Dialogue Volume 10 Issue 1 2014 | Page 9

FEATURE Managing relationships with commercial enterprises We want your feedback on our draft policy T he College is asking for your feedback on a draft policy that provides guidance for physicians in managing their relationships with industry appropriately. “Receiving physician feedback on all draft policies is of enormous benefit to the final product,” said Dr. Marc Gabel, College President,“and on this particular issue, physician feedback is absolutely critical. Knowing your considered thoughts on what is reasonable, what is doable and what is in the best interests of our patients will help in crafting the best possible policy.” The draft policy – Physicians’ Relationships with Industry: Practice, Education and Research – recognizes that industry has a valuable and legitimate role to play in the practise of medicine. In fact, the draft does not discourage appropriate interactions with industry and states up front that relations between physicians and industry – including pharmaceutical, medical device and technology companies – have the potential to benefit both physicians and patients by advancing medical knowledge and improving patient care. The interests and responsibilities of industry, however, are not always aligned with the professional and legal obligations of physicians. As a result, physicians may find themselves facing ethical dilemmas or potential conflicts of interest stemming from their relationships with industry. The expectations set out in the policy were developed to enable physicians to uphold their professional DIALOGUE • Issue 1, 2014 11