One of the biggest challenges for medical researchers who conduct clinical trials is finding the appropriate patients. One of the biggest challenges for patients who would like to be in a clinical trial is finding an appropriate study in a convenient location. Being in a clinical trial does not mean that you give up your current primary care physician for your regular healthcare needs. However, volunteers for clinical trials who meet the study requirements receive excellent medical care during the course of the study, usually at no charge.  In some studies, patients may even receive financial reimbursement for travel or other incidental expenses -- like childcare.  In most studies, patients receive free medicine for the duration of the trial and may even continue to receive free medication after the trial concludes.  Despite the obvious benefits of clinical trial participation, the unseen benefits may be the greatest. Knowing that you have contributed to the advancement of medical knowledge and potential new medications for you, your family, and the world at large, can be the most rewarding of all.

If you would like to be in a clinical trial, the best place to start is right here on DrDonnica.com. For general information about clinical trials, click here. For specific clinical trials you may wish to consider, click here.

It is also advisable to discuss clinical trial participation with your own physician.  Whether or not your doctor is involved with clinical trials, s/he can advise you regarding the suitability of your condition for a trial and whether it would medically be in your best interest to participate.  S/he may also be able to direct you to an on-going clinical trial site.

Another option is to contact the relevant department in a nearby academic health science center and inquire about on-going trials in your condition area and to ask for a specific referral to a clinical researcher on their staff.

Many clinical trials seek patients through public service announcements on radio and television or in newspapers.  The Internet also provides a tremendous amount of information about clinical trials.  In addition to DrDonnica.com, other sites offer a wealth of information related to clinical trials, such as a listing thousands of industry and NIH- sponsored (including the National Cancer Institute) clinical trials.

Check out the following references for additional sites that can provide useful information.  In addition, it is generally helpful to contact the national patient advocacy group for the relevant condition (e.g. American Heart Association, American Cancer Society, National Association of Breast Cancer Organizations, National Osteoporosis Foundation, etc.).

• Pharmaceutical Researchers and Manufacturers Association (PhRMA)

• FDA

• National Cancer Institute

• SAWHR Website

• Research! America Website