Clinical Trials Need to Include Many Kinds of People 

When clinical trials include many kinds of people that leads to medical cures and treatments that can potentially help more people. 

Clinical trials need to include:

  • People who live in rural and urban communities.
  • People with many types of jobs.
  • People from all racial or ethnic backgrounds.
  • People of all gender identities and ages.

The differences between people are important in medicine because different backgrounds and experiences affect people’s health and the way they respond to treatments. 

Why do people volunteer for clinical trials?

People volunteer to participate in clinical trials for many reasons. They may want to improve medical care for future generations. They may have a personal connection to a certain disease or illness. Or, they may have a personal interest in science. 

Learn more from people in the community about why they participate in research.

What are clinical trials and how do they work?

Clinical trials are tests that determine whether an experimental treatment, such as a drug, a device or a medical procedure, should move from an idea into patient care. During clinical trials, researchers look for answers with the help of volunteers. Together, they answer questions about the safety and effectiveness of the experimental treatment. 

Watch this video, in either English or Spanish, to learn more on how clinical trials work.

Learn how to become a clinical trial volunteer

Both healthy people and people with a particular disease can take part in clinical trials.

Learn more about the type of trials and deciding to volunteer.


Explore clinical trial volunteer opportunities.

Visit the Mayo Clinic clinical trials website to search for open trials that match your needs or interests.


Watch this video, in either English or Spanish, to learn what happens in the lab before clinical trials begin.

When it's time to find answers, you know where to go.

Protecting the safety, rights and welfare of research volunteers is the highest priority. There are strict government guidelines in place to protect clinical trial volunteers. Each trial is carefully reviewed and approved by a committee of experts responsible for the protection of research volunteers. In addition, every volunteer must give “informed consent” before taking part in a clinical trial, saying that they understand the risks and well as the potential benefits that may be involved.


Mayo Clinic is a global leader in clinical trials. We recognize the importance of inclusive participation in research. We are committed to working with patients and communities to address unmet needs and to find tomorrow’s lifesaving cures. 

Learn more about how Mayo Clinic is including diverse communities in research.


Click here to be notified of potential clinical trials which you may qualify for by enrolling in Mayo Clinic Florida’s Community Research Registry

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