About Headlands Research

Headlands Research is a multinational network of clinical trial sites focused on large-volume recruitment and retention of diverse, inclusive patient populations, delivering the highest-quality data to sponsors and CROs.

Learn more about the network

About this site

Headlands Research Northern California sites bring over 25 years of clinical research experience, established community relationships, and a commitment to advancing healthcare through clinical trials. Formerly known as Clinical Trials Research, these sites have proudly served participants and research partners for more than two decades, conducting high-quality clinical studies while providing compassionate care and personalized support to every participant.

Led by Site President and Principal Investigator Jeffrey D. Wayne, MD, our sites continue to provide experienced clinical leadership and individualized attention throughout every study. Dr. Wayne has served as a Principal Investigator since 1992, overseeing more than 300 clinical trials. Since 2010, he has dedicated his practice exclusively to clinical research and remains actively involved in study oversight, participant care, and the advancement of innovative treatment options.

Clinical research depends on the commitment of volunteers who choose to participate in advancing medical knowledge and helping bring new therapies to future generations. Our experienced team is dedicated to creating a safe, supportive, and respectful environment where participants feel informed and valued throughout their clinical trial journey.

As part of Headlands Research, our Northern California sites combine their deep local expertise with the resources, infrastructure, and operational excellence of a leading research network. This partnership enhances our ability to provide high-quality clinical trial opportunities for participants while delivering reliable study execution for sponsors and research partners.

Whether you are considering participating in a clinical trial or seeking an experienced research partner, Headlands Research is committed to advancing medicine through collaboration, innovation, and a shared dedication to improving lives.

Principal Investigator   Site President

Jeffrey D. Wayne, MD

Jeffrey D. Wayne, MD, is a board-certified internist, founder of Clinical Trials Research, and Site President of Headlands’ Northern California research sites. Dr. Wayne earned his medical degree from the Keck School of Medicine at the University of Southern California and has dedicated more than three decades to patient care and advancing clinical research.

With more than 30 years of experience as a Principal Investigator, Dr. Wayne has led approximately 300 Phase 2, Phase 3, and Phase 4 clinical trials across a broad range of therapeutic areas, including Alzheimer’s disease, hypertension, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, respiratory conditions, women’s health, and men’s health. Since 2010, he has focused exclusively on clinical research, providing experienced medical oversight and advancing the development of innovative therapies.

As the founder of Clinical Trials Research, now proudly part of the Headlands Research Network, Dr. Wayne has built a research organization grounded in physician leadership, operational excellence, and an unwavering commitment to participant safety and experience. He remains actively involved in every aspect of clinical trial oversight, ensuring scientific integrity while providing participants with personalized, compassionate care throughout their research journey.

In addition to his clinical research leadership, Dr. Wayne served as Volunteer Clinical Faculty with the University of California, Davis School of Medicine, contributing to the education and mentorship of future physicians and healthcare professionals.

Through his dedication to medicine and clinical research, Dr. Wayne continues to help bring innovative treatments forward while advancing medical knowledge and improving healthcare outcomes for communities throughout Northern California and beyond.

Sub-Investigator (Sacramento)

Esther Gayoba, PA-C

Esther Gayoba is a certified Physician Assistant who brings an extensive background in emergency medicine, occupational health, and women's health to the Sacramento research team. She earned her Physician Assistant Certificate from Long Island University/The Brooklyn Hospital Center and later obtained a Master of Science in Healthcare Management from California State University, Los Angeles. Throughout her diverse career, Esther has managed complex clinical cases across premier health systems, including Sutter Occupational Health and the USC Los Angeles County Medical Center. Since joining Clinical Trials Research in May 2023, she has served as a Sub-Investigator across an array of complex Phase 2 and Phase 3 trials, including specialized protocols for metabolic liver diseases, cardiovascular health, and postmenopausal care.

Headlands Research
Our Mission

To Improve Lives by Advancing Innovative Medical Therapies