Why Canadians Join WELL Health Clinical Research Programs

Participation is an act of generosity and drives science forward. It ensures that tomorrow’s healthcare is better, safer, and more effective.

Interested in participating?

At WELL Health, our Clinical Research Program empowers Canadians to play an active role in advancing medicine. We offer two complementary ways to participate:

Clinical trials – where participants may receive cutting-edge treatments, undergo close medical monitoring, and directly contribute to testing new therapies.
Health information review studies – where participants’ health records are used to generate insights about real-world outcomes, disease patterns, and long-term health trends.

Both are powerful. Both are needed. And both come down to the same question: why do people choose to get involved?

Some reasons to enroll in Clinical Research

1. Altruism: Helping Others Now and in the Future

One of the most common motivations we hear from Canadians in our program is altruism- the desire to help others.

Every modern treatment exists because people before us stepped forward, either by joining a trial or consenting to share their health data. Without them, there would be no new medications, no safer procedures, no better guidelines.

Whether through active trial participation or medical record review, altruism remains a driving force.

2. Access to Innovative Treatments

Clinical trials stand out because they often offer access to therapies not yet available to the public. For people with conditions like cancer, autoimmune disease, or rare disorders, this can represent hope when standard care has reached its limits.

Clinical trial participants may be offered investigational drugs, devices, or treatment strategies before they’re approved. While not every trial leads to a breakthrough, many patients describe the experience as empowering- an active step in their care journey.

Health information studies, by contrast, do not provide direct treatments. Instead they fuel innovation by helping researchers advance clinical care in a variety of ways by reviewing existing clinical data.

3. High-Quality Care and Oversight

One of the most meaningful benefits of joining a clinical trial is the close medical attention participants receive. Trials often include frequent check-ups, lab work, and dedicated support from specialized research staff. This level of care can exceed what patients experience in standard healthcare settings, offering reassurance and a strong sense of being supported.

4. Curiosity and Love of Science

Many healthy volunteers join trials out of curiosity. They like being “on the front lines” of discovery, whether testing new vaccines, dietary interventions, or preventative strategies.

Others consent to health information use because they are fascinated by how data-driven insights can improve medicine. Both groups are motivated by the desire to be part of science in action.

5. Representation and Equity in Research

Clinical trials need to reflect Canada’s diversity. Too often, women, older adults, Indigenous peoples, and racialized groups have been underrepresented in studies. This lack of representation can lead to treatments that don’t work equally well for everyone.

By participating in a WELL Health Clinical Research Program, you’re ensuring future therapies are designed for people like you.

6. Fair Compensation and Support

Most trials in Canada are free to join, and many cover travel costs or provide stipends to recognize participants’ time and effort.

For health information review studies, compensation may not always apply.

7. Legacy and Meaning

For many patients, especially those facing serious illnesses, research participation is a way to leave a lasting impact.

“I may not benefit from this study, but if it helps others, I’ll know my journey mattered.”

Interested in participating?

At WELL Health, safety and privacy are our top priorities.

Clinical trials are overseen by Health Canada and independent ethics boards. Participants always receive full information about potential risks and benefits before deciding to participate and even then they can withdraw at any time.

Health information review studies must be approved by a research ethics board and follow privacy laws for research studies. When the research ethics board requires that we obtain express consent, we will reach out to you about participating in the particular study. There are no health risks to participating in these studies.

Two Paths, One Impact

Participating in research doesn’t always mean taking a new drug or visiting a clinic. With WELL Health’s Clinical Research Program, you can contribute by accessing innovative treatments and receive close monitoring.