Quote of the Day: My COI Policy Prohibits Me from Discussing My COI Policy

I received this from Kim Vale, a researcher who is reviewing university conflict of interest policies:

A big-wig from a Midwest University responded to my email request to speak with him regarding conflict of interest between academic medical center s (AMC’s) and Industry with the following statement,

 “unfortunately my universities’ policies on conflict of interest prohibit me from speaking with you about the very issue that prohibits me from speaking with industry”….he called the next day to speak anyway, but insisted on anonymity. 

I’m sure this person’s dean is thoroughly convinced the program is working.  So much for freedom of speech…