Introduction to Optimal
We are people on a mission. Our aim is to reduce suffering and help people worldwide gain a better quality of life. We are dedicated to being one of the top research sites in Asia-Pacific.
Optimal Clinical Trials is a private, independently owned, clinical research centre with clinics in central and north Auckland – New Zealand’s largest city – with a population of over 1.7 million people. Optimal has grown rapidly and is a Deloitte Fast 50 company and winner of multiple awards.
We specialise in conducting commercial phase 1b to 3 trials across a wide range of therapeutic areas, with a team of expert investigator doctors and specialists at the fore.
We regularly work with the world’s largest Pharmaceutical companies, Contract Research Organizations and Biotechs. We are internationally recognised for our speed, quality and responsiveness to clients’ needs.
“They have consistently been the fastest and highest recruiting site we have ever worked with”
– US Biotech
To make everyday lives better by conducting world-class research centred on high recruitment, retention and rapid enrolment with high-quality data.
Optimal exists for the greater good of people. Our aim is to discover better, more efficient, more accessible treatments for people the world over. We’re future driven – we strive to find medicines that could help each one of us, our children and generations to come. We rely on the expertise of our people – our researchers, doctors, nurses and coordinators – it’s their passion and enthusiasm which moves our clinical trials forward. We also rely on the goodwill of our volunteers. Without their wish to be a part of the medicines to market journey, nothing can be achieved. Together we create change and we achieve optimal results.
Our Team
We know you will enjoy working with our highly qualified team with over 50 years of combined clinical research experience. Our specialist principal investigators are experienced and engaged, supported by sub investigators, research nurses, study coordinators, clinical trial assistants, pharmacists and phlebotomists. Our onsite investigators have experience in over 50 commercially sponsored clinical trials.
Dr Barney Montgomery
With over 18 years of medical experience, and investigator roles in over 40 commercially sponsored clinical trials, Barney founded Optimal Clinical Trials in 2013. He graduated from Otago Medical School in 2002 and has worked in New Zealand, the UK and Australia. As well as an experienced principal investigator, Barney is also a general practitioner. Barney has a wide variety of interests and his areas of special interest include: asthma, vaccines and dermatology. He has always fostered a strong desire to help people. He cherishes his role conducting research that forms the backbone of evidence-based medicine, and helping develop new medications to ease suffering and improve people’s lives.
“As doctors we often take our ability to prescribe medicines for granted, but every single drug needs to have a huge amount of research to ensure it is safe and that it works. I love being part of that process and know we are helping people on a large scale.”
Barney lives happily in Auckland with his wife Penny, sons Charlie and Jonty, daughter Honor and their dog Macy. Barney has been involved in starting several successful businesses, played basketball for New Zealand as a junior and loves doing anything active.
Dr Liz Smaill
When completing her Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery at Otago Medical school, Liz forged greater appreciation for the pressures and problem-solving in the medical world.
From time spent in Wellington, Auckland, and the UK as a doctor, to management consulting specialising in government health initiatives, she relishes her role at Optimal helping lead a team of research professionals.
“The ongoing reward of a career in the medical realm is the people factor. Seeing improvement in a patient’s medical condition is a highlight, knowing the data you’re collecting may reshape lives is invaluable, and working alongside our team, who share equal passion is a privilege.”
Liz enjoys the mix of knowledge and application of working in the clinical research field – fulfilling goals and meeting deadlines. She values the positive and enthusiastic environment the Optimal team bring every day.
Outside of work Liz can be found out running, or exploring the art galleries. She is also a keen foodie and happy to provide restaurant recommendations!
Dr Penny Montgomery
Penny is a founding director of Optimal, alongside her husband Dr Barney Montgomery. She is a general practitioner with a special interest in dermatology. She is experienced in administering dermatology scales including EASI, H&R criteria and IGA assessments, and has been the PI for atopic dermatitis studies with dupilumab – now an FDA approved drug. Penny loves staying active – she is a keen runner and skier, and her three children and dog ensure she is always on the go!
Our Principal Investigators
Here are a few of the Principal Investigators that lead our studies.
Dr Tori Middlemiss
Tori brings a rich tapestry of international experience and qualifications to her role as an Principal Investigator and Lead Research Physician. She holds United States Medical License Exams, a Doctor of Medicine degree from the University of Aarhus in Denmark, and further honed her skills with an elective attachment in Orthopaedic and General Surgery from the University of Hong Kong. Tori expanded her expertise in public health with a Master of Science from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, and a Certificate in Global Health Governance from St George’s University of London.
In her previous roles, Tori served as a Senior Medical Officer at Auckland Region Public Health Service in New Zealand and a Senior Medical Advisor, Consultant, and Evacuation Doctor at International SOS in Hong Kong. She also worked as a Resident Medical Officer at Auckland Regional Health Boards, and her involvement in numerous clinical trials showcases her commitment to advancing medicine.
Outside of work, Tori loves sport and enjoying all that New Zealand has to offer with her family and close friends.
Dr Claudette Lionnet
Claudette, a multi-disciplinary medical professional, originally from South Africa, serves as the North Site Manager and Principal Investigator. She holds an MBChB, a Post grad Diploma of Anaesthesia, and completed a Bachelor of Science in Physiotherapy prior to embarking on her medical career.
Prior to her current role, Claudette completed her House officer years and gained diverse experience as a Medical Officer in Anaesthetics at hospitals in and around South Africa.
She has been actively involved in a wide range of clinical trials, covering a variety of therapeutic areas from vaccines and dermatology to immunology and cardiovascular studies to name a few.
When away from her professional duties, Claudette is an avid reader, a novice runner and enjoys staying active with outdoor activities.
Dr Becka Griffith
With 20 years of experience in paediatric and neonatal care, Becka is a committed research investigator. She has experience with complex clinical trial protocols and is able to effectively manage the needs of paediatric patients and their families. Becka is also completing her PhD on the long term outcomes of children born at risk of neonatal hypoglycaemia.
Dr Ravi Suppiah
Ravi is a New Zealand trained rheumatology and sports medicine specialist, who undertook specialist fellowship training at Oxford, United Kingdom. He is committed to research, and providing the best available care. Ravi is also a clinical lead for the rheumatology service at Auckland District Health Board, and holds a specialist role at Auckland Rheumatology and Sports Medicine. Alongside his weekly commitments, he is regularly invited to speak at major international conferences.
Dr Arna Letica
Arna graduated from Otago Medical School and has worked as a doctor in New Zealand and the UK. Arna is a Fellow of the Royal New Zealand College of General Practitioners and comes to Optimal Clinical Trials following thirteen years as a GP.
She very much enjoys the variety and learning opportunities of Clinical Research, along with the opportunity to meet our wonderful study participants.
Arna also works as a Medical Assessor, and Health Information reviewer. In her spare time she enjoys reading, crosswords and spending time with friends and family.
Dr Tina Baik
As a Principal Investigator, Dr Tina Baik brings a wealth of knowledge with a Bachelor of Pharmacy from Otago University and a Bachelor of Medicine & Surgery from The University of Auckland. With over 10 years of experience practising medicine in Auckland, she has gained extensive expertise in cardiology, respiratory, transplant, gastroenterology, and gerontology.
“It's really rewarding to make a big impact through clinical research, especially in areas like coeliac disease and obesity. I enjoy the positive interactions with our study participants and guiding them as they selflessly help advance medicine”, says Tina.
In addition to her clinical expertise, Tina has also dedicated time to tutoring medical students, focusing on clinical skills and effective communication. Outside of work, she enjoys running, music, and quality time with family and friends.