Giving Patients a Reason for Hope.
Clinical research helps people. That's really the most rewarding reason to be involved in research studies, says James Bellor, MD, who specializes in caring for patients with arthritis and related musculoskeletal disorders, such as gout, osteoarthritis and fibromyalgia. The new medicines and treatments that result from research bring hope and often an improved quality of life.
"There are many new developments in the management of these diseases that weren't available five to ten years ago, such as biologic agents for rheumatoid arthritis, better and more specific medications for fibromyalgia, better tolerated drugs for gout, and more convenient and effective treatments for the pain of osteoarthritis," says Dr. Bellor. "There is something new on the horizon for virtually every rheumatic condition, so patients have reason for optimism."
Dr. Bellor became involved in clinical research more than three years ago, seeing it as both "a wonderful opportunity to learn from a scientific standpoint about new treatments as well as a chance for my patients to avail themselves of newer treatments for their diseases."
The research team that works with Dr. Bellor has extensive experience in clinical research and views the safety and well-being of patients as the most important priority in every study. Clinical research would simply not be possible without those patients who come forward and volunteer.
"My patients also can feel good about knowing that they are helping other patients in the future with the knowledge gained from their participation in clinical research studies," adds Dr. Bellor.
If you are interested in participating in a clinical research study, please click here to see our currently enrolling studies.