Definitions

Industry: Within the context of this policy, “industry” refers to the companies and their representatives involved in the development, manufacture, marketing, or sale of devices, diagnostic equipment, pharmaceuticals, or any other product or services intended for use in health care.

Policy Details

1. Non-Interaction
   1. While in clinical settings for required UWSMPH activities, students must not interact with members of industry in any manner that violates UWSMPH policies governing such interactions. Additionally, in approved situations where interaction is permitted, a faculty member must present.
      
      
2. Use of Promotional Items
   1. While in clinical settings for required UWSMPH activities, students must not use or exhibit promotional items that display industry brand names. Student presentations and projects must not include industry-sponsored promotional materials.
      
      
3. Gifts
   1. Students are prohibited from accepting any personal gift or promotional item from industry. Industry-sponsored grants and scholarships may only be accepted with prior approval from UWSMPH Administration, which retains sole authority over the selection of recipients and distribution of funds. Faculty may not distribute industry- funded promotional items to students unless approved by the Administration.
      
      
4. Events
   1. Students are strongly discouraged from attending industry-sponsored promotional events.
   2. Industry sponsorship for student organization events is strongly discouraged. Student organizations must obtain prior approval from the UWSMPH Administration for any event involving industry participation or support.
   3. Students are discouraged from attending industry-sponsored educational activities that are not part of the curriculum or scheduled as part of any specific course.
      
      
5. Disclosure
   1. All course and clerkship materials should disclose the nature of any industry relationships of the faculty member relevant to course material. If a course faculty member has no relevant relationships to report, that should also be indicated. Course materials should not contain paid advertisements and should avoid brand names in favor of generic names.
      
      
6. Opt-Out
   1. Students may opt out of these activities without adversely affecting their evaluation in any course or clerkship. This does not apply to professional conferences or other meetings supported by multiple industry sponsors.
      
      
7. Violations
   1. Individuals who may be in violation of this policy should be referred to the Office of Student Services.
      
      
8. Exceptions
   1. In special circumstances, UWSMPH Administration may approve exceptions to this policy.
      1. Requests for exceptions should be submitted in writing to Office of Student Services.
      2. Requests should clearly state how the benefits of the proposed exception might outweigh the potential for conflict of interest.
      3. If granted, petitioners will receive written notification of the exception.

Related UW-Madison Policies

Conflict of Interest (UW-4001)

Related UW-Madison Documents, Web Pages, or Other Resources

Interprofessional Continuing Education Partnership – Activity Planners 

External References

LCME Element 1.2

Policy Administration

Approval Authority

Educational Policy and Curriculum Committee (EPCC) and Medical Student Promotion and Academic Review Committee (SPARC)

Policy Manager

Associate Dean for Medical Education and Student Services

Policy Contact(s)

Policy History

Date last reviewed and approved: June 11, 2025

Next review: June 2026