The David Geffen School of Medicine is proud to be at the forefront of effort to improve education and reform our practices in healthcare industry relations. In November 2006, the Faculty Executive Committee approved the "Guidelines on Industry Activities for the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA and the UCLA Medical Enterprise." These guidelines, effective July 1, 2007, helped to raise awareness of the effects of medical marketing on patient care, and set standards for how healthcare vendors should interact with faculty, staff, and students in the health sciences at UCLA. Our faculty worked with the Office of the President to draft the first Healthcare Vendor Relations Policy for the entire UC system, which became effective March 12, 2008, which further clarified appropriate activities for industry representatives on campus..

As a preeminent institution in education, research, and patient care, we must be leaders in ensuring that we maintain the highest ethical standards and that each member of our community serves as a role model whose actions will preclude any perception of bias or undue influence from industry. The guidelines need to be incorporated into the daily routines of all faculty, staff, and students including interactions and relationships with industry, our educational programs, and the way we conduct business. Because the focus may be new and different, many questions may arise as we implement these guidelines.

We hope that this website will answer many of your questions. We have provided links to the UCLA guidelines, the UC policy, frequently asked questions (FAQs) for both the guidelines and the policy, as well as a PowerPoint presentation that can be used to teach others about this policy and its effects, and a manual for vendors. If, after reviewing this material you still have questions, please send your questions or concerns to coi@mednet.ucla.edu.

Sincerely,

Gerald S. Levey

Vice Chancellor, Medical Sciences
Dean, School of Medicine