Improving everyday lives for current and future patients in need
At Optimal Clinical Trials, we understand that research is more than just data points and statistics - it’s about people, their lives, and the challenges they face. We believe every discovery deserves support and everyone deserves a chance to improve their life.
That’s why we’re here to help develop safer, better treatments that enable people live healthier and happier. We do this by delivering high-quality results at speed and scale for our sponsors and CROs, while prioritising participant care and recognising the valuable contribution they make.
Our Values
People first
Integrity
Partnership
Value through performance
Time is of the essence
“They have consistently been the fastest and highest recruiting site we have ever worked with”
– US Biotech
“I felt welcomed and very comfortable with the staff. Communication, instructions, explanation at every visit reinforce having volunteered for this clinical trial - my first ever, best decision to volunteer.”
– Participant
Our Team
You’ll be supported by globally recognized workforce and KOLs. Our specialist principal investigators are supported by skilled sub-investigators, nurses, coordinators, clinical trial assistants, pharmacists and phlebotomists.
Dr Barney Montgomery
Barney Montgomery is a general practitioner, an experienced principal investigator, and the founder of Optimal Clinical Trials. Since graduating from New Zealand’s Otago Medical School in 2002, he has worked in New Zealand, the UK, and Australia, and has served as an investigator in over 40 commercially sponsored clinical trials. Driven by a strong desire to help people, Barney values his role in conducting research that underpins evidence‑based medicine. For him, this work is about ensuring people have better health options.
“As doctors, we often take our ability to prescribe medicines for granted, but every single drug needs a huge amount of research to ensure it is safe and effective. I love being part of that process and know we are helping people on a large scale.”
Based in Auckland, New Zealand, Barney lives with his wife, Penny, their children, Charlie, Jonty, and Honor, and their dog, Macy. He has been involved in starting several successful businesses, represented New Zealand in junior basketball, and enjoys staying active.
Dr Liz Smaill
Being part of developing potential treatments that may help people live longer and healthier lives is what draws Liz to clinical trials.
“The ongoing reward of a career in clinical trials is knowing the data you’re collecting may help give patients better options to manage their health so they can keep doing the things they enjoy with the people around them. Being part of the Optimal team who share that same focus is something I feel lucky to be part of.”
Since 2016, Dr Liz Smaill has helped shape the speed and scale of clinical trial delivery that Optimal is now known for. She brings a mix of clinical, operational, and strategic experience, starting her career as a doctor in New Zealand and the UK before moving into management consulting in government health initiatives.
Aakanksha Deshwal
Aakanksha’s strength lies in finding solutions and delivering results that help sponsors and CROs progress studies in line with timelines, recruitment targets, budgets, and data quality standards.
“The part I focus on is getting the set-up right from the start and working closely with our sponsors and CROs to keep programmes on track. When everything is structured well from the outset, it helps advance potential new medicines - which is important when patients are waiting.”
Aakanksha brings CRO experience supporting global, large-volume clinical trials across business development and delivery. Her background covers feasibility strategy, proposal development, and ensuring requirements fit site capability, plans, and implementation.
In her own time, Aakanksha enjoys exploring new restaurants, strength training, and beach walks with her two labradors.
Dr Penny Montgomery
Penny is a founding director of Optimal, alongside her husband Dr Barney Montgomery. She is a general practitioner with a special interest in dermatology. She is experienced in administering dermatology scales including EASI, H&R criteria and IGA assessments, and has been the PI for atopic dermatitis studies with dupilumab – now an FDA approved drug. Penny loves staying active – she is a keen runner and skier, and her three children and dog ensure she is always on the go!
Our Principal Investigators
Here are a few of the Principal Investigators that lead our studies.
Dr Tori Middlemiss
Tori brings a rich tapestry of international experience and qualifications to her role as an Principal Investigator and Lead Research Physician. She holds United States Medical License Exams, a Doctor of Medicine degree from the University of Aarhus in Denmark, and further honed her skills with an elective attachment in Orthopaedic and General Surgery from the University of Hong Kong. Tori expanded her expertise in public health with a Master of Science from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, and a Certificate in Global Health Governance from St George’s University of London.
In her previous roles, Tori served as a Senior Medical Officer at Auckland Region Public Health Service in New Zealand and a Senior Medical Advisor, Consultant, and Evacuation Doctor at International SOS in Hong Kong. She also worked as a Resident Medical Officer at Auckland Regional Health Boards, and her involvement in numerous clinical trials showcases her commitment to advancing medicine.
Outside of work, Tori loves sport and enjoying all that New Zealand has to offer with her family and close friends.
Dr Claudette Lionnet
Claudette, a multi-disciplinary medical professional, originally from South Africa, serves as the North Site Manager and Principal Investigator. She holds an MBChB, a Post grad Diploma of Anaesthesia, and completed a Bachelor of Science in Physiotherapy prior to embarking on her medical career.
Prior to her current role, Claudette completed her House officer years and gained diverse experience as a Medical Officer in Anaesthetics at hospitals in and around South Africa.
She has been actively involved in a wide range of clinical trials, covering a variety of therapeutic areas from vaccines and dermatology to immunology and cardiovascular studies to name a few.
When away from her professional duties, Claudette is an avid reader, a novice runner and enjoys staying active with outdoor activities.
Dr Tina Baik
As a Principal Investigator, Dr Tina Baik brings a wealth of knowledge with a Bachelor of Pharmacy from Otago University and a Bachelor of Medicine & Surgery from The University of Auckland. With over 10 years of experience practising medicine in Auckland, she has gained extensive expertise in cardiology, respiratory, transplant, gastroenterology, and gerontology.
“It's really rewarding to make a big impact through clinical research, especially in areas like coeliac disease and obesity. I enjoy the positive interactions with our study participants and guiding them as they selflessly help advance medicine”, says Tina.
In addition to her clinical expertise, Tina has also dedicated time to tutoring medical students, focusing on clinical skills and effective communication. Outside of work, she enjoys running, music, and quality time with family and friends.
Dr. Olu De Rozario
Dr. Olu De Rozario is an Urgent Care specialist with a strong background in General Practice and Paediatrics. She holds an MBChB and a Postgraduate Diploma in Paediatrics, both from the University of Auckland. During her time in General Practice, she developed an interest in skin disorders and has undertaken training in Surgical and Medical Management of Skin Cancer as well as Fundamental Dermatoscopy.
With experience across a range of hospitals and clinics throughout the North Island, Dr. De Rozario brings a practical, patient-first mindset to her role in clinical research. Moving into clinical trials was a natural next step for her, as it combines her passion for hands-on care with the opportunity to help improve treatments for more people.
In her own words:
“Working in clinical trials allows me to go beyond treating the patient in front of me. It’s about shaping future care and helping develop safer, better treatments for entire communities.”
Outside of work, she enjoys travelling and spending time with her young son and family.
Dr Ravi Suppiah
Ravi is a New Zealand trained rheumatology and sports medicine specialist, who undertook specialist fellowship training at Oxford, United Kingdom. He is committed to research, and providing the best available care. Ravi is also a clinical lead for the rheumatology service at Auckland District Health Board, and holds a specialist role at Auckland Rheumatology and Sports Medicine. Alongside his weekly commitments, he is regularly invited to speak at major international conferences.
Dr Becka Griffith
With 20 years of experience in paediatric and neonatal care, Becka is a committed research investigator. She has experience with complex clinical trial protocols and is able to effectively manage the needs of paediatric patients and their families. Becka is also completing her PhD on the long term outcomes of children born at risk of neonatal hypoglycaemia.
Dr Arna Letica
Arna graduated from Otago Medical School and has worked as a doctor in New Zealand and the UK. Arna is a Fellow of the Royal New Zealand College of General Practitioners and comes to Optimal Clinical Trials following thirteen years as a GP.
She very much enjoys the variety and learning opportunities of Clinical Research, along with the opportunity to meet our wonderful study participants.
Arna also works as a Medical Assessor, and Health Information reviewer. In her spare time she enjoys reading, crosswords and spending time with friends and family.
Dr Zarina Williams
“Being able to offer potential new treatments, especially in areas where none currently exist, is one of the most rewarding parts of my work. Supporting study volunteers as they understand, navigate, and participate cutting-edge research is what makes this work meaningful.”
Dr Zarina Williams is a Senior Research Physician and Principal Investigator at Optimal with a broad background across hospital medicine, general practice, and rehabilitation medicine, including geriatrics, cardiology, and rheumatology.
She completed both her Nursing and Medical degrees at the University of Auckland. Zarina discovered her passion for cardiology while working as a cardiology nurse, a spark that led her into medicine and later into clinical research.
At Optimal, she has led trials in vaccines, gout, rheumatoid arthritis, cardiovascular, and Sjögren’s syndrome, and has served as Lead Sub-Investigator on studies in Becker’s Muscular Dystrophy and migraine. Her leadership has supported Optimal’s highest recruiting site achievements across New Zealand, APAC, and globally.
Outside of research, Zarina enjoys family time and exploring New Zealand with her miniature schnauzer, George.
Want to find out more?
A Trusted Hand in Research
For sponsors and CROs
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For Participants
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