Clinical trial, Clinical protocol, Clinical study. They all mean the same thing--a scientific study to test the effectiveness of a new treatment or medication in people.

Through clinical studies, doctors are able to identify new and better ways to prevent, detect, diagnose, control, and treat illnesses. Those who volunteer benefit from knowing they have helped to advance medical research into new treatments and often receive compensation for their time and effort.

Research is the number one method in uncovering new information about diseases and therapies. Your participation in a clinical trial could help in the development of new medical treatments for these disorders.