Conflicts of interest in the medical profession have affected both medical care and treatment of patients. Emory University in Atlanta was investigated by both the National Institute of Health and Congress over the ethics of accepting consulting fees from outside sources.
On June 4 Emory announced a new ethics rule prohibiting compensation, gifts, or travel expenses for speaking at industry promotional events by Emory University School of Medicine personnel. While this is a positive step these conflicts are rampant in the medical and scientific communities. Payments from drug and medical device companies to "independent" researchers are common. Doctors routinely refer patients to testing and treatment facilities where they have an ownership interest.
Our Atlanta Law Firm applauds the Emory decision. However, we have not hesitated to bring actions against Emory or other prestigious institutions when they have caused injury or death to patients through malpractice or other wrongdoing. Recognizing these conflicts of interest are simply common sense and they must end.
