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Conflicts of interest in science and medicine: the physician’s perspective

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Abstract

The various statements and declarations of the World Medical Association that address conflicts of interest on the part of physicians as (1) researchers, and (2) practitioners, are examined, with particular reference to the October 2000 revision of the Declaration of Helsinki. Recent contributions to the literature, notably on conflicts of interest in medical research, are noted. Finally, key provisions of the American Medical Association’s Code of Medical Ethics (2000–2001 Edition) that address the various forms of conflict of interest that can arise in the practice of medicine are outlined.

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References

  1. The English, French and Spanish versions of the Declaration can be accessed at (www.wma.net). It is reproduced in the WMA’s Handbook of Declarations, last issued in December 2000.

  2. These requirements can be accessed at www.thelancet.com/info/info.isa?n1=authorinfo⇎=Uniform+requirements

  3. The Lancet 358: v1, 1–2 (2001).

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  6. General Medical Council (2002) Research: The Role and Responsibilities of Doctors. GMC, London.

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  7. Ibid, p. 7 (para. 13).

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  8. World Medical Association (2000) Handbook of Declarations. WMA, Ferney-Voltaire, France.

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  9. American Medical Association, Council on Ethical and Judicial Affairs (2000) Code of Medical Ethics. Current Opinions. 2000–2001 Edition. AMA, Chicago.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. World Medical Association, Boite Postale 63, 01212, Ferney-Voltaire, France

    Delon Human (Secretary-General)

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  1. Delon Human
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Correspondence to Delon Human.

Additional information

The World Medical Association (WMA) is a global federation of National Medical Associations representing the millions of physicians worldwide. Acting on behalf of patients and physicians, the WMA endeavours to achieve the highest possible standards of medical care, ethics, education and health-related human rights for all people.

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Human, D. Conflicts of interest in science and medicine: the physician’s perspective. SCI ENG ETHICS 8, 273–276 (2002). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11948-002-0043-0

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11948-002-0043-0

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