Meet The ALS Clinical Research Swear Jar

Last week on a webinar, I heard a clinical investigator puzzled at the low enrollment in a particular trial.  How about dropping the word "subjects" for the most important people on your clinical research team, Doc?

Nobody aspires to be called "subject."  It's not respectful.  It's objectifying.  It conjures up images of royal underlings.  People who put their lives on the line to advance science deserve respect.  Words matter.

Reference to "subjects" has long been banished in many disease areas and industries.  ALS researchers don't seem to have gotten the message.  Maybe this will help.  Let's have a jar where ALS scientists have to drop a Benjamin every time they slip with the "s" word for a valued clinical research participant?

ALS MND Symposium presenters, use a more respectful word or have your wallets ready.