What are clinical trials and why are they important? To ensure safety and effectiveness, all medications and medical devices must go through a testing process with the FDA before being made available to the public. During this process, clinical trials are performed. Medical advances have helped shape the modern world, increasing lifespans and preventing the spread of life-threatening diseases. Every medication, vaccine, or device available on the market was at some point tested in a clinical trial. Advances in technology give us an opportunity to continue to eradicate disease and improve global well-being.