Why I Chose Clinical Research

When I tell people I work in clinical research I get the strangest stares and comments. “Aren’t you afraid you will grow a third leg, glow in the dark, die?” The comments go on and on. I actually welcome and enjoy these comments because they give me chance to share my story.

How it all began.

My son, when he was just 7 years old, was diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder. Bad news, huh? Well, it got worse. Every doctor we saw explained that the medications for this disorder were not approved for anyone under the age of 18. Finding a medication that worked, in a dose that was safe and effect was trying at best. And so the seed was planted.

Happy Ending.

Fast-forward 15 years, my son is a happy, successful, 22 year old man with well-maintained Bipolar Disorder. And, we owe a lot of our success to the ones that came before us. The parents and children that participated in dose finding, safety, and efficacy clinical trials for Bipolar Disorder.

And me? Well, I have worked in some form or another in clinical research since then. I love my job. I love seeing patients rejoice when a drug in an efficacy trial works for them. I enjoy meeting people who participate knowing they won’t personally benefit from the trial but truly are excited to help others. I love working for years and seeing a successful medication make it to market. I worked on the trial to bring Humira to those who suffer from Crohn’s Disease and every time I see the commercial I smile.

Bottom Line.

Clinical research trials have gotten some bad press in the past and rightly so. However, with the laws, regulations, and guidelines put in place to protect patients in the last 20 years or so have greatly improved patient safety and put the emphasis of clinical trials back where it belongs- on helping make and keep people healthy.