for any active study. Most screenings take one visit.
Vitality Digestive Institute
All trials run through vitalitydigestiveinstitute.com. That site lists active studies, eligibility details, and enrollment info.
Three Locations, One Process
Clinical trials take place at our Victoria, Portland, and Katy offices. Study availability varies by location, so call the nearest office to ask what is open.
How It Works
Three steps from first call to active participation.
You Call or Come In
Tell your nearest office you are interested in a study. A staff member will collect basic info and set up a screening visit.
We Check Your Eligibility
Your physician reviews your records and the study criteria. If you qualify, we walk you through what participation involves before you commit to anything.
Your Doctor Stays Involved
Once enrolled, Dr. Verma or your provider continues managing your care. You are not handed off to a separate team.
Current Research Opportunities in Portland
Dr. Verma trained at UT Houston and MD Anderson. He has published studies in peer-reviewed journals, collaborates with investigators at academic centers in Houston and San Antonio, and has built a referral base almost entirely on word of mouth. Research is part of how this practice works, not a marketing add-on.
Patients who join a study get access to treatments that are not yet on the general market. The Vitality Digestive Institute manages the trials. Gastro Health & Nutrition handles your care.
Study Recruitment by Location
Recruitment links go live here as studies open at each location. Check back or call the office directly.
Ready to Ask About a Study?
Call any of our five locations or use the form below. If a study is open and you might qualify, someone from the team will follow up within one business day.
FAQ’s
Where is the Portland research clinic located?
Our clinical research patients are seen at our main Portland office, located at 1315 Wildcat Dr, Portland, TX 78374.
Do I have to cross the bridge into Corpus Christi for my study visits?
No. We conduct the Vitality Digestive Institute clinical trials directly at our Portland clinic. Patients in San Patricio County and the broader Coastal Bend area can access advanced GI research without commuting into Corpus Christi or beyond.
How do I know if I qualify for a digestive clinical trial in Portland?
The first step is a screening visit at our Wildcat Dr. office. Dr. Verma will review your medical history, current GI diagnosis, and medications against the specific criteria for our active trials to see if you are a good match.
Are these trials managed locally or outsourced to a third party?
While the trials are coordinated through the Vitality Digestive Institute, your day-to-day care and study monitoring are handled personally by Dr. Verma and our Gulf Coast team right here in Portland.
Does it cost anything to participate in a study at the Portland location?
Trial-related treatments and study visits are typically covered entirely by the research sponsor. Our Portland staff will walk you through all the details and ensure you understand the protocol before you agree to participate.
Our Comprehensive Gastroenterology Care
At Gastro Health & Nutrition provides exceptional digestive care to help you identify, treat, and manage your gastrointestinal issues. Our physicians are board certified in Gastroenterology and Hepatology, and our expert staff offers exceptional care in a comfortable environment.
- Nutrition & Wellness
- Digestive Health
- IBS, Dyspepsia
- Liver Disease
About Our Comprehensive Digestive Health Care
Our expert team helps people identify, treat, and manage their digestive irregularities. Allowing them to have incredible experiences in their lives that otherwise might not have been possible. We provide a comfortable environment in which we educate our patients to fully understand what is affecting their body and how it is best treated. Nuestro equipo es bilingüe.
Gastro Health & Nutrition
Gastro Health & Nutrition runs clinical research at our Victoria, Portland, and Katy offices through the Vitality Digestive Institute. Ask about study eligibility at your next visit.