What Does This Mean?
A University of Missouri faculty member may have a business or collaborative relationship with a company whose business is health care-related. The faculty member's relationship with a company might include consulting, research and education-related activities.

Why Is This Important?
Collaborations between university faculty and private-sector companies are important because they can contribute to the advancement of research and development of new therapies and treatments. These new therapies may improve quality of care and may result in better outcomes for patients. However, a conflict of interest can arise if the relationship is not managed properly or if the relationship improperly influences the medical decision-making process.

What Are We Doing To Monitor Potential Conflicts of Interest?
University of Missouri faculty are required to routinely report industry relationships to the Conflict of Interest Office. Reports include financial relationships of the individual as well as his or her immediate family. The Conflict of Interest Office, with advice from the University of Missouri Health Sciences Conflict of Interest Review Committee, evaluates financial relationships to ensure that faculty interact with industry in a manner consistent with the University of Missouri Health System's emphasis on improving health through exemplary patient-centered care. Research should be carried out objectively, with a high degree of integrity and an emphasis on protecting the safety and well-being of research volunteers.