Catawba Valley Medical Center (CVMC) is committed to making sure human research subjects and their rights are protected. Individuals in a study are called subjects or participants. You may see either term used. Our website provides useful information if you are thinking about volunteering to be a research subject or are already involved in research. You can learn what it means to be a human subject. You can also find out about your rights and questions to ask before volunteering to be in a research study. A committee called the Institutional Review Board (IRB) is responsible for protecting your rights. Click on ‘How to Contact Us’ with your questions or concerns. Remember by taking part in a research study, you may help in finding new or better ways of delivering healthcare.