
Who We Are
Where Research Meets Real-World Care
Momentum Medical Research is a dedicated clinical research site in Charlottesville, VA focused on exploring breakthrough treatments in pain management, spine health, and neurology. Founded by renowned pain physician Dr. Akhtar Purvez, our clinic serves patients who are looking for innovative solutions beyond standard care.
We are uniquely positioned within the Pain & Spine Centers of Charlottesville, allowing us to seamlessly integrate research with everyday clinical practice.
Why Choose Us?
Led by a board-certified pain specialist
Access to emerging therapies at no cost
Compensation for eligible participants
Trusted local care team in a real medical setting
History
Momentum Medical Research is a leading clinical research center dedicated to pioneering treatments for chronic pain and related conditions. Co-located with Pain & Spine Center of Charlottesville, we merge clinical expertise with research innovation to drive advancements in healthcare. Our mission is to connect cutting-edge science with real-world patient care, offering hope and solutions to those in need. In order to better serve our community, we now conduct multi-therapeutic clinical trials in addition to those related to pain management. By partnering with some of Charlottesville’s best specialists and professionals, we offer outpatient trials for metabolic, rheumotology, dermatology, and psychiatric disorders.

Meet Our Principal Investigator
Dr. Akhtar Purvez, MD, leads Momentum Medical Research, bringing deep expertise in pain management and metabolic health. With years of experience as a pain physician, Dr. Purvez is dedicated to collaborating with patients and their families to develop personalized, multimodal treatment plans. His background in treating conditions such as back pain, knee pain, and chronic pain syndromes informs his research, ensuring trials are both impactful and patient-focused. Recognized for his compassionate care, Dr. Purvez has received numerous accolades, including the Patient’s Choice Award and Compassionate Doctor Recognition. He has dedicated his career to improving treatment outcomes through both clinical care and research.
With decades of experience and a strong academic background, Dr. Purvez brings credibility, compassion, and clinical expertise to every trial we conduct.
Credentials:
Board-Certified Pain Medicine by the American Board of Anesthesiology and the American Board of Pain Medicine
Extensive experience in interventional pain therapies
Multiple clinical research leadership roles
Author of popular books related to chronic pain and other health conditions
Meet Our Site Director and Lead Clinical Research Coordinator
Ana Mir is an accomplished healthcare professional currently serving as our Site Director and Lead CRC, and formerly serving as the Practice Manager at Pain & Spine Center of Charlottesville in Charlottesville, Virginia. With a robust educational background from the University of Virginia, she brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to her role in managing clinical operations. Ana has built a strong professional network and is a staple in the community, reflecting her ability to collaborate and connect within the industry. Her career is dedicated to enhancing patient care and operational efficiency in a leading pain management practice.

Our Facility
Located at 2335 Seminole Lane, Suite 500, Charlottesville, VA 22901, our research center is designed to support a wide range of clinical trials. Sharing space with Pain & Spine Center of Charlottesville, we offer a professional and welcoming environment for participants and staff and ensure exceptional Principal Investigator oversight. Our location enhances our ability to recruit participants and apply research findings directly to patient care.
Our Commitment
Conduct ethical, high-quality clinical trials.
Partner with sponsors and CROs to accelerate medical breakthroughs.
Support participants with knowledge and care throughout their research journey.
Now Recruiting Participants in Charlottesville
We are currently enrolling for research studies involving:
Chronic low back pain
Sciatica and nerve pain
Neuropathic and post-surgical pain
Innovative pain management devices
All study-related activities are provided at no cost. Compensation may be available for qualified study participants. Fill out the form below to learn more about some of our study opportunities.