Every year on May 20 , the world observes International Clinical Trials Day , a day that pays tribute to the unsung heroes of medical advancement— the researchers, healthcare professionals, and volunteers who contribute to clinical trials. It’s a global reminder of how far we've come in medical science and how crucial clinical trials are in shaping the future of healthcare. Why May 20? The date marks a significant historical milestone: the start of what is considered the first ever clinical trial , conducted by Scottish physician James Lind in 1747. Aboard a British naval ship, Lind tested different treatments for scurvy and discovered that citrus fruits were effective in curing the disease. This pioneering effort laid the groundwork for the clinical trial methodologies used today. The Role of Clinical Trials Today Clinical trials are the backbone of medical innovation . Every vaccine, cancer therapy, or treatment for chronic conditions like diabetes or heart disease must ...