In the December issue of the GME e-Letter we referenced a recent meeting of major stakeholders to discuss key issues facing medical education and possible solutions. In response, we received the following correspondence from program director Bob Granadier, MD.
I am sure that many issues were raised in Washington, but I would like to emphasize
one issue related to GME: funding of educational programming. Unfortunately,
as departments and institutions continue to get squeezed financially, fewer
and fewer funds are available for quality residency programming. Even worse,
as a result, many departments with small budgets turn to alternative sources,
the ubiquitous pharmaceutical companies.
As a program director, I am always concerned about role modeling appropriate, professional behavior with respect to a physician's relationship with industry. Others are not as concerned or alternatively are unaware of behaviors that are "conflicts of interest," and their potential to compromise the quality and integrity of GME and CME activities. Educating physicians in training and our colleagues with respect to industry relationships will be a priority for the foreseeable future.
Education is just another word for opportunity to the pharmaceutical companies, whose tactics can seduce or coerce even our most savvy and ethical colleagues. The societal cost of these activities is too great to ignore, and big Pharma’s role in their perpetuation is undeniable. Therefore, adequate funding of GME, and freedom from the long arm of industry, must be a priority and considered an investment in our country's health care systems future.
Content provided by: Medical Education