Gifts and Corporate Influence in Doctor of Pharmacy Education

Abstract

Objectives. To explore the nature of corporate gifts directed at PharmD programs and pharmacy student activities and the perceptions of administrators about the potential influences of such gifts. Methods. A verbally administered survey of administrative officials at 11 US colleges and schools of pharmacy was conducted and responses were analyzed. Results. All respondents indicated accepting corporate gifts or sponsorships for student-related activities in the form of money, grants, scholarships, meals, trinkets, and support for special events, and cited many advantages to corporate partner relationships. Approximately half of the respondents believed that real or potential problems could occur from accepting corporate gifts. Forty-four percent of respondents agreed or strongly agreed that corporate contributions could influence college or school administration. Sixty-one percent agreed or strongly agreed that donations were likely to influence students. Conclusions. Corporate gifts do influence college and school of administration and students. Policies should be in place to manage this influence appropriately.

Exploring Hidden Messages About Pharmacist Roles in Student-Designed Orientation T-Shirts

“…While some suggest industry influences could be problematic by biasing pharmacist decision-making and career choice, others emphasize improving student business acumen and describe sponsorship positively. [29][30][31][32] Our results also indicated mixed thoughts and feelings about the possible negative influences of the retail business logo. With sponsorship came an expectation of acknowledgment on the t-shirt, but a few participants suggested a smaller image would be less obvious.…”

A comparative pilot study of the professional ethical thinking of Quebec pharmacy residents and French pharmacy interns

“…However, French pharmacy interns expressed higher support for accountability in the pharmaceutical industry for vulnerable populations (e.g., ''Pharmaceutical industry must be forced to conduct studies on vulnerable populations even if no market is deemed sufficiently profitable or important for the studies'' is supported by 92% of French interns vs. 82% of Quebec residents). Many authors question pharmacist vs. pharmaceutical industry relationships [27][28][29][30].…”

Pharmaceutical industry funding of educational events for pharmacists in Australia: an analysis of data from the first 6 months of a mandatory disclosure programme

“…As well as industry involvement in continuing education activities targeting pharmacists, [28,29] there is evidence of industry support for regular education events for postgraduate pharmacy residents, academic pharmacy positions (see the University of Sydney Staff of the Faculty of Pharmacy list, www.pharm.usyd.edu.au/about/people/index.shtml), grants, scholarships, travel support, meals, naming rights to lecture theatres or other physical spaces or equipment, and special events. [30] Drug-company staff providing direct teaching to undergraduate medical students is a recent development in the UK; [31] it is unclear whether industry has such direct access to pharmacy students.…”