Do I need a doctor's referral to join a clinical trial?
No — you do not need a referral from your primary care physician or specialist to apply for a clinical trial through QualifiedStudies. Patients can self-refer directly. Once you submit the eligibility form, an IRB-approved research site contacts you within 48 hours to confirm whether you fit the protocol. Many participants choose to inform their treating physician once they're enrolled so the doctor can coordinate any overlapping care, but that conversation happens after the study, not before. If your physician does want to refer you, they can simply send you the QualifiedStudies link or call (585) 407-3098 on your behalf with your consent. Either path gets you the same screening process and the same protections — informed consent, IRB oversight, and the right to withdraw at any time.