AMA response to New England Journal of Medicine study on physicians and industry

Statement attributable to:
J. James Rohack, MD
AMA Board of Trustees

"Although drug and medical device manufacturers can play an important role in educating physicians about new products, physicians have an ethical obligation to help patients and make the best informed choices about their health care without conflicts of interest.

"The American Medical Association (AMA) has clear ethical guidelines for physicians in dealing with industry that provide a framework to minimize potential conflicts of interest. Physicians' prescribing habits must be consistent with the latest scientific information and consistent with the physicians' best medical judgment.

"Drug samples can be particularly beneficial to uninsured patients, and the study indicates that physicians who actively treat a greater number of uninsured patients do accept more samples.

"Continued education is critical to ensure physicians minimize possible conflicts of interest. To help further educate physicians on their ethical obligations, the AMA continues to offer educational initiatives, including an online program, to raise awareness among physicians about these ethical guidelines. We are developing a series of educational programs for students and physicians to promote the importance of sound prescribing habits, which will emphasize ethical guidelines to avoid potential conflicts of interest."

Editor's Note: For text of AMA's ethical policy, E-8.061, "Gifts to Physicians from Industry," please visit the AMA Web site www.ama-assn.org or contact AMA Media Relations. These ethical guidelines have been in place since 1990.

###

For more information, please contact:

Melissa Smith
AMA Media Relations
(312) 464-4443