Dr. David Strong

Principal Investigator

Dr. David Strong, MD/PhD is a Principal Investigator at Headlands Research Detroit. He earned a bachelor’s and master’s degree in Neuroscience from Johns Hopkins University where his thesis project focused on the study of metabolism in central nervous system neurons using targeted molecules to inhibit or stimulate energy storage and production pathways. He graduated from the Medical Scientist Training Program at Washington University in St. Louis after completing his dissertation in the Department of Pathology & Immunology. His thesis investigated the genetic host and pathogen factors responsible for virulence during Norovirus infection.

Dr. Strong is a graduate of the Emergency Medicine Residency Program at the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine. He completed Fellowship training in Emergency Medical Services through the Wayne State University/Detroit Medical Center program. After graduation, he joined the Henry Ford Medical Group where he provided care for a diverse patient population and gained experience recognizing and treating a wide range of acute and chronic clinical diseases. Dr. Strong is dedicated to making excellent medical care available to the communities in Southeast Michigan. During the COVID-19 pandemic he served as the Medical Director of the TCF Regional Care Center, providing care for COVID patients during the initial months of the pandemic. He is currently the Deputy Medical Director for the Region 2 South Healthcare Coalition, tasked to work with local healthcare providers and public health partners to ensure the healthcare preparedness of the region. He is excited to join Headlands Research and have an opportunity to bring the innovative and promising treatments associated with clinical trials to the patients most in need.

Dr. Strong is board-certified by the American Board of Emergency Medicine in both Emergency Medicine and Emergency Medical Services. He is a designated fellow of the American College of Emergency Physicians and the National Association of EMS Physicians. As a Principal Investigator at Headlands, his main areas of research interest include vaccines, immunomodulators, and the metabolic syndrome.

He is a proud native of Southeast Michigan where he and his wife are raising two children.

Patrick Keating graduated from the University of Notre Dame with a bachelor’s degree in health sciences. He has over 10 years of clinical research experience, including previous work in the Urology and Orthopaedics/Sports Medicine fields. Patrick has worked in academic hospital systems and the private practice/industry settings, and has experience leading a site, as well as managing trials across multiple sites. His background includes time spent as a site director, trial manager, monitor, auditor, and coordinator. Patrick joined Headlands Research in 2022.

In his free time, Patrick enjoys running, traveling, spending time with friends and family, and watching Notre Dame football.

Dr. Rana Balboul is a dedicated physician-researcher whose dynamic career bridges clinical medicine, academic leadership, and scientific innovation. A graduate of Ross University School of Medicine with an MD degree, Dr. Balboul also holds a Master’s in Education from Wayne State University. She completed her internal medicine residency at DMC/WSU, subsequently serving as an emergency physician at the VA Hospital in Detroit, where she held the role of Interim Chief of the Emergency Department.

In addition to her clinical work, Dr. Balboul is an Associate Clinical Professor at Wayne State University, mentoring the next generation of medical professionals with insight and dedication. Her commitment to public health has been unwavering, as evidenced by her volunteer service with the City of Detroit throughout the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond. With more than four years of experience as a Principal Investigator, Dr. Balboul brings knowledge and compassion to clinical research. She has also worked as a locum hospitalist across diverse healthcare settings, reinforcing her adaptability and expertise. She serves as a board member of the National Arab American Medical Association (NAAMA), contributing to medical advocacy and community engagement.