Where can I find information about patient services at UW Medicine?
For scheduling an appointment, inquiring about a physician, and related patient care services please see UW Medicine Patient Care.
Where do I find information about clinical research being done at UW Medicine?
To find research in which you may be interested, use the UW Medicine Search Engine. Also, the Research Studies Seeking Volunteers web site provides information on many ongoing clinical trials.
How do I become a research volunteer?
If you wish to participate in a study, contact the individual departments directly to see if there is a current study that might interest you. Alternatively, use the Research Studies Seeking Volunteers web site to find information about current studies needing volunteers.
What is the difference between clinical research and clinical care?
In the context of a clinical study or a clinical trial, study participants may become confused about their relationship to the investigator, particularly if the investigator is also the participant's physician.
- The medical practice/caregiver role involves interventions that are designed solely to enhance the well-being of the individual patient, with a reasonable expectation of a successful outcome. These interventions are responsive to patient preference and are adapted from evidence-based practice.
- The researcher role, however, involves interventions that are not necessarily designed to provide direct benefit to the study participant. Instead, the interventions are designed to contribute to general knowledge, and the interventions are standardized according to a strictly written protocol, with outcomes measured across groups of participants.
Research participants who understand this distinction are likely to be more comfortable asking questions and participating as partners in the research enterprise.
How do I find a specific UW scientist or researcher?
Use the UW Medicine Search Engine. Alternatively, the UW Medicine Directory is a helpful tool if you know the individual's full name.
What about employment at UW Medicine in the field of research?
Use the Working at UW Medicine web site for inquires about employment in the field in research. For information about volunteering at UW Medicine, please refer to volunteer opportunities at Harborview Medical Center or UW Medical Center.