Meet Dr. George Freeman: Your Personal Guide to Clinical Research at HRHR

Dr. George Freeman

At Health Research of Hampton Roads (HRHR), clinical trials are about more than just advancing science—they’re about people. That’s why every patient who joins a study meets with Dr. George Freeman, a physician and clinical researcher who brings decades of experience and a genuine passion for helping others. Whether you’re curious about clinical research or considering your first study, Dr. Freeman helps ensure you feel informed, supported, and at ease every step of the way.

From Science Fairs to Clinical Research: Dr. Freeman’s Journey

Dr. Freeman’s interest in medicine started with a natural curiosity about how living things work. As a child, he turned the upstairs of his home into a lab—complete with a surgical suite—thanks to the patience of his parents. In kindergarten, he told his class that when he grew up, he wanted to win a Nobel Prize—an early ambition fueled by his love of science fairs. That early fascination with life sciences would lay the foundation for his future in medicine.

Everything changed when Dr. Freeman’s father suffered a paralyzing stroke at the age of 46. As the only child still living at home, he became one of his father’s primary caregivers. That experience had a profound impact and helped him find his path in human medicine—where he could apply his curiosity in a way that directly helped others. He chose to specialize in women’s health because it offered the opportunity to provide both primary care and surgical treatment. It also allowed him to build long-term relationships with patients and be part of some of life’s most meaningful moments, including childbirth.

Years later, a spinal fracture brought his clinical practice to a halt, and around the same time, his family relocated to Virginia. That move led him to reconnect with Dr. Chester “Tim” Fisher—his former high school tennis coach and the founder of Health Research of Hampton Roads (HRHR). Dr. Freeman joined HRHR in 2003 as an investigator, stepping into clinical research in a way that reconnected him with his lifelong passion for science while continuing to care for people in a meaningful way. Dr. Freeman would go on to become Medical Director and the lead investigator (Principal Investigator) for HRHR beginning in 2018.

A Personal Touch at Every Visit

Dr. Freeman’s role at HRHR is unique because of his direct involvement with every patient. In many clinical research settings, participants may never meet the physician overseeing their study. At HRHR, Dr. Freeman ensures each individual is personally seen, heard, and guided through every step of the journey.

With decades of clinical experience, he brings a broader perspective to each interaction—offering thoughtful insights into patients’ health histories and helping them feel empowered in their own care. He also understands that stepping into a clinical trial can come with hesitation or uncertainty, so he takes the time to walk patients through the process, address their concerns, and build trust from day one.

Every protocol is carefully reviewed with the patient, including safety precautions and potential side effects. The goal is simple: to help people feel comfortable, informed, and confident in their decision to participate.

Blending Clinical Research and Preventive Care

For Dr. Freeman, clinical research is more than testing new treatments—it’s a way to stay connected to the future of medicine while helping patients better understand and manage their health today.

He sees each patient encounter as an opportunity to make a meaningful impact. While he may not be their primary physician, his experience allows him to look at their medical history from a different angle and offer insights that can educate or empower them to take better care of themselves.

That support begins from the very first conversation. Dr. Freeman takes time to explain how research protocols are built around patient safety, and he’s thoughtful in answering questions about potential side effects and how they’re managed. He understands that reassurance and clear communication are key to helping people feel confident about participating in a study.

Preventive medicine has been part of his life since the age of 16, when he began making lifestyle changes to lower long-term health risks. That same commitment shapes the way he works with patients today, with a focus on improving healthspan—the number of years a person can live without significant disability. He believes that many chronic illnesses, including cardiovascular disease, cancer, neurodegenerative conditions, and metabolic disease, can be delayed or even prevented through the right habits and medical guidance.

When a study ends, his care doesn’t. Helping patients maintain the progress they’ve made is just as important as guiding them through the research itself—because for Dr. Freeman, good medicine is about lasting outcomes.

Beyond the Lab Coat: A Life Rooted in Care

Outside of work, Dr. Freeman enjoys cooking, gardening, and spending time with his family and their rescue dog. With his children now grown, he finds joy in the creative side of healthy living—growing his own food, trying new recipes, and staying active at home. These everyday routines reflect the same values he brings to his work: care, connection, and a focus on long-term well-being.

Explore Clinical Research with Confidence

For Dr. Freeman, clinical trials are more than a professional interest—they’re a way to help people access cutting-edge care while contributing to the future of medicine. Every study at HRHR is backed by rigorous research, with safety as a top priority.

The trials conducted at HRHR are in phases 2 through 4, meaning hundreds—and often thousands—of participants have already taken part in earlier stages. Before reaching this point, studies have gone through extensive testing, including animal studies and tightly controlled early-phase human trials. Dr. Freeman often shares this with patients to help them better understand the process and feel more at ease. In his view, the real heroes of research are the Phase 1 participants who volunteer in hospital settings under close monitoring.

Participation is always voluntary, and Dr. Freeman is there to guide each patient through the process with honesty, empathy, and expertise. He believes strongly in the importance of balancing risks and benefits—and only takes part in studies where that balance supports patient safety and well-being.

Join Dr. Freeman and become part of the future of medicine.