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AAMC Strongly Endorses NIH Ban on Outside Activities

For Immediate Release

Press Release

Contact: Retha Sherrod
202-828-0975
rsherrod@aamc.org

Washington, D.C., February 2, 2005 - Jordan J. Cohen, M.D., president of the AAMC (Association of American Medical Colleges), issued the following statement on the National Institutes of Health's (NIH) new policy for managing financial conflicts of interest:

"The AAMC strongly endorses the new NIH policy regulating the outside activities of its employees. The rules are clear and unambiguous and will enhance the public's confidence in the integrity and dedication of NIH employees and scientists. The special status of this agency requires that any activities with the potential for creating real or apparent conflicts of interest be avoided whenever possible, and, when allowed, be carefully restricted through accountable disclosure and review. The new regulations put in place by Dr. Zerhouni and the leadership of NIH and the Department of Health and Human Services will help to ensure that relationships of NIH staff with industry and grantee institutions meet the high ethical standards called for by the NIH's unique mission.

We also firmly support NIH's plan to assess the impact of these new rules within one year. Given the sweeping changes being made and the possibility of unintended consequences, it is prudent for the agency to undertake a thorough review after full implementation so that appropriate modifications can be made, if necessary. We applaud the commitment of Dr. Zerhouni and the NIH staff to maintain a transparent environment of sound ethical practices and procedures. Only by doing so will the public be assured that the scientific health information it receives from the NIH is unbiased and of high quality."

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The Association of American Medical Colleges is a not-for-profit association representing all 129 accredited U.S. and 17 accredited Canadian medical schools; nearly 400 major teaching hospitals and health systems, including 68 Department of Veterans Affairs medical centers; and 94 academic and scientific societies. Through these institutions and organizations, the AAMC represents 109,000 faculty members, 67,000 medical students, and 104,000 resident physicians. Additional information about the AAMC and U.S. medical schools and teaching hospitals is available at www.aamc.org/newsroom.