| "Clinical Research Studies human response to a new | | | | be able to find posters about ongoing clinical research |
| drug or therapy. A Clinical Trial Volunteer is a person | | | | studies on the university campus, such as in the |
| who volunteers in testing a new drug or therapy. The | | | | cafeteria boards or in general poster boards on the |
| information is collected at the Clinical Research | | | | university campus. So on your next lunch break, have |
| Center, and will determine whether the investigational | | | | a look on the school posting boards and find out a |
| compound or therapy will be approved for release on | | | | nearby trial center. |
| the market." So you've done your preps. You looked | | | | Local Journal |
| up the definition of clinical trials, gathered information | | | | Next time you go for a walk, pick up the free |
| and facts on the different phases (Phase I-IV), | | | | newspaper. To find enough clinical trial volunteers to |
| different studies (human pharmacology, therapeutic | | | | enroll in their clinical research studies, many centers |
| exploratory, therapeutic confirmatory, therapeutic | | | | advertise in local newspapers. Some newspapers |
| use), risks and side effects (in regards to different | | | | have a dedicated section for clinical trial volunteers in |
| type of phases or targeted disease) and have | | | | the last few pages (ads section) of the newspaper. |
| decided why, you personally, would like to become a | | | | However, in some papers, you will find those ads |
| clinical trial volunteer. | | | | throughout the whole journal, so while you are |
| The next step is now to look for a center where | | | | reading the latest news about Hollywood, also |
| you would like to join as a volunteer. If you have | | | | carefully browse the surrounding ads. |
| been in studies in the past, you may want to | | | | Telephone directories |
| reconnect with the center: give them a call, to find | | | | Although more associated to finding a nearby florist |
| out what is available for you. However, if for any | | | | or plumber, the Yellow Pages book also contains a |
| reasons, you needed to look for a new center, or if | | | | useful directory of independent clinical research |
| you have never taken part of study, here are the | | | | centers in your region. Those centers are usually not |
| five top places a clinical trial volunteer might want to | | | | affiliated with any hospitals or universities. So pick up |
| browse to find a nearby trial center. | | | | your dusty and heavy Yellow Pages book (or any |
| Hospital | | | | other telephone directory) or use their online website |
| A lot of physicians and specialists affiliated with a | | | | and search for the trial centers in your area. |
| hospital are also involved in clinical research studies. | | | | Internet |
| Therefore, you may want to give the hospital a call | | | | The new way of spreading the news and information |
| and tell them that you would like to become a clinical | | | | is through the use of the internet. Although internet |
| trial volunteer to find out about ongoing studies. You | | | | allows a quick search, the information gathered may |
| can even decide to be more specific and chose a | | | | be less specific. For example, although the number of |
| particular department (respiratory, oncology, arthritis, | | | | listing and directories for clinical trial volunteers are |
| etc.) and directly call the department or visit their | | | | numerous, it may be difficult to find a research |
| website, as many of them will list the type of clinical | | | | center in your area. However, as you become more |
| trials available in their departments. Finally, at your | | | | familiar with the terms and with the right sets of |
| next appointment at the hospital/clinic, make sure | | | | keywords, you may find just what you need. So hop |
| you have a look at the board near the font desk, | | | | on your computer and start "googling" your way |
| you may find out that the clinical is also a clinical | | | | through clinical research studies. |
| research center and many of the doctors will post | | | | Finally, although it may give you a good start, the list |
| their ongoing trials. | | | | suggested above is not exhaustive and you may |
| University | | | | need to look further to find a clinical research center |
| Similarly to hospitals, a lot of physicians and specialists | | | | that carries a study that interests you as participant. |
| affiliated to universities are also involved in clinical | | | | Keep your ears and your eyes open, you will realize |
| research studies. However, to find out about them, it | | | | that information is more common than you thought: |
| may be easier to look into the university website | | | | people you may know, radio ads, your family doctor, |
| than to call the university. Also, because a lot of | | | | community center boards, etc. |
| college students enroll in clinical studies, you may also | | | | |