Institutional Review Board

The Northern Arizona Healthcare Institutional Review Board (NAH IRB) serves both Flagstaff Medical Center and Verde Valley Medical Center. The NAH IRB is charged with the responsibility of protecting the rights and welfare of human research subjects recruited to participate in research activities at our institution. NAH IRB’s primary function is to ensure that investigators adhere to federal regulations regarding the treatment of human subjects.

The NAH IRB, which is comprised of physicians, nurses, clergy and community members, meets quarterly, but can call special meetings when warranted. Not all studies require full board review, and expedited reviews are seen on a continuous basis throughout the year. 

If you are interested in pursuing research at either FMC or VVMC, please contact either Cindy Beckett, Ph.D., or Gretchen McMasters using the contact information that follows:

NAH IRB Chair
Samuel M. Butman, M.D.
Cardiology, Internal Medicine, Interventional Cardiology
294 W. Hwy 89A, Suite 107
Cottonwood, AZ. 86326
928 634-1331
928 634-3130 fax
samuel.butman@nahealth.com

NAH IRB Administration
Cindy Beckett, Ph.D., R.N.C., O.B., L.C.C.E.
Director, Pediatrics/Perinatal Services & Evidence-Based Practice
Flagstaff Medical Center
1200 N. Beaver Street
Flagstaff, AZ. 86001 
cynthia.beckett@nahealth.com

Gretchen McMasters
Evidence-Based Practice Project Manager/Coordinator
Flagstaff Medical Center
1200 N. Beaver Street
Flagstaff, AZ. 86001
928 773-2346 
928 214-2786 fax 
gretchen.mcmasters@nahealth.com