Celebrating Clinical Trials Day 2023: Let’s Raise Awareness & Honor Research Professionals

May 20th marks Clinical Trials Day (CTD), an annual day of celebration and reflection for the clinical research community. This date commemorates the day in 1747 when James Lind launched the first-ever clinical trial, laying the foundation for modern clinical research. Since 2005, CTD has been celebrated internationally to raise awareness about the importance of clinical trials and honor clinical research professionals’ contributions.  

In this article, we’ll explore why it’s important to raise awareness about clinical trials and how we can honor the invaluable work of research professionals on this special day. In addition, we’ll explain why supporting and celebrating the people who dedicate their lives to improving public health through clinical research is more important than ever. So, let’s kick off the celebration of Clinical Trials Day 2023 together! 

The Importance of Spreading Clinical Trial Awareness

Raising awareness about clinical trials is essential for advancing medical knowledge and improving public health outcomes. Clinical trials are critical in developing innovative treatments and therapies for various diseases, including cancer, diabetes, and heart disease. By participating in clinical trials, patients have access to cutting-edge treatments and play a significant role in advancing medical knowledge and paving the way for future therapies. 
 

Increased awareness can also help researchers recruit more participants, leading to more diverse and representative study populations. This can improve the generalizability of research findings and ensure that new treatments and therapies work for everyone, regardless of their background or demographics. Additionally, raising awareness about clinical trials can help build trust between the public and the research community by providing transparency and education about the clinical trial process. 

 
Here’s how you can help spread clinical trial awareness:

• Share CTD promo materials – Review the SOCRA Digital Toolkit and download and share CTD promotional materials.  
   

• Go social – Share a social media post using the hashtag #CTD2023 and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, or LinkedIn.   
   
• Educate those around you – Spread the word through peer-to-peer learning at chapter meetings, becoming a speaker at an upcoming conference or event, or mentor your inner circle. Every action counts! 

As we celebrate Clinical Trials Day 2023, we can all work together to raise awareness about the importance of clinical trials and the critical role of empowering clinical research professionals. By doing so, we can help improve public health outcomes, reduce health disparities, and build a more transparent and trustworthy research community. 

Honoring Clinical Trial Professionals Everywhere 

Clinical Trials Day 2023 is a time to celebrate the contributions of clinical research professionals like you who work tirelessly to conduct safe, ethical, and efficient clinical trials. These professionals are the backbone of medical innovation, seeking new and better ways to conduct clinical research and improve patient outcomes. 
 

Clinical research is challenging, but seeing the passion and dedication to patients in this community is inspiring. In collaborating with scientists, physicians, and other healthcare professionals, you’re helping design and implement innovative clinical trials that advance medical knowledge and bring new therapies to patients. 
 

By honoring clinical trial professionals everywhere, we are reminded of this work’s positive impact on the world. Your unwavering commitment to excellence and dedication to improving public health through clinical research is a shining example of what can be achieved through hard work, perseverance, and commitment to improving health. 

Do you know a clinical trial professional you’d like to honor this CTD? Here’s how: 

• Nominate a SOCRA member – Complete the nomination form to nominate a SOCRA Member to be recognized for their outstanding work and contributions to clinical research. 

We will feature several submissions leading up to Clinical Trials Day and choose several members to be featured in the next issue of the SOCRA Source, our quarterly journal.  
 
Meet last year’s Clinical Trials Day nominees, and hear from 2022 nominee Aryn Knight, CCRP, and 2021 nominee Laura Holtz, MS, PMP, CCRP, on our blog. 

• Say thanks – Whether you express verbal appreciation, send postcards or handwritten notes, or gift SOCRA swag, the sheer act of recognizing your colleague’s contributions can help lift our clinical research community. 

• Host a small gathering – To make an even bigger splash, consider inviting colleagues to lunch or hosting a small virtual or in-person event to recognize those who go above and beyond in the name of advancing clinical trials for the greater good. 

This Clinical Trials Day 2023, we honor and recognize the invaluable contributions of clinical trial professionals worldwide. This work is essential to improving the health and well-being of millions of people and advancing medical knowledge for generations to come. If you’re a clinical research professional, your work deserves recognition and celebration. Thank you for all you do!  

Learn more about Clinical Trials Day 2023 on our website and discover to become a SOCRA member. Have questions for us? Contact our team or call (215) 822-8644 to connect with our staff.