AACE and ACE recently released a Position Statement on Physician/Industry Relationships. This statement is a reasonable approach in the debate on the interest of clinicians and patients working with industry to develop new therapies.
The American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists and The American College of Endocrinology (AACE/ACE) believe that interaction between physicians and industry has contributed to safe, effective, and value- oriented health care.
AACE/ACE affirms that relationships between physicians and industry have been overwhelmingly consistent with ethical standards and responsive to the needs of patients.
There is no inherent conflict of interest in the working relationship of physicians with industry and government. Rather, there is a commonality of interest that is healthy, desirable, and beneficial. The collaborative and constructive relationship among physicians, government, and industry has resulted in many medical advancements and improved health outcomes.
Since their inception, AACE/ACE have formulated policies and procedures to guide the conduct of the organizations and their members in cooperative interactions with industry and with government. These policies are continually being updated to reflect the changing practice and health care environment. AACE/ACE are committed to preserving relationships, including those with industry and with government, that contribute to the fulfillment of their basic mission; to enhance physicians' ability to provide the highest quality of medical care for patients with endocrine disorders.
Hopefully in the future we will see more medical societies adopt such reasonable statements.