Volunteers Make Research Possible! Learn About Our Studies!

Why Become a Volunteer?


Frequently Asked Questions

 

  1. What are your office hours?
    We are open Monday-Friday 8:30am-5:00pm. Additional hours may be
    available if necessary.

  2. Do I need insurance to receive treatment?
    No, insurance is not required for participation.

  3. Will my doctor or insurance company be automatically notified of my
    participation in clinical research?
    No, we are very concerned with protecting the confidentiality of our patients
    and will not release your information without your written consent.

  4. Will I have to pay for this?
    No, all study related doctor visits, laboratory tests and evaluation, and investigational medications are provided as part of the study. In addition,
    most studies provide compensation for time and travel.

  5. Do you have parking at your office?
    We have plenty of parking at the office and will provide validation.

  6. How often will I see a doctor during the study?
    You will meet with a doctor during your screening  visit and you will have regular check-ups with both your research coordinator and one of our practicing doctors throughout the study.

  7. What happens if the study drug side effects become too uncomfortable?
    In some cases, our doctors can prescribe rescue medication in order to relieve some of the negative side effects brought on by investigational medication. Or, they may change the dose or discontinue the investigational medication.

  8. Can I drop out of the study if necessary?
    Because you are a volunteer, you can stop at any point you feel necessary. If you decide to discontinue participation we would ask you to return the investigational medication and be seen by a doctor for follow-up.

  9. Will I have to give my Social Security number to participate in a research study?
    We do not need your Social Security number in order to treat you. However, if you receive more than $600 in compensation we are required to report this amount and will need you to fill out a W9 form which includes your social security information.

  10. Can I participate in more than one study?
    You can participate in only one clinical research study at a time. This means not only at our site, but in any site's study. After you finish a study, you may be eligible to participate in another study in approximately 30-60 days.

  11. What is a placebo?
    A placebo is an inactive form of a study drug that has no treatment value. Some people refer to it as a “sugar pill” although placebo pills do not usually contain any sugar. The FDA often requires comparisons of investigational drugs against a placebo lookalike.

  12. What Phase I, Phase II and Phase III trials?
    Phase I trials are the first research studies using humans after animal trials have been completed. Phase I trials are often done on healthy volunteers to determine safety, dose ranges and side effects. Phase II trials are done with small groups of volunteers needing treatment to determine safety and effectiveness of the study drug. If satisfactory results are obtained from Phase II trials the drug may be tested in Phase III trials which are done on larger populations needing treatment. These trials are used to provide further information on the safety and effectiveness of the investigational medication. Information from Phase III trials can be submitted to the FDA for approval of a study drug. For more information in Phase I, II and III trials, click here.

To find out if you qualify for any of our studies call us at 858-277-5678. Or click here to join our database and a member of our research team will contact you shortly.