Frequently in the media there is coverage of supposed medical research breakthroughs. What many people don’t realize is that it takes many medical research studies with findings that support each other in order to prove that a new drug or treatment is effective. While one singular study may get all of the attention, unfortunately many times subsequent studies will find contradictory data, and so many studies are needed in order to prove data true or false. Even after a new treatment becomes widely available, it is often up to your doctor to choose whether the treatment’s possible benefits outweigh its possible side effects. Also, keep in mind that medical researchers are quick to point out possible positive findings of a study, as this helps them get additional funding. So, when you see news of a medical breakthrough on the news, remember that such breakthroughs are typical in their early stages and may not come into fruition.
Of course, that is not to say that there isn’t significant value in medical research studies, as they are necessary in order to make advancements in medicine. Research volunteers are compensated by participating in paid clinical trials not only with money, but with advanced medicines and treatment options that they otherwise would not have available to them. However, their opinions of the new drug may be more positive than if they were not getting paid for clinical trial participation in the first place, whether they intend for that to be the case or not. For these reasons it’s important to take news of positive medical research study results with a grain of salt, even though they often offer great hope to ill persons.