Getting paid while saving the world!
So, everybody always asks ‘how did you get into clinical trials and testing medicines?’ For me, it happened years ago.
I was working in a pub in Sheffield, it’s where all the Sheffield United and Sheffield Wednesday players went for a drink, I was about 20 years old and I used to work with a few people serving behind the bar. I was talking to a new lad, he had been to America on holiday for a month and was telling me all about it - where he had been, what he had been up to.
I then casually said, ‘how can you afford to travel for so long if you’re just working here?!’ He told me he took part in a medical trial. My ears pricked up as I have never heard of it before.
He was telling me he had trialed new medicines or medicines that were already on the market but had a different brand name or new dosage - basically any medicine has to be tested through a rigorous clinic trial system. The great bit was not only are you doing a service to the medical industry, but you actually get paid for your time whilst you take part. This sounded right up my street, so I googled it.
It turns out the young lad was correct. There were a handful of clinics in the UK, but the one that stood out to me the most was Quotient Sciences as it was only a stone’s throw away from me. So I completed my online application form through the ‘We Need You’ website and answered a handful of lifestyle questions and pressed submit.
It wasn’t too long before I got a call from the Quotient team. We arranged for me to come down for an induction, this was a great chance for me to have a look around the clinic and ask the long list of questions I had. I arrived and was met by a really friendly team who instantly put me at ease, all my questions were answered in full and the best thing was I wasn’t out of pocket as my travel was paid by allowance.
It was confirmed, I was a fit and healthy volunteer in the prime of my life as I later bragged to my friends. I was contacted about studies that I was eligible for and was more in demand than Elvis! I chose the study that suited my work schedule and I booked in for a screening.
I felt it was a full free valet, and it turns out I was a perfect specimen, still am at the age of 51! I have done many trials now, over a number of years and the rewards have been immense. Apart from helping medical science, I have been abroad many times with my payments, moved house 3 times and having the freedom and extra money has been amazing.
What has always surprised me was how straight forward it is to become a volunteer. However, what didn’t surprise me, but overwhelmed me, was the amazing the staff and how well they treat each volunteer from beginning to the end of the process. Whether it be a 2 week clinical trial or 35 days, nothing is ever too much for them. They really do their best to help make your experience at Quotient a great one.
If you don't mind staying away from home for a few days, then this is an amazing opportunity to help the world of science whilst benefitting your bank account. Being a part of the Quotient community is one of the best things I have done in life, apart from the kids of course. It’s given me so many opportunities and experiences, I am truly blessed and lucky to be a part of Quotient Sciences and improving the lives of others.