Policy 121: Conflict of Interest Policy
Policy Number: 121
Date Approved: 11/05/2024
Executive Responsibility: Executive Committee
References: Wright State University Policy 1210; BSOM Pharmaceutical/Medical Device Industry Conflict of Interest Policy; LCME Element 1.2; LCME Element 12.5
121.1 Purpose
This policy defines dual relationships in order to avoid any potential conflict of interest and to ensure the most constructive and supportive learning atmosphere for our students in accordance with LCME Element 1.2 listed below:
“A medical school has in place and follows effective policies and procedures applicable to board members, faculty members, and any other individuals who participate in decision-making affecting the medical education program to avoid the impact of conflicts of interest in the operation of the medical education program, its associated clinical facilities, and any related enterprises.”
In accordance with LCME Element 12.5, this policy also prohibits health professionals who provide health services, including psychiatric/psychological counseling, from being involved in the assessment or promotion of a medical student for which they have provided health services.
121.2 General Policy
Wright State University Boonshoft School of Medicine (BSOM) follows Wright State University Policy 1210: Ethics Policy to ensure that BSOM members conduct themselves in a manner that fosters public confidence in the integrity of Wright State University, BSOM, its processes, and its accomplishments.
121.3 Student Evaluation and Assessment
Conflicts of interest can pose problems for the student, as well as affecting the learning environment for the entire health care team. These conflicts of interest include, but are not limited to:
- consensual relationships
- familial relationships
- physician-patient (health care) relationships
- financial relationships (including direct supervisor of employment)
Therefore, faculty and residents must avoid, whenever possible, such dual relationships with students. If such a relationship does exist, it is the primary responsibility of the faculty and residents to immediately notify the module or clerkship director to avoid any conflict of interest during teaching and evaluation periods or ask that the student be reassigned. At a minimum, they will not complete an evaluation or provide summative assessment of any student with whom a conflict exists.
121.3.1 Student Evaluation and Assessment Procedure
Faculty and residents will be required to attest that they do not have a conflict of interest with the student they are evaluating. An attestation statement will be included at the top of the student clinical evaluation. This attestation will be required to ensure that only evaluators without a conflict of interest will contribute to the student’s evaluation.
The attestation statement reads, “I hereby attest that I do not have a conflict of interest with this student, including but not limited to a consensual relationship, familial relationship, physician-patient (health care) relationship, and/or financial relationship.”
Students attest to the understanding of this policy during orientation to medical school and prior to starting their clerkships. If a student realizes they have been assigned a role with a faculty member or resident that is prohibited by a current or prior physician-patient (health care), financial (direct supervisor of employment), or familial/intimate relationship, the student should notify the module or clerkship director and ask to be reassigned.
121.4 Committee Meetings
At the beginning of all relevant committee meetings, all committee members must disclose any conflict of interest and should recuse themselves from the discussion and the vote. This must be reflected in the committee minutes.
Members of the Admissions Committee, Student Promotion Committee, Appointment, Promotion, and Advancement Committee, and/or Nominations and Elections Committee must recuse themselves in accordance with the recusal provisions in the BSOM Bylaws.
121.5 Research
Researchers must abide by the BSOM Pharmaceutical/Medical Device Industry Conflict of Interest Policy, the Wright State University Ethics Policy, and Wright State University Research Compliance requirements.
