As a Black woman working in clinical trials, I’ve seen firsthand the critical importance of equitable access to medical research.
Clinical trials are the gateway for developing new drugs and treatments that can improve and save lives. However, if these trials do not adequately include the racial and ethnic makeup of the population, we risk missing key insights and potential benefits for missing groups.
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Day in the life| Before traveling for work I ensure I do the following: – [ ] Make sure all previous week work is done – [ ] Make sure clothes are clean and dried – [ ] Pack suitcase – [ ] Double check suitcase – [ ] Do site management (important to ensure sites are okay) – [ ] Complete expenses #fy #fyp #fashion #SeeHerGreatnesstraveltiktokkclinicaltriallclinicalresearchassociateejourneyy20233blackgirlmagiccviallmomlifeeweightlosssmomandsonntraveltiktokkworklifebalancee
When I started my career over a decade ago as an ophthalmic technician, I had no idea about the world of clinical research.
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Working as a clinical trial associate
My initial motivation was simply to help people with vision issues, stemming from my own parents’ blindness. It wasn’t until I pursued further education that I was exposed to clinical trials and quickly realized this was my calling—a way to drive meaningful change in health care.
As I advanced from being a clinical research coordinator to an associate monitoring trials today, one striking pattern emerged: inconsistent access among trial participants, especially within the Black community.
Too often, I encounter mistrust and hesitation from Black patients when it comes to enrolling in studies.
The roots of this skepticism run deep, tracing back to unethical practices like the infamous Tuskegee syphilis study, where Black men were deceived and denied proper treatment. While regulations and safeguards have evolved tremendously since then, memories of such abuses linger in the collective conscience of our community.
Demystifying clinical trials using social media
That’s why I made it my mission to help demystify clinical trials and encourage more Black Americans to get involved.
A few years ago, I started using platforms like TikTok to share insights about trials in an accessible, relatable way. I hope that by having open conversations and leading with transparency, I can help chip away at negative perceptions.
When speaking to potential Black participants, I always emphasize that modern clinical trials follow strict protocols with patient safety and informed consent as top priorities.
No one should ever feel pressured or coerced. The decision is entirely theirs after reviewing all details thoroughly.
I also highlight the potential benefits beyond just financial compensation.
While stipends can provide important access, the core value is an opportunity to help advance medicine and improve the quality of life for yourself and others facing similar health challenges.
For conditions highly affecting the Black community, like diabetes, hypertension, and certain eye diseases, participating in trials offers a chance to expand available treatment options specifically for our demographic needs.
Throughout my career, I’ve been thanked by many Black participants for taking the time to build trust and make them feel truly heard and understood. In my view, human connection is invaluable when it comes to including Black Americans in trials and overcoming longstanding hesitancies.
How to make clinical trials more accessible to Black Americans
Of course, more internal changes are needed from the medical community as well. I wish all health care providers would be proactive in counseling patients about clinical trials when appropriate, while making an effort to understand concerns specific to Black Americans.
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Doctors should be resourceful in exploring all potential support options for patients, from medication assistance programs to transportation services that can increase access to trials.
There’s also a responsibility for trial sponsors and research institutions to be intentional about community outreach and making opportunities visible through trusted channels and cultural lenses.
We have to meet people where they are, not expect them to simply find their way.
From my perspective, including populations who are missing from clinical trials is both an ethical imperative and a matter of scientific integrity. We cannot afford to have entire population groups unseen and risk skewing findings or missing key health insights. Modern medicine should represent and benefit everyone equally.
It’s an ongoing journey, but I’m hopeful that with greater awareness, compassion and intentionality from all sides, we can help clinical trials become more reflective of the real world. As a proud Black woman in this field, I’ll keep doing my part to inspire more of my community to raise their hands and get involved. Their perspectives and participation are invaluable for ensuring new medical breakthroughs can have the greatest positive impact for us all.
