Conflict of Interest Policy information
With the new year upon us, it’s the perfect time to take stock of all the forms, processes and policies that
require our annual attention and understanding.
The Conflict of Interest Policy is one such policy that should be reviewed on a regular basis. This is an
overarching policy for Schulich Medicine & Dentistry – whether you are a faculty member from our clinical
or basic science departments, from dentistry, or a student.
The purpose of this policy is to establish guidelines for the interactions between Schulich Medicine & Dentistry, its faculty, staff and students, and industry partners.
These interactions include those with representatives of the pharmaceutical, biotech, medical device and
research equipment industry. Such interactions can be positive and of benefit to the mission of the School
in service, education and research.
It is imperative, however, that such relationships be above reproach such that potential and real conflicts
of interest are recognized and managed appropriately and cannot endanger patient safety, the integrity of
our educational programs or the reputation of faculty or our institution.
There are a number of forms that accompany the policy that must be signed when entering in
different relationships or participating in activity.
The Conflict of Interest Policy can be easily found on the School’s website, as can all the forms. The
website also provides a tool kit that can and should be used on an annual basis as a refresher and
update on the information during your department meetings. You can also watch a short video produced
in 2014, which shares the value and importance of the policy.
I encourage you to review the policy, keep close access to the forms and share the information with new
faculty members, while keeping the conversation alive with your ongoing teams.
Thank you,
Michael J. Strong, MD, FRCP(C)
Dean, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry
Distinguished University Professor, Western University
