Dr. Joseph Biederman and Dr. Timothy Wilens are members of the psychiatry department at Harvard Medical School. The two scholars reported, in hindsight, $1.6 million they received from drug makers between 2000 and 2007. The two are known for their advocacy of the use of antipsychotic medicines in children and the payments to the two came from pharmaceutical firms that produce such drugs. Consulting arrangements with the pharmas were already a topic of concern because the good docs advocated unapproved uses of the drugs. Dr. Biederman responded to the disclosure of the fees and his belated compliance with university policy on reporting consulting arrangements, "My interests are solely in the advancement of medical treatment through rigorous and objective study." Which of the following best describes what happened with Dr. Biederman?
A) He eliminated the question of conflicts through his disclosure statement
B) He is correct; he never had a conflict
C) Either a or b
D) None of the above

Question

Dr. Joseph Biederman and Dr. Timothy Wilens are members of the psychiatry department at Harvard Medical School.  The two scholars reported, in hindsight, $1.6 million they received from drug makers between 2000 and 2007.  The two are known for their advocacy of the use of antipsychotic medicines in children and the payments to the two came from pharmaceutical firms that produce such drugs.  Consulting arrangements with the pharmas were already a topic of concern because the good docs advocated unapproved uses of the drugs.  Dr. Biederman responded to the disclosure of the fees and his belated compliance with university policy on reporting consulting arrangements, "My interests are solely in the advancement of medical treatment through rigorous and objective study."  Which of the following best describes what happened with Dr. Biederman?
A) He eliminated the question of conflicts through his disclosure statement
B) He is correct; he never had a conflict
C) Either a or b
D) None of the above

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The disclosure of the fees received by Dr. Biederman and Dr. Wilens from drug makers raises questions about potential conflicts of interest and their advocacy of the use of antipsychotic medicines in children. While Dr. Biederman claims that his interests are solely in the advancement of medical treatment through rigorous and objective study, the fact remains that he received significant payments from pharmaceutical companies that produce the drugs he advocates for. Therefore, it cannot be said that he eliminated the question of conflicts through his disclosure statement, and his claim that he never had a conflict is questionable.

Dr Joseph Biederman and Dr