The Allergy & Asthma Medical Group and Research Center, a five-physician practice in Kearny Mesa, gets about half of its income from conducting research for drug companies, said Dr. James P. Kemp of that group.
Einhorn points out, though, that he believes private physicians who take on research often do so not just as a moneymaker but also as a way of keeping on the cutting edge of their field. These doctors also keep sight of individual patients' needs, Einhorn said.
"The drug company is very specific about what it pays for. It pays for a certain number of visits, it pays for their medicines, it pays for their blood tests. Other things come in a sense out of our pocket--our time on the telephone and in the office.
But spending that extra time with someone is not a problem, Einhorn said.
"Once someone's in one of your studies, you feel personally responsible for them."
How to Find Researchers
These are some of the centers in San Diego County where residents can find research experiments to join. Other medical facilities may also conduct tests. Requirements for participation are often quite specific, so prospective volunteers can expect to be questioned extensively.
* UCSD Medical Center: Various departments, as well as the federally funded Clinical Research Center, have ongoing studies in many areas. Current studies include tests of diabetes treatment, postmenopausal hormone supplements and asthma medications. Call UCSD Healthline, 543-5820.
* Scripps Clinic: Has about 250 research studies in many areas. Call Scripps Healthline, 554-8585.
* Feighner Research Institute: Concentrates on tests of psychiatric drugs. Currently recruiting volunteers with panic attacks or depression. Call 464-4300.
* Pacific Research Network: Has studies of drugs for anxiety, depression, Alzheimer's disease symptoms, chronic pain, ulcers, gonorrhea. Call 294-4302.
* Dr. Murray Rosenthal: Has studies of drugs for treating anxiety, stress, depression and Alzheimer's disease symptoms. Call 571-1166.
* Allergy & Asthma Medical Group & Research Center: Tests medications for hay fever, asthma and other allergies. Call 292-1144.
* Dr. Milan Brandon: Tests of drugs for allergies, pain, gastric problems, angina, sinusitis, anxiety, depression (over age 65), arthritis. Call 291-2321.
* Diabetes and Endocrine Associates: Testing oral diabetes medication and drugs to block diabetes-related kidney and retina damage. Call 224-9530.
* Dr. Laurence G. Yellen: Clinical trials of a variety of cardiac drugs. Call 582-2404.
* Harbor View Medical Center: Current studies include test of a drug for enlarged prostate. Call 235-3145.
* Scripps Memorial Hospitals: Clinical trials in ophthalmology, diabetes, growth hormone deficiency, migraine headaches, allergy and cardiology. Call 457-4123.
* Sharp Memorial Hospital: Several studies of cardiac drugs. Call 541-3133.
