Who We Are

Headlands Research is a leading international integrated clinical trial site organization with the mission to improve lives by advancing innovative medical therapies.

Our Detroit location focuses on multi-therapeutic and general medicine clinical research trials for a large, diverse population.

With an experienced and compassionate staff, our goal is to make sure patients have access to innovative clinical research trials so we improve the future of medicine together.

  • Trials

    Clinical drug trials allow researchers to pinpoint effective therapies that help heal people with debilitating diseases that would otherwise not be treated.

  • Studies

    Studies are generally chosen by the estimated effectiveness of treatments currently in development. We only study therapies that have the potential to help.

  • Therapeutic Research

    Therapeutic research is research that directly intends to help participants by means of therapies designed to help improve symptoms and diseases.

  • Equipment and Procedures

    We use technologically advanced equipment and procedures to ensure the highest level of research capability and accuracy standards for every trial.

Leadership

Patrick Keating

Site Director

Patrick Keating New Headshot

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

Physician-researcher

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.

Ashley Mueller

Sub-Investigator

Ashley Mueller, PA-C is a Sub-Investigator at Headlands Research Detroit. She earned her Master’s degree in Physician Assistant Studies from the University of Detroit Mercy. She has worked as a PA in a variety of clinical roles across diverse healthcare settings including inpatient positions on the acute critical response team and pulmonary medicine service at Corewell Health William Beaumont University Hospital as well as outpatient pediatrics. This broad experience has equipped her with a well-rounded perspective on patient care and a strong foundation in clinical decision-making. She is passionate about contributing to research that improves
patient outcomes and drives medical innovation. Ashley joined Headlands Research in 2025.

Outside of work, Ashley enjoys spending her time hiking, bicycling, and reading.

Headlands Research’s Mission

Headlands Research was founded on the idea that clinical trial research needs to significantly evolve to better match the current healthcare climate, as well as the real-world needs of patients.

Our mission is to profoundly change the clinical trials process through a platform of best-in-class research facilities that gather high-quality data through increased trial participation while addressing specialty populations that are underserved.

Based in San Francisco and backed by KKR, Headlands aims to ensure that high-quality therapeutics are made available to patients who can benefit from them. Additional information about the company is available at www.headlandsresearch.com.

 

  • Address

    29355 Northwestern Highway, Suite 200 Southfield, MI 48034

  • Phone

    248-243-1870

  • Website

    headlandsresearchdetroit.com

  • E-mail

    info@headlandsresearch.com

Headlands Research is a leading globally integrated clinical trial site organization with the mission of dramatically improving the clinical trials process.

Our Brownsville location is a Pfizer partner Site with a focus on multi-therapeutic and general medicine clinical research trials.

With an experienced and compassionate staff, our goal is to make sure patients have access to cutting-edge clinical research trials so we can discover a better tomorrow together.