International Clinical Trials Day
International Clinical Trials Day - May 20th
Join us in celebrating International Clinical Trials Day (ICTD) today! ICTD is held on May 20th each year to mark the day that Dr. James Lind became the first physician to conduct a controlled clinical trial comparing possible treatments for scurvy1.
In Dr. Lind’s words… “On the 20th of May 1747, I selected twelve patients in the scurvy, on board the Salisbury at sea. Their cases were as similar as I could have them. They all in general had putrid gums, the spots and lassitude, with weakness of the knees. They lay together in one place, being a proper apartment for the sick in the fore-hold; and had one diet common to all, viz. water gruel sweetened with sugar in the morning; fresh mutton-broth often times for dinner; at other times light puddings, boiled biscuit with sugar, etc., and for supper, barley and raisins, rice and currants, sago and wine or the like. Two were ordered each a quart of cyder a day. Two others took twenty-five drops of elixir vitriol three times a day … Two others took two spoonfuls of vinegar three times a day … Two of the worst patients were put on a course of sea-water … Two others had each two oranges and one lemon given them every day … The two remaining patients, took … an electary recommended by a hospital surgeon … The consequence was, that the most sudden and visible good effects were perceived from the use of oranges and lemons; one of those who had taken them, being at the end of six days fit for duty … The other was the best recovered of any in his condition; and … was appointed to attend the rest of the sick. Next to the oranges, I thought the cyder had the best effects …”2
On this day, HRPP looks back on the past year and sees YOU. Sunnybrook Clinical Research Professionals who are dedicated, determined and resilient.
With the challenges the pandemic has introduced to Clinical Trials at Sunnybrook, it is recognized that you and your teams have adapted your research, ensuring success. Clinical trials exist and thrive at Sunnybrook because of you and you have done a remarkable job this year.
References:
1. Perspect Clin Res. Evolution of Clinical Research: A History Before and Beyond James Lind. 2010 Jan-Mar; 1(1): 6–10. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3149409/
2. James Lind's “Treatise on Scurvy” published in Edinburgh in 1753
