Although the majority of my referrals are based on word of mouth, patients value the fact that I have worked on numerous advisory boards and surgical product developments. In fact, this is often in some small way why they have selected me to be their eye surgeon. I readily and publicly disclose all potential conflict of interests.
Physician-industry collaborations are, however, being met with increasing scrutiny. The press has sensationalized these relationships, and universities are mandating inflexible policies prohibiting physicians from working with industry.
This edition of MillennialEYE focuses on the physician-industry relationship. We will hear from both physicians and industry on what makes an effective collaboration, the pursuit of physician innovation, and how organizations such as the American-European Congress of Ophthalmic Surgery are fostering partnerships between physicians and members of industry.
With the increasing challenges facing physician-industry collaboration, physicians need to be aware of the changing landscape and how they can effectively and responsibly continue to shape our industry in a compliant manner. The very nature of innovation requires collaboration, and our field is founded on such partnerships.
