Clinical Research Nurses

Dr. James Lind oversaw the first physician-monitored clinical trial in 1747. He was a physician on a ship and conducted a study to determine the best treatment for scurvy, a condition caused by a lack of vitamin C. Scurvy had a high mortality rate. Dr. Lind conducted tests in which he gave different foods to sailors, and his study showed that patients who were given oranges and lemons recovered best and were fit for duty within a week. Dr. Lind did not recommend the treatment because oranges and lemons were expensive, but the British Navy eventually (more than 40 years later) began requiring lemon juice, and later lime juice, as part of seafarers’ nutrition. This greatly reduced incidences of scurvy. This is just one example of the benefit of clinical medical studies. Today, clinical studies are required before medical products and treatments are released to the public. As of September 8, 2025, there were 552,189 medical studies being conducted in more than 220 countries and territories, according to ClinicalTrials.gov. Clinical research nurses play an important role in these studies. They interact directly with patients, as well as work closely with researchers and scientists before, during, and after each study.