What is Conflict of Interest (COI)?
For WFSM, 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. 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. Helpful definitions and samples are provided in the following links: Examples of Conflicts – Case Studies Guidelines for Conflicts of Interest and Commitment Brochure NIH Tutorial Disclosure Complete transparency and full disclosure play a key role in reducing, eliminating, or managing conflicts of
