Healthy Skepticism Library item: 15674

Warning: This library includes all items relevant to health product marketing that we are aware of regardless of quality. Often we do not agree with all or part of the contents.

Publication type: Journal Article

Nakayama DK, Bozeman AP.
Industry support of graduate medical education in surgery.
Am Surg 2009 May; 75:(5):395-400
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19445290

Abstract:

The role of pharmaceutical and medical device companies (“industry”) in graduate medical education (GME) is under debate. We surveyed program directors in general surgery and surgical specialties to determine industry activities in surgical GME. We used an internet-based questionnaire regarding industry marketing and educational activities in surgical programs, and their effects on surgical education. We received 65 responses to 377 requests (17%). Nearly two-thirds reported industry-sponsored meals. Industry-supported travel was infrequent (“never” and “seldom” in 56% of device workshops, 69% of lectures, and 74% of conferences). More than one-half reported support for academic events: paid lecturers and exhibition fees (both 58%), and unrestricted grants (62%). More than one-half (54%) reported industry-sponsored research. One-fourth believed their programs to be dependent on industry for their educational missions. Most disagreed that industry support posed a problem, either in general (55%) or for their program (71%). One-fourth of respondents (25%) advocated profession-wide restrictions of industry involvement with GME. Equal numbers agreed (39%) and disagreed (35%) with the view that pharmaceutical and medical device industries have motivations that are in conflict with those of doctors and their patients. Industry activities are widespread in surgical residencies, with approval of many program directors.