Module 5: Understanding Clinical Trials- How Patients Can Engage

In the fifth module of the Global DARE Foundation’s Patient Collaborator Training Series, Dr. Mousumi Bose guides learners through the essentials of clinical trials and how rare disease patients can actively engage throughout the research process. This module breaks down the core components of a clinical trial, including human subjects protections, trial design, informed consent, recruitment, and key terminology used to describe study methods and outcomes. Participants will also learn why trial registration, ethical review, and transparent reporting are critical for ensuring scientific integrity and patient safety. Summary, script, and slides developed by Mousumi Bose and Natalie Zolnierczyk Speaker Bio: Dr. Mousumi Bose is an Associate Professor in the Department of Nutrition and Food Studies at Montclair State University in Montclair, NJ, and the mother of Ilan Betzer (2010-2011), who was born with a severe form of Zellweger spectrum disorder (ZSD), a peroxisome biogenesis disorder. Through her experience with her son, Dr. Bose refocused her career goals to study rare disease. Currently, Dr. Bose serves as the Co-Chair for the Medical and Scientific Advisory Board of the Global DARE Foundation. Her long-term research goals are to combine her training in nutritional sciences and public health with her knowledge and experience with peroxisomal disorders to help improve the quality of life for families affected by rare metabolic disorders like Adult Refsum Disease. She is also passionate about training the next generation of nutrition professionals in rare metabolic diseases, weaving in lessons on Adult Refsum Disease as well as other rare disorders in her advanced nutrition courses.  Refsum Disease & Global DARE Foundation Did you know that one in 300 people who have Retinitis Pigmentosa also have Refsum disease? Many are diagnosed with Refsum Disease 15-20 years after being diagnosed with Retinitis Pigmentosa. Early diagnosis is so important because dietary therapy can slow sight and hearing loss associated with Refsum and lessen other symptoms. Join the Global DARE Foundation in making a difference for the Refsum community. Please consider making a donation at https://www.defeatadultrefsumeverywhe.... Your support helps fund essential research, increase awareness, and accelerate progress toward better treatments—and one day, a cure—for Refsum Disease. Every gift, no matter the size, brings hope to families living with this ultra-rare condition. Visit our website at https://www.defeatadultrefsumeverywhe... #curerefsum #retinitispigmentosa #lowvision