About two years ago I was contacted by an Iowa physician who shared his concern about an Iowa doctor's potential conflict of interest. The doctor was receiving third-party financial compensation which, quite possibly, was putting the best interest of his patients at risk. From this, I wrote a blog and an op-ed piece in the local newspaper. Both physicians involved remain anonymous. Within both articles, I summarized that medical providers should post on their websites the financial interests they have with third parties, such as drug and medical device companies. Being ethical and transparent with patients and the public about any third-party relationship is not optional in medicine – it is essential. The most important duty of any physician is to act in the best interest of the patient. Informed consent should always apply within the physician-patient Read More >