Slidell, Louisiana

Principal Investigator
A native of New Orleans, Blake Landry, MD has been an integral part of the women’s healthcare community in Slidell since 1999. Dr. Landry received his medical degree and trained at LSU Medical Center-Shreveport for his OBGYN residency. Since that time, he has maintained his status as board certified through ABOG. In addition to his private practice, he became a principal investigator, working on trials related to women’s healthcare and babies with Velocity Clinical Research since 2020. Outside of work, you will find him enjoying time with his family, his dogs, exercising, reading, and enjoying his eclectic musical tastes.

Principal Investigator
Allan Larcena, MD has happily served the people of Slidell and surrounding communities as an Internist and Primary Care Physician since 1995. He completed his internship at Seton Hall affiliated hospital in Newark NJ and residency in Internal Medicine at Columbia University affiliated hospital in in Summit, New Jersey. He is board certified in Internal Medicine as well as Hospice and Palliative Care Medicine. Before his time in United States, Dr. Larcena completed his undergraduate degree, medical degree and post graduate internship in Cebu City, Philippines. Dr. Larcena has continued to expand his interests as he joined the clinical research field as a Principal Investigator and Sub Investigator in 2021. Although fairly new to research, he’s looking to explore new therapeutic areas to help the people of Slidell and beyond.

Principal Investigator
Cherie Oertling, MD earned her undergraduate degree at Louisiana State University before obtaining her medical degree at Louisiana State University School of Medicine in New Orleans. Upon graduation, she remained in New Orleans to complete her residency in pediatrics at Children’s Hospital and the Medical Center of New Orleans. In 1996, Dr. Oertling began practicing in Slidell, LA where she has served children and their families for over 25 years. Dr. Oertling manages her practice along with her husband and fellow pediatrician, Dr. Robert Oertling. She began conducting clinical trials in 2022. Dr. Oertling’s interest in clinical trials began during the COVID-19 pandemic. She hopes her participation in trials will bring new medications, vaccinations, and treatments to the children in her community and across the world.

Sub Investigator
Mary Hess, FNP joined the field of clinical research in 2022 as a full-time sub investigator for Velocity Clinical Research, Slidell. She initially became interested in research in the late 90’s while working for an endocrinologist from 1999-2007. Aside from research, Mary is no novice to the medical field with over 30 years of experience as a nurse. She earned undergraduate nursing degrees from Elizabethtown Community College and Bellarmine University and her Master of Science in Nursing from Loma Linda University. She then graduated with a Master of Family Nurse Practitioner degree from Emory and obtained her Doctor of Health Administration from University of Phoenix. In the public sector, Mary also served in the U.S. Army Reserves for five years, U.S. Army Nurse Corps Active Duty for five years, and the U.S. Air Force Reserves for three years. In the private sector, Mary has held numerous nursing roles across Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, Virginia, and Montana.

Pharmacist
Christal Keller, Pharm.D., RPh joined Velocity Clinical Research in 2021 as a multi-state licensed, registered Pharmacist. In her role as Site Director, she utilizes her expansive drug knowledge to help the site run smoothly. Before working in clinical research, Christal worked as a Pharmacist for Walmart & Southeastern Grocers. Christal completed her undergraduate studies at the University of New Orleans where she earned her Bachelor of Science degree and her Doctorate of Pharmacy degree from Xavier University of Louisiana’s College of Pharmacy.

Site Director
Lauren Dillenkoffer is the Site Director of Velocity’s Slidell location and has worked in clinical research since 2019. A Slidell native, Lauren graduated from Slidell High School before receiving her Bachelor of Science degree from the University of New Orleans. In her spare time, Lauren loves boating, the outdoors, and spending time with her family.