The challenge of conflict of interest in medicine.

As the relationships between industry and medicine increase, the primary goals of medicine, -- high quality research, responsible patient care and excellent medical education -- are at risk of being compromised by the undue pursuit of financial gain. Conflict of interest policies and procedures are designed to reduce that risk. This article seeks to clarify the concept of conflict of interest, counter the most common objections to its use, and describe the various methods of regulating conflict of interest.