Founding Story

Trial Management Group Inc. was formed in 1995 by John C. Akitt and Scott Guidolin. Their vision was to promote the participation of primary care physicians in medical research studies. With their pharmaceutical sales backgrounds, John and Scott recognized that the majority of clinical trials were being conducted at universities and teaching hospitals. Having identified a unique opportunity to establish a dedicated and organized General Practitioner/Family Practitioner (GP/FP) research network, they opened TMG.

By cultivating the development of professional investigative sites at the primary care level, TMG would provide pharmaceutical companies with the quality they expect from an institutional site – combined with the comprehensive patient histories of a family practice clinic – to deliver more meaningful clinical data.

With their commitment to this model, Founders John and Scott organized a nationwide network of general and family practitioners who shared the commitment to conduct high quality research trials.

In 2000, Shawn Keown joined the TMG management team. His pharmaceutical background, MBA, and drug development consulting experience have significantly contributed to the growth of TMG.

Excellence, quality and innovation are the cornerstones of TMG’s approach. In 1996, TMG introduced the TMG Biomedical Research Site Training Seminar to train every TMG investigator and coordinator in GCP conduct. In 2002, TMG SOPs were developed and provided for all TMG sites, and the TMG SOP Training Seminar was introduced to all site personnel on the significance, implementation, regular use and administration of site SOPs. In 2003, TMG instituted a sponsorship program for TMG Study Coordinator Certification (CCRP/CCRC).TMG continues to lead the way with its training and quality support.

In 2009, TMG expanded to include TMG Research. In collaboration with our stakeholders, our team of clinical research professionals look to address important health related questions in primary care medicine. To that end, TMG Research is focused on the design and execution of late-phase, observational and investigator initiated studies. Medical expertise is accessed through direct connection to the primary care physicians in our Investigator network and through our relationships with key opinion leaders in various medical specialties throughout Canada. Our experience has demonstrated that we understand the need for expeditious start-up, quality work and delivery of timely results.

Today, from our corporate headquarters in Toronto, Ontario, TMG has become Canada’s largest primary care clinical investigator network, and one of the most respected and leading companies within our industry. Looking forward, we will continue to broaden our investigator network, capabilities and services. Our primary focus is to serve the needs of our pharmaceutical, biotechnology and CRO clients in the successful outcome of their clinical trials. We do this by fostering a vision and culture throughout our network to always deliver at a higher standard.