Thoughts from a Lab Rat

Going through my own issues right now. Just another reminder about the inherent instability that comes with volunteering or at least trying to volunteer full-time. Studies come and go. Money comes and go. It can take 3 days or 3 months to get into a study. The clinics and sponsors are emotionless entities that can’t care about your personal life other than what directly affects the study. They don’t care if your rent is due or your car is being repoed. Anyhoo, being a lab rat is just like being the real animal. Life is full of uncertainties.

I have heard many people talk about how they are ashamed of doing clinical research studies for money. Nothing more than whoring for money. Well, the fact is that new drugs cannot make it to the market unless they are tested rigorously on humans first. There should be nothing to be ashamed of. You are helping drugs get through the pipeline so people with ailments and diseases can live a better life. If anything, you are a hero. A silent hero who nobody knows but a hero nonetheless. Without research subjects, there would be no new drugs. So be proud of what you do! Tell your friends, parents and anyone else you meet that your Just Another Lab Rat! Well, you don’t have to say that, but that you participate in medical research studies which tests new medications. Or that you work in a lab. And their like, so you’re some kind of scientist?