Conflict of Interest
Wake Forest University Health Sciences (WFUHS) encourages interactions between industry and WFUHS faculty, staff and students to enhance the educational, research and clinical missions of the School. WFUHS recognizes, however, that research-related conflicts may arise from these interactions. In most cases, these conflicts can be effectively managed once the relationship is fully disclosed to WFUHS.
Financial Conflict of Interest - What is it?
For WFUHS, conflict of interest refers to a situation in which financial or other personal considerations may compromise, or have the appearance of compromising, an individual’s professional judgment in conducting or reporting research, patient care, or carrying out or directing other types of School programs.
Conflicts of interest are commonplace and should NOT be considered as necessarily inappropriate. Such conflicts are rooted in the situation and not the character or behavior of the individual. Our most productive investigators generate most of the conflicts precisely because they contribute the most. The keys to managing conflicts of interest are transparency and oversight, which protect study participants, investigators and the school from misunderstanding and unwarranted suspicion of bias.
Examples of Conflicts - Case Studies
Guidelines for Conflicts of Interest ad Committment Brochure
Financial Disclosure
According to WFUHS policy, at least annually each faculty member and key administrator will disclose any private financial relationship with an outside entity related to their school activities that amounts to greater than $10,000 or 5% ownership interest. All disclosures are kept highly confidential.
In addition, when substantial changes in your external activities occur, faculty and staff are required to update this disclosure in a timely manner, e.g., 14 days. Each disclosure is submitted online, date stamped and archived.
Managing Research-Related Conflicts
Financial conflicts of interest must be managed, reduced or eliminated. The management of financial conflicts of interest in research usually involves the formal establishment of systems which ensure that objectivity and high ethical standards are maintained at all times.
Conflict of Interest Policy
Access Conflict of Interest policy information here. This site area has both WFUHS and Federal policies, guidelines and resources.
Committee Members Area
Conflict of Interest Review Committee Member Access Only - Log on using your WFUBMC userid and password. Problems? Contact Scott Mann: smann@wfubmc.edu / 716-9361
To view this area while away from the WFUBMC campus, see: Accessing Committee Websites from WFUBMC Portal
Contact Teresa Anderson with questions on financial conflict of interest in research.
Phone: (336) 713-2990