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Overview
In recent years, there have been extensive publicity and public
discussions on the relationship between pharmaceutical and medical
device makers and individual physicians. Articles questioning
some of these relationships have appeared in The New York
Times, The Wall Street Journal, The Washington
Post, and other major publications.
In 2005, the U.S. DOJ began investigating certain consulting
or professional service arrangements between orthopaedic surgeons
and medical device makers. In September 2007, five device manufacturers
reached a settlement with the DOJ. The DOJ investigation in
New Jersey and in other jurisdictions are reported to be continuing.
Throughout this website, you will find resources addressing the various aspects of the ongoing discussions on relationship between pharmaceutical and medical device makers and individual physicians.
This area of the website contains letters, communications, news items, and press releases regarding the settlement and ongoing efforts for the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) to address these issues.
The AAOS has adopted required standards on
the appropriate relationship between physicians and industry.
This area of the website reviews these standards and their implications
in practice. This section also discusses the position of the U.S.
government, AdvaMed, and PhRMA.
The AAOS has also developed aspirational ethical guidelines to address under what circumstances, if any, it is appropriate for orthopaedic surgeons to accept gifts or other financial support from industry, including pharmaceutical, biomaterial or device manufacturers. This area of the website provides the AAOS Opinions on Ethics and Professionalism and guidelines for physician-industry relationships.
The AAOS has developed a number of educational programs and publications that provide insights into the complex and potentially challenging and rewarding relationships between health care companies and health care professionals.
The AAOS has developed several tools for orthopaedic surgeons to use in discussing conflict of interest issues with patients and the public.
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