Posted by: Cynthia A. Gerhardt, PhD on Jun 17, 2025


Ever wonder how new treatments make it from the lab to your doctor’s office? Clinical research happens in four key phases, each designed to ensure safety, effectiveness, and long-term impact. Learn what each phase means and why they matter for medical advances.

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Pediatric News You Can Use From America’s Largest Pediatric Hospital and Research Center

700 Children’s® features the most current pediatric health care information and research from our pediatric experts – physicians and specialists who have seen it all. Many of them are parents and bring a special understanding to what our patients and families experience. If you have a child – or care for a child – 700 Children’s was created especially for you.

Latest Posts

Expecting mother at doctor's appointment with doctor

Maternal Diabetes and Fetal Heart Development: What Mothers Need to Know

Feb 25, 2020

Even with great advances in care, congenital heart disease (CHD) is the most common birth defect. It remains the leading, non-infectious cause of infant deaths. Read More

image of a teen boy smiling

Pilonidal Disease: Using Laser Hair Removal to Prevent a Chronic Skin Infection

Nov 13, 2018

Pilonidal disease is a chronic skin infection in the crease of the buttocks, affecting more than 70,000 people each year. A new treatment with laser hair removal may more safe and effective than shaving or surgery. Read about this option and find out if your child may qualify for our study. Read More

Can I Detect Seizures in My Child When I’m Not There?

Feb 08, 2017

Until recently, there were not many products that could be used to watch for seizures. Many parents end up using baby monitors with or without video support. However, that is not fool-proof and shown not to work in many cases. Read More

Research to Improve The Lives of Children

Mar 16, 2016

Did you know that Nationwide Children’s Hospital is home to one of America’s top 10 pediatric research centers? On our campus, more than 180 scientists are researching cures for the biggest challenges in child health. Read More

Our Top 10 Posts of 2015

Dec 31, 2015

As we wrap up 2015, we want to take a moment to put a bow on the top ten 700 Children’s posts from the past year. This site is a wealth of information from our clinicians, researchers and staff and we thank them, and our readers, for sharing this space with us. Read More

Understanding Genetic Predisposition to Cancer

Aug 28, 2015

When a child is diagnosed with cancer, parents commonly ask, “Does this put my other kids at higher risk for developing cancer as well?” Most of the time, the answer to this question is “no”. Read More

The Dangers of Pinterest

Jun 30, 2015

I’ll admit I’m no Martha Stewart. But something about Pinterest sucks me in. But as a childhood injury researcher, I have a problem with Pinterest. I see ideas for children that are completely unsafe for them. Read More

SMA Clinical Trial Provides Hope for Families

Jun 17, 2015

Tragically, most children with Type I Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA1) don’t live past their 2nd birthday. I believe the answer for these patients and their families is gene therapy. Read More