Since the revised PhRMA Code took effect in January 2009, companies have sought new and different ways to have effective and engaging interactions with physicians. At this year’s annual meeting, you will notice that some companies are modifying their approach to exhibiting. Like last year, you will not be able to pick up a pen in the exhibit hall and you will see more medical liaison staff and fewer marketing staff. Since the focus will be on education, expect more interactive booth exchanges to educate attendees about products and the science behind them. Based on the feedback from 2009 attendees that the Innovation Theater was a convenient place to learn about new products, we will offer more sessions there this year.
As part of a broader initiative, the Council of Medical Specialty Societies (CMSS), which represents 32 leading specialty societies, released a voluntary Code for Interaction with Companies in April. Among other things, the code reinforces the integrity that CME providers are required to demonstrate by adopting policies and procedures for managing the relationships of individuals who plan, carry out, or contribute to the content of CME activities. The ACR recently applied to become a CMSS member so that we could have input into policies established by external groups. In an effort to unify the diverse ACR policies touching on issues of industry relationship, and in an effort to be transparent in these matters, the ACR has developed its own ACR Guiding Principles for Interactions with External Entities. In addition to making available to the public a listing of commercial support, individual disclosures of the 2011 ACR Board of Directors will also be publicly available.
Read the Statement
Download the full statement, “Medical Professional Society Relationships with Industry: A Joint Statement” at www.rheumatology.org/ref/industry/PMA_Joint_Letter.pdf.
As the landscape surrounding the annual meeting, CME, and industry remains in flux, the ACR is committed to transparency and ensuring its educational activities continue to the offer outstanding education. We will also continue to explore appropriate opportunities for our rheumatology members in industry to contribute their talent and expertise to our organization.
We believe we can continue to work with industry and other external entities to support our ever-growing effort to achieve our mission: Advancing Rheumatology.
Dr. Cohen is president of the ACR. Contact him via e-mail at [email protected].