Thursday, December 31, 2009

Physician Ethics and Industry Relationships

Earlier this month, Medscape interviewed Amy Brodkey, MD, an adjunct associate professor of psychiatry at the University of Pennsylvania. Dr. Brodkey discussed how physician interactions with industry representatives, such as the receipt of gifts, free drug samples, and funded CME programs, can lead to conflicts of interest.

As we enter the new year and consider good habits to adopt, we might want to take Dr. Brodkey's advice and encourage our physicians to be transparent in their interactions with industry representatives. This will help to maintain the integrity of their patient care and to eliminate the appearance that the treatment they provide is merely the result of a business relationship.

To read the full article, click here:
http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/713480?src=mp&spon=21&uac=3968HZ.

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