Episode 12: Considering a Clinical Trial for a Child: A Caregiver's View
From Caregivers SHARE, a St. Jude Podcast by St. Jude (SJCRH)
May 21, 2026 · 50 min · Season 3 · Episode 12
About this episode
This episode discusses the emotional and practical considerations caregivers face when enrolling a child in a clinical trial.
When a child is facing a serious illness, being asked to consider a clinical trial can feel overwhelming. This episode of Caregivers SHARE continues our 2-part series on clinical trials by focusing on the real questions, emotions, and decisions caregivers face. Carina Richardson shares her family’s experience enrolling her son in a clinical trial. Seth Karol, MD, shares insights from a doctor’s perspective, on how he would approach a clinical trial as a caregiver. Clay Culp, LCSW, guides the conversation with thoughtful questions and key points. Together, they talk about how clinical trials may differ from standard treatment, what the consent process looks like, and why clear, ongoing communication is essential. This episode explores: How clinical trials can change over time and differ for each child What worries caregivers often have and how care teams can help How child life specialists and other support services can help families Why asking questions and speaking up matters This episode offers reassurance, perspective, and empowerment for caregivers making decisions about their child’s care. A special thank you to Clay Culp, social work manager at St. Jude; Seth Karol, MD…
People in this episode
Host: Clay Culp, LCSW
Guest: Carina Richardson
Topics covered
- clinical trials
- caregiver experience
- child health
- communication in healthcare
- support services
Keywords
- clinical trial
- caregiver
- child illness
- communication
- support services
- consent process
- emotional support
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: St. Jude
Books & works: What Is a Clinical Trial?
More episodes of Caregivers SHARE, a St. Jude Podcast
- Episode 11: What is a Clinical Trial? · May 7, 2026 · 32 min
- Episode 10: Communicating with the Care Team During End-of-Life Care · April 16, 2026 · 47 min
- Episode 9: Communicating with the Care Team During Treatment · March 19, 2026 · 1h 14m
- Episode 8: Relationships and Social Life During Treatment · February 18, 2026 · 48 min
- Episode 7: Self-Compassion and Seeking Support · January 15, 2026 · 35 min
- Episode 6: Glimpses of Light in the Darkness · December 18, 2025 · 37 min
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