Clinical trials are research studies that involve people. The main purpose of a clinical trial is to find a better way to prevent, diagnosis, or treat a disease. Clinical trials are part of a long, careful research process. Most clinical trials study new drugs or procedures. Everyone who participates in clinical trial is a volunteer. Participants can choose to stop their participation in a clinical trial at any time. Clinical trials are important for developing new treatments. Many of today’s standard-of-care treatments are based on the results of previous clinical trials. Clinical trials may give you a more active role in your own health care or the care of a loved one. The polio vaccine, the cardiac pacemaker, insulin therapies for diabetes, cancer treatments with fewer side effects, coronary stents and the human genome project – all medical milestones achieved because people just like you participated in clinical trials. What legacy can your participation in clinical trials leave for future generations?