Gastroenterology Consultants,SC: Clinical Studies Gastroenterology Consultants, S.C., and its staff believe in doing all they can to help their patients. That is why they have developed a separate company that is strictly devoted to participating in Drug Study Programs for Gastrointestinal diseases. This company, Midwest Clinical Research, is located in the same building as Gastroenterology Consultants, S.C., and Regional Surgicenter, Ltd. Drug study programs take a group of patients, with very specific criteria, and provide them with medications to treat their conditions. Some patients are given the actual drug being studied, while others are given a placebo (or sugar pill). This is done so that the drug companies can compare the effectiveness of the actual drug to that of the placebo. The patients then come in for office visits and/or procedures to monitor their conditions. The information found in these visits is submitted to the drug companies. They record the data and submit it to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Drug studies are required by the FDA before drugs are approved for use. The drug companies have to prove that their drug does what they claim it does without any devastating side effects. Without the willingness of physicians and patients to participate in these programs, no new drugs would ever be approved. All costs to the patients are paid by the drug company. No insurance is billed for visits, procedures, or medication. Patients are reimbursed by the drug companies for their time in participating in these programs. Drug studies are also confidential. Currently, Midwest Clinical Research has enrollment openings in studies for patients with the following conditions: Iron Deficiency Anemia GERD History of Colon Polyps· If you think you might qualify for one of our drug studies, or if you have any questions about any upcoming studies, please contact our Drug Study Coordinator, Evelyn Weber, at 309/277-1162. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Call (309)277-1162 to make an appointment.