You Can Make a Difference
Research. The key to preventing illness in this community, and in people all over the world, lies with you and your family. You can participate without ever having to leave southwest Michigan. You can play an important role in the testing and approval of vaccines and other medications that can improve the quality of life for countless individuals, take a more active part in your own health care, and gain access to new research treatments before they are widely available by participating in clinical research.
Clinic Research
Many local individuals have found participating in the clinical research trial of a potential new medicine or procedure to be a rewarding experience. Lakeland has provided opportunities for this community to be involved in cutting-edge medical science for over 15 years.
Other Clinical Trials Completed Include:
- Allergy/Immunology
- Cardiology (HTN/Hyperlipidemia/A-Fib)Diabetes
- Diabetes
- Fibromyalgia
- Gastroenterology
- (GERD/IBS)
- Infant Formula
- Infectious Disease
- (Pneumonia)
- Inpatient Studies
- Migraines
- Otolaryngology
- Tonsillitis/Sinusitis
- Otitis Media/Otitis Externa
- Pediatrics
- Pharmacokinetic
- Pharmacodynamics
- (PK & PD)
- Psychiatry (Depression)
- Pulmonology
- (COPD/Asthma)
- Rheumatology (Gout)
- Urology
- Vaccines
- Women’s Health
From Laboratory to Pharmacy –
The Path a Prescription Drug Takes
To qualify for clinical trials, a pharmaceutical company submits an application to the U.S.
Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and a local Institution Review Board (IRB). An IRB is an
independent committee of physicians, statisticians, community advocates, and others who ensure the clinical trial is ethical and the rights of the patient will be protected. The FDA has a rigorous process for ensuring the safety and effectiveness of new medications. Once approved, clinical trials take place in phases which may take several years at each level.
To optimize safety, Lakeland only participates in clinical trials after much has already been learned about the medication’s risks and benefits. If you participate in a Lakeland research study, you will see doctors, nurses, and other health care professionals regularly for evaluation. They all work in collaboration with your primary health provider. This teamwork helps to ensure the best care possible for clinical trial volunteers.
During Your Consult Visit We Will Address the Following:
- What is the main purpose of the study?
- How will the treatment be given?
- How long am I required to participate in the trial and what will I be asked to do?
- What has already been learned about the study treatment?
- Do I have to pay for any part of the study?
- If the treatment works for me, can I keep using it after the study?
- Can anyone find out whether I am participating in the clinical trial?
- Will I receive any follow-up care after the study is over?
- What are the credentials and research experience of the physician and study staff?
There are many reasons why people enroll in clinical trials, including:
- Access to medications not yet available to the public
- Access to cutting-edge medical care
- Extra time with research staff for disease education
- Unique opportunities to help future patients
If interested in learning more, please call (269) 932-1026 for more information. A research coordinator (nurse) will share more specific information to determine if you or your child may qualify. An informed consent document can be mailed or sent via email for your review.