Michael J. Lillestol, MD, FACP, PI

President

lillestolmd(at)lillestolresearch(dot)com

Dr. Lillestol is a board certified Internal Medicine physician in practice since 1977. He began his interest in clinical research in 1990. He has served as a Principal Investigator on more than 250 clinical research trials since that time. Dr. Lillestol earned his Doctorate of Medicine degree from the University of Minnesota in 1974. He has received numerous honors and appointments throughout his medical career. He is also a registered Pharmacist in North Dakota and Minnesota.

Education

1974–1977: Abbott Northwestern Hospital, Internal Medicine Residency, Minneapolis, Minnesota
1973–1974: University of Minnesota, Doctorate of Medicine, Minneapolis, Minnesota
1971–1973: University of North Dakota, Bachelor of Science, Medicine, Grand Forks, North Dakota
1966–1970: North Dakota State University, Bachelor of Science, Pharmacy, Fargo, North Dakota
1965–1966: Bismark Junior College, Liberal Arts, Bismarck, North Dakota

Certification/Training

2015: American Heart Association BLS/ACLS recertified
2007: American Heart Association BLS/ACLS recertified
2002: American Heart Association BLS/ACLS recertified
11/22/2002: Completed Investigator Training for Medical Research (WIRB)
6/2002: Lab Director - COLA Accreditation
5/2002: Certified Clinical Densitometrist (C.C.D.)
5/2002: The International Society for Clinical Densitometry
1996: Certified for Electrocardiography Examination (EKGEXAM)
1996: American College of Cardiology
1977: Certified by the Amercian Board of Internal Medicine
1977: Division of the American College of Physicians
1977: Registered Pharmacist, North Dakota and Minnesota

Appointments

Present: Heartland Healthcare Network, President, Fargo, North Dakota
1997: Dakota Heartland Hospital, Chief of Staff, Fargo, North Dakota
1996: Dakota Heartland Health System, Chief of Staff Elect, Fargo, North Dakota
1993–1994: Heartland Medical Center, Chairman of the Board, Fargo, North Dakota
1986–1987: Heartland Medical Center fka St. John's Hospital, Chief of Staff, Fargo, North Dakota

Professor

2000-present: University of North Dakota School of Medicine, Professor

3rd and 4th year Medical Student Clerkships

Military

1971–1975: US Air Force Reserves
1971–1975: Grand Forks Air Force Base, Sgt. - Pharmacy, Grand Forks, North Dakota

Awards and Honors

2010: Lillestol Research LLC - 2010 Small Business of the Year - Fargo-Moorhead Chamber of Commerce
2005–2009: North Dakota Diabetes Care Provider Achievement, Gold Award - 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008 and 2009
2002–2004: North Dakota Diabetes Care Provider Achievement, Silver Award - 2002, 2003 and 2004
2003: Golden Grains Award in appreciation of support of the North Dakota Dietetic Association
2001–2002: Voted "Top Doc" FM Today Magazine, Poll of local healthcare providers
January 2001: In Geriatrics and Internal Medicine
January 2002: In Geriatrics and Internal Medicine

It Started with a Letter…

In 1991, Dr. Michael Lillestol received a letter at home from a pharmaceutical company offering him the opportunity to participate as a doctor in a clinical trial for a new osteoporosis medication. With three generations of his family—himself included—having either suffered from or continuing to battle osteoporosis, he was intrigued. He thought it over, but concluded that he should maybe pass on adding clinical trials to his busy primary care practice. He tossed the letter in the trash.

Fate intervened when his wife, Mary, a nurse, noticed the letter. She was excited about being a part of researching new treatment options for osteoporosis. She encouraged him to apply for the trial and promised to help him conduct the study. And so they began their first research project together. It was the success of this first study and the personal family history that prompted Dr. Lillestol and Mary to open an independent research facility in 2004 dedicated to discovering treatment options and preventive measures for chronic and hereditary diseases.

At that time, the clinic had two employees and ran about eight trials at any given time. Throughout the years, the company has grown tremendously and seen great success including being named the 2010 Small Business of the Year by the local Chamber of Commerce.

Lillestol Research currently has more than 20 employees and seamlessly operates an average of 40 clinical trials at any given time.

Would You Like to Join Our Team?

Lillestol Research is always looking to add valuable members to our team. Job opportunities occur from time to time throughout the year. We keep all employment applications on file for times of hiring. Visit our careers page to learn more.