International Clinical Trials Day is celebrated around the world on May 20. This day allows us to reflect on some of the truly amazing things that happen because of clinical trials and the many advancements in medical treatment that have been made. In addition, clinical trials allow providers and patients to develop a stronger relationship by discussing new treatments and different options. Those same providers are able to stay on the cutting edge of new treatments for their patients, which in turn allows them to provide the best possible care. And most importantly, life-threatening diseases or conditions are now treatable and sometimes curable.
Why celebrate on May 20?
Well, 267 years ago on May 20, the inquisitive and concerned surgeon James Lind aboard a Royal Navy ship sought to find a cure to the condition known as scurvy. The trial he conducted to find a solution to this pervasive illness used citrus fruits and ciders consumed by those afflicted. His experiment also paved the way for new and efficient methods for planning clinical trials. He was one of the first to conduct a clinical trial using control groups, a method still used today, which groups patients into different treatment categories and compares the effects. Clinical Research methods have improved since the first recognized scientific trial in 1747, but the basic methods Dr. Lind developed still hold true.
Clinical trials like the one performed all those years ago by Lind allow providers and patients to work together in improving the lives of themselves and countless others. For more information on International Clinical Trials Day and James Lind, click here.
The Corvallis Clinic’s Clinical Research Center encourages you to search and learn about the exciting advances in medicine that are happening in your own area. Visit our website by clicking here or call 541-754-1398 to discuss your interests.
James Bechtel is the Operations Coordinator with The Corvallis Clinic Clinical Research Center.
