Investment analysts and the American Society of Hematology

Abstract

Investment analysts are a growing presence at the Annual Meeting of the American Society of Hematology (ASH), and financial professionals frequently contact ASH members for information and perspective on drugs, devices, and scientific developments. Recent incidents have raised concerns about consulting relationships between physicians and the investment industry; the appropriate role of medical societies in influencing these relationships is unclear. In this essay, I summarize the current situation, discuss potential risks and benefits from interactions between physicians and investment analysts, and outline issues that all individuals involved in investment industry consulting should consider. I also propose changes in ASH policy that may help safeguard public trust as well as preserve the access of clinicians and scientists to clinically relevant data presented at the Annual Meeting. © 2008 by The American Society of Hematology.