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                                                                      EXHIBIT 23

                        CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS

We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statement (Form
S-8) pertaining to the 1989 Stock Option Plan of ClinTrials Research Inc. of our
report dated January 26, 1996, with respect to the consolidated financial
statements of ClinTrials Research Inc. incorporated by reference in its Annual
Report (Form 10-K), as amended, for the year ended December 31, 1995 and the
financial statement schedule included therein, filed with the Securities and
Exchange Commission.



                                            Ernst & Young LLP


Nashville, Tennessee
July 16, 1996