What Does This Mean?

A Duke faculty member may have a business and/or collaborative relationships with other health care industry companies. These relationships may include activities such as consulting, research, and educational opportunities.

Why Is This Important?

Industry relations and collaborations are important to the advancement of research and development of new therapies for our patients. These new therapies improve quality of care and may result in better outcomes. However, a conflict of interest can arise when this relationship is unmanaged and improperly influences the medical decision-making process.

What Are We Doing To Monitor Potential Conflicts of Interest?

Duke faculty are required to routinely report their industry relationships and activities to the Duke Conflict of Interest Program. Rules regarding conflict of interest require the reporting of financial relationships of the individual as well as their immediate family. The Duke Conflict of Interest Program, with the advice of the School of Medicine Conflict of Interest Committee, has processes in place to evaluate and monitor these relationships to ensure that faculty interact with industry in a manner consistent with Duke's emphasis on putting its patients' interests first. Research should be carried out objectively, with a high degree of integrity and an emphasis on protecting the safety and well-being of research volunteers.