By taking part in a clinical trial, you have an opportunity to try a new treatment that may or may not be better than those that already exist. As a study participant you can also help others better understand how the treatment works in people of different races and genders because different people may respond differently to the investigational product. Regulatory agencies such as the FDA seeks to ensure that people of different ages, races, ethnicities, and genders are included in clinical trials. Some reasons to participate in a clinical trial: Access to new treatments not available on the market. Access to free medication. Compensation for participating (in some trials). Satisfaction in helping advance medical research. Your participation is voluntary which means you can leave the study at any time. Each clinical research study has specific eligibility criteria which a participant must meet in order to be enrolled in the study. Therefore, not everyone who applies for a clinical research study will be accepted.