Clinical Research Opportunities
At Gilbert Center, we believe that advancing medicine and caring for patients go hand in hand. That's why we participate in clinical research studies — giving eligible patients the chance to access emerging treatments while contributing to discoveries that help people everywhere.
Our team will always be transparent about what participation involves, and your decision to join or decline a study will never affect the quality of care you receive from us.
What Is a Clinical Research Study?
Clinical research studies test new medications, treatments, devices, or approaches to care to evaluate how safe and effective they are. Studies go through rigorous review and approval before any patient is enrolled, and your safety is protected throughout.
Not all studies involve experimental treatments. Some focus on understanding conditions better, testing new diagnostics, or comparing existing treatment options. Your provider can explain exactly what any specific study involves.
Why Patients Choose to Participate
What Participation Can Offer
- Access to treatments or diagnostics not yet widely available
- Close monitoring and additional check-ins with your care team during the study period
- Study-related care, lab work, and medications often provided at no charge
- The opportunity to contribute to medical advances that benefit others with similar conditions
- Being part of a study that may shape future treatment guidelines
Participation is entirely your choice. We will never pressure you to enroll, and your ongoing care remains the same whether you participate or not.
How the Process Works
Learn About Available Studies
Your provider may mention a study during a visit if you appear to meet the basic eligibility criteria for it. You can also ask directly whether any current studies might be a fit for your health situation.
Review the Details
If a study looks like a potential match, you'll receive a detailed consent document explaining what the study involves — the purpose, procedures, time commitment, potential risks, and benefits. You'll have time to review it carefully and ask questions.
Make Your Decision
There's no pressure and no deadline. Once you've had time to consider and discuss with your family if you'd like, you can decide whether to enroll. You may also ask to be removed from a study at any point, for any reason, without affecting your care.
Participate With Support
Enrolled participants receive close attention throughout the study period, including additional visits, monitoring, and direct access to our research team with any questions or concerns that come up.
Your Rights as a Research Participant
Federal regulations and our own ethics standards protect every participant. You have the right to:
Your Protections
- Receive complete, honest information about the study before agreeing to anything
- Take as much time as you need before making a decision
- Withdraw at any time without penalty or effect on your care
- Have your medical information kept private and confidential
- Ask questions at any point and receive clear answers
Frequently Asked Questions
Ask your provider at your next appointment. Eligibility depends on the specific study — factors like your age, diagnosis, medical history, and current medications all play a role. We'll review what's available and let you know if anything is a potential match.
No. Your standard care continues unchanged regardless of your participation in any study. Research visits are in addition to — not a replacement for — your normal appointments.
Every study is different. Before enrolling, you'll receive a thorough explanation of any known risks, side effects, or uncertainties. Studies are reviewed and approved by an independent ethics board, and our team is here to monitor your wellbeing throughout.
Study availability changes over time as new research opportunities become active. Talk to your provider or call the office to ask what's currently available and whether you might be a candidate.
In most cases, yes — active enrollment in a study typically requires an established relationship with our practice so we can monitor your health throughout the process. Contact us if you have questions about your eligibility.
Interested in Learning More?
Ask your provider at your next visit or call our office to find out what studies are currently available.