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Policy on Physician Relationships with Drug and Medical Equipment or Device Companies

Approved by the Washington University Faculty Practice Plan Board, April 2007

We Want You to Know

Washington University School of Medicine and its physicians recognize the importance of full disclosure and truthfulness in maintaining your confidence and trust. We also want you to feel comfortable that the medical care you receive is not affected by any outside influence from companies that make drugs, medical equipment or other medical products such as heart pacemakers, hip or knee joint replacement implants, etc.

To make certain this is the case, Washington University School of Medicine requires its faculty physicians to disclose all financial relationships with drug and medical product manufacturers. We carefully evaluate all such relationships and have strict guidelines to make certain that any medications or medical products prescribed by your physician are not influenced by the commercial companies that manufacture them.

Why Do Physicians Collaborate with Drug and Medical Product Manufacturers?

Some of our faculty physicians work with commercial companies to develop new drugs, medical equipment and other medical products that can benefit patients. Using their medical knowledge and experience, these doctors provide new ideas and important feedback as new medical products are developed. Drug and medical equipment companies generally pay experienced physicians who help develop new drugs and products, or to teach other physicians how to use them.

If You Have Questions About Medical Product Companies and the Care You Receive

If you have any questions about your doctor’s relationship with drug or medical product manufacturers as it relates to your care, please feel free to ask him or her. You can link to and download a pdf of the Washington University Clinical Conflict of Interest Policies.