Clinical Trials

Clinical research is how doctors and scientists learn new and better ways to find, treat, and prevent diseases. They do this by:

• Watching what happens in groups of people (observational studies)
• Testing ideas in labs (pre-clinical research)
• Trying out new treatments and medical approaches with volunteers (clinical trials)

People of all ages and backgrounds can participate in clinical studies.  Some research is for people with certain health conditions, while others include healthy people for comparison. Each research study has its own detailed list that defines who might be eligible to participate.

Research studies aim to answer important medical questions, and researchers rely on volunteers to help find those answers. Individuals may participate for a variety of reasons, such as:

• Learning about new discoveries
• Being involved in their own care/health
• Accessing new treatments
• Seeking alternatives/looking for hope
• Helping others

By participating in a study, you become part of something bigger, helping science and health care move forward.

Each research study has its own timeline, activities, and settings. Some may only require one visit, like a blood test, while others may last months or years and include several appointments. Some may add to your regular care, while others just collect information. Before participating, the research team goes over all the steps and expectations involved. Participating in a research study is your choice. You get all the information you need before deciding and, even if you agree to participate, you can change your mind and stop at any time.

Corewell Health Research Institute offers a broad range of adult and pediatric clinical research opportunities across our statewide health care system, including but not limited to:

• Allergy and immunology
• Cardiovascular (heart)
• Diabetes
• Emergency medicine
• Gastroenterology/colorectal
• Infectious disease
• Intensive care
• Neurology (brain)
• Obstetrics (pregnancy, maternal-fetal health)
• Oncology (cancer)
• Orthopedic (bone)
• Pediatric health
• Psychology, psychiatry, and behavioral health
• Pulmonology (lung)
• Rare diseases
• Transplant
• Urology and nephrology
• Women’s health (gynecology, midlife/menopause)