HUNTINGTON, W.Va. — A national study by the Institute of Medicine as a Profession (IMAP) on clinical conflict-of-interest (COI) policies shows the Marshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine has some of the strongest policies among American medical schools.

The analysis was published in the October issue of Academic Medicine and reviewed clinical COI policies that seek to limit ties to industry including managing gifts and meals from pharmaceutical and device manufacturers, along with physicians' consulting and speaking engagements for company-sponsored events.

According to the report, Marshall has a policy strength average score of 2.4 on a scale of 0 to 3, placing it in the 94th percentile.

“Having these policies in place is important to maintain strong ethical practices and conflict-free relationships,” said Joseph I. Shapiro, dean of the School of Medicine. “We continue to work toward an environment that elevates transparency and openness.”

Overall, the 2011 study showed schools have made great progress in developing policies to limit industry influence as compared to a 2008 study, although no school met all standards as defined by IMAP.

Date Posted: Thursday, October 31, 2013