By Nancy Berliner, MD, ASH President

2009-07-01

The recent release of the Institute of Medicine’s (IOM) report on “Conflict of Interest in Medical Research, Education, and Practice” has once again thrust the issues surrounding actual or potential conflicts of interest (COI) between the pharmaceutical industry and medical societies such as ASH into the spotlight of public scrutiny and debate. This report, released in April 2009, was prepared by a distinguished panel of experts in the fields of medicine, academia, and ethics and is a comprehensive compilation of recommendations to identify, limit, and manage COI without negatively affecting constructive collaborations that exist between medical/research professionals and the pharmaceutical industry. David Williams, MD, chief of the Division of Hematology/Oncology at Children’s Hospital in Boston and a councillor on the ASH Executive Committee, was a member of the committee that prepared this report.

ASH recognizes the importance of disclosure and management of COI. However, we also appreciate the important role of industry in facilitating scientific and therapeutic advances that benefit our patients. Hence, we do not support the doctrinaire view that the appropriate way to manage potential conflicts is to eliminate contact through the imposition of strict financial limits or restrictive guidelines. ASH believes that preventing bias is far more nuanced than limiting the amount one can receive as an honorarium or prohibiting the distribution of pens in an exhibit hall. In October 2008, in an effort to underscore the Society’s commitment to managing real and perceived COI, ASH adopted and implemented a new set of principles, processes, and policies to safeguard the integrity of the programs and activities in which its membership is involved. These principles were presented in testimony before the IOM.

ASH has always depended on scientific scrutiny to ensure continuing integrity in the education we provide to our members — whether in our printed and Web-based materials or at our meetings. Most recently, volunteer leaders within the Society have been asked to monitor the various programs at the ASH annual meeting to ensure that presentations are given without bias; furthermore, audience members are formally encouraged to ask questions of the presenters if they detect bias in any presentations.

We agree with the IOM’s observation that collaborations between medical researchers and the pharmaceutical industry are vital to promoting the discovery and development of new medications and treatments that improve individual and public health. The ASH Executive Committee has established a task force on industry relations to study the IOM report and to recommend ways in which we can continue to collaborate with industry without compromising our commitment to presenting unbiased education.

Learn more about ASH’s COI policy

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