SCRI - Key Persons


Barton C. Brezina

Dr. Barton Brezina is board-certified in both nephrology and internal medicine. He obtained his Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from Wheaton College and his medical degree from the Medical College of Georgia. Dr. Brezina completed his internal medicine residency at the Keesler Medical Center, Keesler Air Force Base, and his nephrology fellowship at Wilford Hall Medical Center. While on active duty, he served as an Assistant Professor of Medicine at Wilford Hall Medical Center and the University of Texas Health Center. After an honorable discharge from the Air Force, he joined NAPC and SCRI, where he serves as the president and managing partner. His areas of interest are Acute Kidney Injury, Glomerulonephritis, and Dialysis.

Deanna Quinton

Job Titles:
  • Member of the Research Team
  • Certified Clinical Research Coordinator
  • in 2012 As a Clinical Research Coordinator
Deanna joined SCRI in 2012 as a clinical research coordinator. She obtained her professional certification in research from the ACRP in 2017. Prior to joining the SCRI, Deanna worked as a registered cardiac

Devesh R. Patel

Dr. Devesh Patel obtained his undergraduate degree from the University of Georgia and his medical degree from Ross University School of Medicine. Following medical school, Dr. Patel completed his internal medicine residency and his nephrology fellowship at the Medical College of Georgia. He is board-certified in nephrology and is also certified by the American Society of Diagnostic and Interventional Nephrology. Dr. Patel serves as a physician and clinical investigator at NAPC and SCRI, in addition to being a clinical assistant professor at the Medical College of Georgia and the medical director of DaVita in Aiken, South Carolina.

H. Doug Hubert, III

Dr. Doug Hubert is a board-certified nephrologist and internist. He obtained his Bachelor of Science in Biology from the University of Georgia and his medical degree from St. George's University, School of Medicine. Following medical school, Dr. Hubert completed his internal medicine internship, internal medicine residency, and nephrology fellowship at the Medical College of Georgia. He joined NAPC and SCRI after his fellowship and has been with us since.

Hannah Springfield

Job Titles:
  • Clinical Research Coordinator
Hannah started in October of 2023. She recently graduated from the University of Georgia with a

Heather Anderson

Job Titles:
  • Member of the Research Team
  • Certified Clinical Research Coordinator
  • in 2016 As a Clinical Research Coordinator
Heather joined SCRI in 2016 as a clinical research coordinator. She obtained her professional certification in research form ACRP in 2022. Prior to joining SCRI, Heather worked as a board-certified

James Stenard

Dr. James Stenard recently joined NAPC and SCRI as a board-certified nephrologist and internist. He received a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and Engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, a Master of Medical Science from the University of South Florida, and his medical degree from St. George's University of Medicine. Following medical school, Dr. Stenard completed his internal medicine internship at Drexel University College of Medicine/Hahnemann Hospital and his internal medicine residency and nephrology fellowship at SUNY Upstate Medical University.

Katherine Peacock

Job Titles:
  • Member of the Research Team
  • Director of Research Operations
Mrs. Peacock joined the Southeastern Clinical Research Institute, LLC. (SCRI) in May of 2021. She brings

Lillie King

Job Titles:
  • Clinical Research Coordinator
Lillie is new to SCRI, beginning in January of 2024. She received a bachelor's degree in social work and

Marcia Jackson

Job Titles:
  • Member of the Research Team
  • Office Coordinator
  • Research Assistant
Marcia has been with the Southeastern Clinical Research Institute since 2012. She serves in a multitude

Mark T. Smith

Dr. Mark Smith has bachelor's and medical degrees from Ohio State University. Dr. Smith completed his internal medicine internship, internal medicine residency, and nephrology fellowship at the Medical College of Georgia. His board-certifications include nephrology and internal medicine. He practiced nephrology for three years in Greenville, South Carolina before relocating to Augusta, Georgia.

Matthew J. Diamond

Job Titles:
  • Medical Director
Dr. Matthew Diamond serves as the Medical Director of Southeastern Clinical Research Institute, LLC. (SCRI). He is a board-certified nephrologist and internist, as well as a fellow of the American College of Nephrology (FASN) and the American College of Physicians (FACP). Dr. Diamond received his Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from Clemson University, his Master of Science in Chemistry from the University of Georgia, and his Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree at Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences. Subsequently, he completed his internal medicine internship, internal medicine residency, and nephrology fellowship at the Medical College of Georgia. Prior to joining Nephrology Associates, PC (NAPC) and SCRI, Dr. Diamond was a Professor of Medicine at the Medical College of Georgia, where he participated in groundbreaking clinical trials in addition to the education of our future physicians.

Meredith Prichard

Job Titles:
  • Clinical Research Coordinator
  • Member of the Research Team
  • Regulatory Coordinator, Certified Clinical Research Coordinator
Meredith joined the company as a clinical research coordinator in 2018. She currently manages all aspects of our regulatory processes. Meredith obtained her professional certification in research from ACRP in 2022. Meredith has a bachelor's degree with dual majors from Augusta University.

Ryan J. Altenburg

Dr. Ryan Altenburg obtained his bachelor's degree from Northern State University and his medical degree from the Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine. Dr. Altenburg then completed his internship and residency at Brooke Army Medical Center and his nephrology fellowship at the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center. He has obtained board certifications in both nephrology and internal medicine. Before joining NAPC and SCRI, Dr. Altenburg was a nephrologist with Dwight D. Eisenhower Army Medical Center at Fort Eisenhower, formerly Fort Gordon. In addition to his roles as physician and investigator at NAPC and SCRI, respectively, he also currently serves as the medical director of ARA Hephzibah Dialysis Center and ARA Waynesboro Dialysis Center.

S. Nabil Babar

Dr. Nabil Babar is a board-certified nephrologist and internist who specializes in clinical hypertension. He is also certified through the American Society of Nephrology, the American Society of Hypertension, and the American Society of Diagnostic and Interventional Nephrology. Dr. Babar obtained his bachelor's and medical degree from Deccan College of Medical Sciences. Subsequently, he completed his internal medicine residency at Jersey Shore University Medical Center, followed by a nephrology fellowship at Robert Wood Johnson University Medical Center, and an interventional nephrology fellowship at the Medical College of Georgia.