Volume 196 - Issue 2
Conflict of interest guidelines for clinical guidelines
Author: Peter J McLaren
Med J Aust 2012; 196 (2): 113. || doi: 10.5694/mja11.11442
Published online: 6 February 2012
Published online: 6 February 2012
To the Editor: I am disappointed by Williams and colleagues’ blinkered view on “conflict of interest”.1 Their focus is solely on that of influence by profit-making medical supplies companies, often loosely referred to as “big pharma”.
However, many careers are made and lost by government-influenced appointments and funding. The careers of some doctors in government-funded positions may hinge on whether they support the health department stance on a particular guideline.
Rarely have I seen a future promotion, government research funding, committee appointment or professorial sinecure listed as a conflict of interest.
Competing interests
No relevant disclosures.
References
- Williams MJ, Kevat DAS, Loff B. Conflict of interest guidelines for clinical guidelines. Med J Aust 2011; 195: 442-445. 0_DHCDJGEF