GROW PR Network • August 2026 Article
Connecting, Sharing and Working Together! The GROW Puerto Rico Network Special Event
GROW Members and Collaborators.
On June 26, 2026, the GROW Puerto Rico Network hosted an exclusive, in-person special event: “Strengthening GROW Puerto Rico Network: Sharing Research Opportunities and Best Practices.” The event brought together local and national experts to share proven strategies, spark innovation, and co-create future collaborative research initiatives. The event agenda featured key insights and experience from Institutional Development Award (IDeA) Clinical and Translational Research (CTR) Networks, alongside leaders from Practice-Based Research Networks (PBRNs).
Key Speakers and Collaborators
Dr. William Lewis
Dr. William Lewis served as Co-Director of the West Virginia Practice-Based Research Network (WVPBRN), where he helped expand the network to more than 130 clinics across the state.
Dr. Lewis helped develop and now hosts the CTR–PBRN Special Interest Group, a collaborative forum that brings together Clinical and Translational Science Institutes and Practice-Based Research Networks from across the United States.
Lee Pachter
Lee Pachter is the Director of the Delaware Practice & Community-Based Research Network (DE-PCBRN).
Ms. Barbara Debbage, RN, MSM, CCRC
Ms. Barbara Debbage, RN, MSM, CCRC is a Research Manager at ChristianaCare’s Research Institute and serves as the operational lead for the Delaware Practice and Community Based Research Network (DE-PCBRN).
Dr. Omar Khan
Dr. Omar Khan serves as President & CEO of the Delaware Health Sciences Alliance, a consortium of Christiana Care Health System, Thomas Jefferson University, Nemours, and the University of Delaware.
Event Impact
The event successfully strengthened collaboration among IDeA CTR Programs, reinforcing a shared commitment to advancing the health and well-being of patients and communities across Puerto Rico. Through dynamic sessions and interactive discussions, participants gained direct insight into the PBRN’s initiatives, resources, and strategic opportunities. Attendees can now implement these tools within their organizations to boost research capacity and optimize community outreach.
The meeting also underscored the importance of a collaborative approach to addressing community health challenges. Experiences shared by GROW PR Network members and PBRNs leaders provided valuable insights into effective strategies for engaging community leaders and primary care providers. This exchange of knowledge highlighted best practices, strengthened partnerships, and fostered new opportunities for collaboration that will support the development of research with a meaningful and lasting impact on the health of our communities.
The event drew over 37 GROW members and collaborators, with 20 participants (54.1%) completing the post-event evaluation survey. Feedback was unanimously positive: 100% of surveyed attendees reported being very satisfied with the quality of the event and stated they would highly recommend future activities of this type to their peers.
Key Testimonials
“Participating in this event made me feel part of a Network united by a common agenda: improving the well-being of Puerto Rico’s patients and healthcare providers.”
“I was highly impressed by the opportunities and resources available through the GROW PR Network, which I look forward to sharing with my staff.”
“I deeply appreciate the focus on a collaborative approach to studying community health issues.”
“The best part participating in this event was learning how to work more effectively with primary care community leaders, alongside the invaluable lessons shared by GROW PR Network partners and research projects.”
Event Photos
GROW Leaders and Panelists
Panel discussion during the special event.
Pannel Discussion “Developing and Strengthening Collaborative Research Innovations through Practice-Based Research Networks (PBRNs)”. Moderator: Dr. Omar Khan, ChristianaCare’s and Delaware ACCEL Clinical and Translational Research Program. Panelist: Dr. William Lewis, West Virginia Practice-Based Research Network (WVPBRN), Dr. Lee Pachter, Delaware Practice and Community Based Research Network (PCBRN), Ms. Barbara Debbage, Delaware Practice and Community Based Research Network (PCBRN), Dr. Rosa Castro, NeoMed Center, Inc., Dr. Luisa Alvarado, Ponce Health Science University, and Dr. José Rodríguez, Hospital General Castañer.
