STAT+: Canadian medical societies lack sufficient conflict-of-interest policies, study finds

STAT PlusPharmalot Canadian medical societies lack sufficient conflict-of-interest policies, study finds Shortcoming have implications for doctors and patients, researchers say Manage alerts for this article Email this article Share this article By Ed SilvermanMay 19, 2026 Pharmalot Columnist, Senior Writer Ed Silverman[email protected]Ed Silverman, a senior writer and Pharmalot columnist at STAT, has been covering the pharmaceutical industry for nearly three decades. He is also the author of the morning Pharmalittle newsletter and the afternoon Pharmalot newsletter. Most Canadian medical societies lack comprehensive policies governing conflicts of interest, and many existing policies are generally fragmented and narrow in scope, according to a new analysis. Specifically, 35 of 68 medical societies, or 51.5%, did not have policies addressing nine key activities or functions, including clinical practice guidelines, research funding, society journals, continuing medical education, and relationships with companies. Some societies also failed to develop policies for society leadership or staff.Advertisement The absence of such policies has implications not only for the societies, but also for doctors and patients, the researchers wrote in PLOS One. Societies that limited governance while developing practice guidelines or sponsoring educational programs risk introducing commercial bias into clinical decision-making, and that could affect treatment and care. STAT+ Exclusive Story Already have an account? Log in This article is exclusive to STAT+ subscribers Unlock this article — plus in-depth analysis, newsletters, premium events, and news alerts. Already have an account? Log in Monthly $39 Totals $468 per year $39/month Get Started Totals $468 per year Starter $30 for 3 months, then $399/year $30 for 3 months Get Started Then $399/year Annual $399 Save 15% $399/year Get Started Save 15% 11+ Users Custom Savings start at 25%! Request A Quote Request A Quote Savings start at 25%! 2-10 Users $300 Annually per user $300/year Get Started $300 Annually per user View All Plans To read the rest of this story subscribe to STAT+. Subscribe Log In Pharmaceuticals, Policy, STAT+ Submit a correction requestReprints Ed Silverman Pharmalot Columnist, Senior Writer Ed Silverman, a senior writer and Pharmalot columnist at STAT, has been covering the pharmaceutical industry for nearly three decades. He is also the author of the morning Pharmalittle newsletter and the afternoon Pharmalot newsletter. Newsletter From the lab to the medicine chest, these are the must-read drug industry updates of the day Recommended May 19, 2026 STAT Plus: Pharmalittle: We’re reading about a Supreme Court setback for pharma, TrumpRx expands and much more Pharmalot May 18, 2026 STAT Plus: Maryland state affordability board places a price cap on Ozempic Advertisement Pharmalot May 18, 2026 STAT Plus: Pharmalittle: We’re reading about U.S. biotech’s China problem, a Regeneron flop, and much more Pharmalot May 17, 2026 STAT Plus: U.K. advocacy groups threaten court action over a key provision in the pharma trade deal with the U.S. Pharmalot May 15, 2026 STAT Plus: Takeda will pay $13.6 million to settle allegations it paid kickbacks to doctors Subscriber Picks