Guidance on Implementation of Industry Relationship Policy - Speaking Engagements
MEMORANDUM
| TO: | Schools of the Health Sciences Deans School of Medicine Department Chairs |
| FROM: | Arthur S. Levine, M.D. |
| DATE: | March 23, 2008 |
| RE: | Guidance on Implementation of Industry Relationship Policy - Speaking Engagements |
With increased focus by both lawmakers and the media on the influence of outside financial relationships on medical education and research, the UPMC and University Schools of the Health Sciences Industry Relationships Policy (“Policy”) has proven to be a timely response to this critical problem facing our profession. As we move forward with implementation of the Policy, I note that there have been numerous questions about how to assess the acceptability of proposed speaking invitations received by faculty members. There are two new FAQs on the conflict of interest website to help you with educating faculty on this issue, which you can view here:
http://www.coi.pitt.edu/IndustryRelationships/FAQ.htm#faq19 http://www.coi.pitt.edu/IndustryRelationships/FAQ.htm#faq20.
To aid you in evaluating such requests, I recommend the excellent checklist developed by our colleagues at WPIC.
As academic scientists, it is our responsibility to lead on this issue, and I recognize that the burden of ensuring compliance falls heavily on your shoulders. Thank you for your continued diligence regarding these matters.