
Currien MacDonald, MD, CIP
Medical Chair Director, WCG
Biography
Dr. Currien MacDonald is the medical chair director of WCG’s Institutional Review Board (IRB) and contributes to biosafety reviews for WCG’s Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC). Prior to joining WCG, Currien served for four years as the medical director for Aspire IRB, previously acquired by WCG , and vice-chair of Canadian REB.
After graduating top of his class from the University of Minnesota Medical School, Dr. MacDonald completed a rigorous family medicine residency program as chief resident. He then delivered primary care for five years in San Diego, CA. After that period, he served as a medical consultant to the University of California, San Diego on a groundbreaking prisoner healthcare reform project.
Currien completed certification programs in clinical trials administration and medical acupuncture. He is also a certified IRB professional (CIP) with Public Responsibility in Medicine and Research (PRIM&R), the national organization for the protection of human subjects in research. In addition, Dr. MacDonald is a member of the American Academy of Family Physicians, American Medical Association, and the American Medical Writers Association.
Latest insights by Currien

The FDA’s Guidance on Electronic Records and Signatures: Key Takeaways
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Advancing Precision Medicine in Oncology: From One-Size-Fits-All to Biomarker-Driven Treatments
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Have a Safe Trip: Clinical and Patient Alignment in Research with Psychedelics
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Honoring Childhood Cancer Awareness Month: The Legacy of Innovative Treatments
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Guarding Research Integrity: The IRB’s Essential Role
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What Is the Role of a Legally Authorized Representative in Informed Consent?
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Sunsetting FDA Enforcement Discretion of Laboratory Developed Tests
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Pay to Participate in Research: Regulations and WCG’s Position
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