Our story

About Helping Hands

A family-owned clinical research center in Tampa, Florida, committed to advancing medical research and serving our community.

Who we are

Our story

Helping Hands Health Center and Clinical Research is a family-owned clinical research center based in Tampa, Florida. We are committed to advancing medical research and opening doors to the future of medicine and science.

We conduct several clinical studies yearly in our pursuit of clinical innovation. Patients interested in participating should call or make an appointment to learn more and find out if they qualify.

Our bilingual staff includes board-certified Physician Assistants and Nurse Practitioners with decades of cumulative clinical experience.

Reception area at Helping Hands Health Center

Our mission

Why we do this

To support the advancement of healthcare through clinical research while providing professional, compassionate, and community-focused care to every patient we serve.

Get in touch

Our values

What guides our work

ThoroughnessProficiencyCompetenceReliabilityPatient ExperienceCommunityBilingual Support

Our team

Meet the team

The clinical, research, and operational professionals supporting our patients, studies, and Tampa community.

Dr. Jose M Garcia

Family Medicine Doctor

Family Medicine physician certified by the American Board of Family Practice with extensive clinical and research experience.

Dr. Ricardo Martinez

Internal Medicine Doctor

Internal Medicine physician who completed residency at St. Barnabas Hospital in the Bronx and was recognized for excellence in systems-based practice.

Dr. Gilberto Alvarez Iniguez

Family Medicine Doctor

Experienced physician and medical researcher focused on clinical research, patient outcomes, and innovative healthcare studies.

Mei Lin Chang Alonso, APRN

CEO / Co-Founder

APRN and Lead Clinical Research Coordinator with experience in research operations, patient safety, surveillance, and team leadership.

Dr. Gustavo Meyreles-Chaljub

Internal Medicine Doctor / Endocrinologist

Fellowship-trained endocrinologist with experience in diabetes, thyroid disease, obesity, metabolic disorders, menopause management, and hormone replacement therapy.

Mildred Lopez Garrido, PA-C

COO / Co-Founder

Board-certified Physician Assistant and Site Director with experience in medical research and healthcare operations.

Yonayqui Fernandez Reyes

Medical Assistant / Lab Technician

Certified phlebotomist with more than 15 years of experience in clinical laboratories, blood collection, and specimen processing.

Alejandro Rosales Guardia

CFO / Co-Founder

Supports accounting, bookkeeping, budgeting, and financial organization for the office.

Maikel Martinez

CMO / Co-Founder

Supports marketing, communications, patient experience, community outreach, and public relations for the clinic.

In the community

Helping Hands in the Community

Helping Hands Participated in a Community Event Hosted by Shiny Brains Foundation

In May, Helping Hands Health Center and Clinical Research connected with families and professionals at a community event organized by Shiny Brains Foundation in Tampa.

Helping Hands Health Center Participated in the Power Women Expo 2026

Helping Hands joined the Power Women Expo 2026 in Tampa—connecting with inspiring women and sharing information about bilingual healthcare and clinical research opportunities.

What our community says

Reviews From Our Patients

Google Reviews★★★★★5.0 rating

Wonderful, caring staff. They explained everything in both English and Spanish and made me feel comfortable throughout my visit.

Quick, professional and friendly. Got my DOT physical done with no hassle. Highly recommend this clinic to other drivers.

The team truly cares about the community. Bilingual service made it so easy for my parents. Thank you Helping Hands!

Very organized clinical research team. Communication was clear and they answered all of my questions about the study.

Clean office, short wait, and genuinely kind people. My wellness exam was thorough and the staff was respectful.

Wonderful, caring staff. They explained everything in both English and Spanish and made me feel comfortable throughout my visit.

Quick, professional and friendly. Got my DOT physical done with no hassle. Highly recommend this clinic to other drivers.

The team truly cares about the community. Bilingual service made it so easy for my parents. Thank you Helping Hands!

Very organized clinical research team. Communication was clear and they answered all of my questions about the study.

Clean office, short wait, and genuinely kind people. My wellness exam was thorough and the staff was respectful.