Mary E. Craft, BS

Clinical Trial Assistant

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.