Local 12: UC doctor signs up for vaccine trial

UC neurologist and dean of research talks about the importance of participation

Would you be more likely to trust the safety of a coronavirus vaccine if your own doctor got it? 

Brett Kissela, MD, senior associate dean for clinical research at the UC College of Medicine and chief of research services at UC Health, is helping answer that question to show the public that it is safe and could potentially save lives. He enrolled in the Moderna study at UC and received his first dose of either the vaccine or a placebo on Tuesday, Sept. 1.

"When I've enrolled patients for my other studies I've run in the past, I've told them that I wouldn't enroll you in this trial if I wouldn't enroll my own mom," he says. 

Watch the full Local 12 news report. 

Watch the WCPO, Channel 9 report.

Read more about Dr. Kissela's experience.

Impact Lives Here

The University of Cincinnati is leading public urban universities into a new era of innovation and impact. Our faculty, staff and students are saving lives, changing outcomes and bending the future in our city's direction. Next Lives Here.

Stay up on all UC's COVID-19 stories, read more #UCtheGood content, or take a UC virtual visit and begin picturing yourself at an institution that inspires incredible stories.

Related Stories

2

UC's art collection on display at the Contemporary Arts Center

January 5, 2026

University of Cincinnati leaders joined WVXU's Cincinnati Edition to talk about the university’s 200-year-old art collection, a new exhibition at the Contemporary Arts Center and the release of a companion book exploring the collection’s role in education and public engagement.

3

UC faculty and staff among Rising Star leadership honorees

January 5, 2026

Two UC faculty and staff members are among this year's Rising Star leadership program sponsored by YWCA Greater Cincinnati. Kelli Beecher, assistant professor in the UC College of Nursing, and Brittany Bibb, assistant director of programs and operations in the UC Division of Student Affairs, are among the emerging leaders of 2026. They were featured in the publication Movers & Makers.