Ethical issues of medical schools and their academic departments accepting gifts from pharma.

Abstract

The ethical implications of medical schools or any of their academic departments accepting large corporate donations, mainly from pharmaceutical companies, have been long debated. Although such contributions are common in other graduate institutions, medical schools must be convinced about potential conflicts of interest and public opinion. We re-explore the benefits these kinds of gifts would afford for improved educational and research resources against the ethical dilemmas this kind of donation would present and concerns about public perception and actual conflict of interest. Using the principles of beneficence, nonmaleficence, autonomy, and distributive justice, we discuss the physicians' obligations and conceivable patient backlash that may ensue. Ultimately, we recognize the necessity for financial resources to support academic missions but contend that health care facilities and medical education must be equipped while ensuring a complete lack of bias in sponsorship.