Purpose
The neurosurgeon’s relationship with industry, referred to throughout these guidelines as commercial
interest(s), when properly structured, is an appropriate, beneficial and collaborative partnership to improve
patient care. Neurosurgeons are necessary collaborators with commercial interests for technical innovation
by providing ideas and feedback, conducting research trials, serving on scientific advisory boards and
serving as faculty to teach the use of new technology related to neurosurgical practice. Neurosurgeons with
innovative ideas to improve patient care rely on commercial interests to bring their creative ideas to practical
application in the healthcare market. The collaborative relationship between neurosurgeons and commercial
interests must be structured to avoid pitfalls of improper inducements or incentives.
Therefore, the following guidelines are promulgated and in order to clarify the proper relationships
between neurosurgeons and commercial interests.
View Guidelines on Neurosurgeon-Industry Conflicts of Interest
