2009 Annual Meeting Symposium:
The Evolving Orthopaedic Surgeon - Industry Relationship

This symposium explores the current enforcement environment regarding the relationship and potential conflicts of interest between orthopaedic surgeons and industry. The following presentations were made during the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeon's 2009 Annual Meeting.

Introduction and Brief History
E. Anthony Rankin, MD

Crystal Ball: How Will Industry-Orthopaedic Issues Likely Affect Orthopaedic Research and Education?
Stuart L. Weinstein, MD
In his signed disclosure statement, Dr. Weinstein has disclosed that he receives royalties from Wolters Kluwer Health - Lippincott Williams & Wilkins for editing three textbooks.

Crystal Ball: Government Enforcement Perspectives
Crane M. Pomeranz, JD, and Kathleen McDermott, JD

Audience Discussion

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.