What is a conflict of interest?

A conflict of interest occurs when there is a divergence between an individual's or an institution's private interests and their professional obligations either to a patient or to society such that an independent observer might reasonably question research, clinical practice, education, leadership, investment or purchasing actions taken by the individual or the institution that may have been influenced by consideration of conflict of interest. Conflict of interest often depends on the situation, and not on the character or actions of an individual.

While conflict of interest is possible in a variety of academic pursuits including the desire for professional and scholarly advancement, acquisition of research funding, recognition by peers, etc., the Conflict of Interest Policy at Mayo Clinic addresses only disclosed financial interests related to research, clinical practice, education, leadership, purchasing and administrative activities. The potential for conflict of interest will increase as Mayo and its staff develop new technologies and form new relationships and alliances to understand, predict, prevent, diagnose, optimally treat and ultimately cure disease.

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