4.14 Conflict of Interest

Harvard medical students must abide by the Harvard Medical School (HMS) conflict of interest policies in all activities, including research toward a degree or research or projects that are part of a 5-year plan or Scholars in Medicine project. In particular, the project cannot be adversely affected by any contractual or other financial obligations of the principal investigator or mentor. Students should check with their Academic Society and/or Research Fellow when planning such activities to ensure they comply with HMS policy.

Policy on Disclosure of Potential Conflicts of Interest Related to the Pharmaceutical Industry and Undergraduate Medical Education

As stated in the Harvard Medical School Faculty of Medicine Policy on Conflicts of Interest and Commitment, collaborations with industry have resulted in “bringing new resources to the support of science and facilitating the translation of knowledge from the laboratory to the bedside.” As the HMS Policy also states, however, these relationships can create conflicts, and the “[p]ublic trust in the enterprise of academic medicine and the legitimacy of its powerful role in society require a constant amenability to public scrutiny.” Conflicts of interest in medical education are becoming increasingly concerning to our students, faculty members, and the public.

Therefore, faculty and students must disclose any financial interests they may have in a pharmaceutical, biotechnology, medical instrument/device company, or other business that owns or has a contractual relationship to the subject matter being reported or discussed in a course session or assignment. For example, faculty who have received research support or who have consulted for a pharmaceutical company and whose teaching includes a discussion of drugs developed by that company should disclose the association in advance. 

In all Pathways and HST classroom-based courses, faculty who teach in any session are required to complete and submit a form stating whether or not they have a financial interest in a business that provides a health care product or service that may relate to their teaching content. Upon request, this information is available to students by emailing the curriculum staff and HST or the Office of Medical Education. Accordingly, each instructor must disclose whether or not any potential conflict exists and, if a potential conflict exists, the nature of the relationship. 

Faculty members and students with questions about what to disclose may contact the Office for Academic and Research Integrity.

Policy on Sponsorship, Gifts, Meals, and Access of Pharmaceutical Representatives to the HMS Campus

Sales and marketing representatives of pharmaceutical companies, medical device companies, and medical supply companies are not permitted to visit or interact with medical or dental students on the HMS campus, and pharmaceutical, medical device, or medical supply company sponsorship of student events is strictly prohibited. The only exception to this policy is for the HMS-organized annual equipment sale in the fall of each year. Medical and dental students may not accept any gifts from pharmaceutical, medical device, or medical supply companies, and these companies may not provide meals or refreshments for any student function.

Last updated 3/18/26