When one of my patients was first diagnosed with sarcoidosis, her specialist gave her two options: take steroids or join a clinical trial. She opted for the trial, hoping it might lead to better treatment for herself and others.

However, her initial excitement waned as the logistical demands began to take a toll on her personal and professional life. With twice-monthly appointments, each trial day required an early two-hour drive, followed by eight hours of appointments, and concluded with a long drive home — all while managing symptoms of the disease. The trial sponsor eventually covered an overnight hotel room to ease her travel, but that doubled her time away from work and further amplified her stress.

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