PharmFree Leadership Institute

February 6–8, 2009

A collaboration between AMSA and The Medical Letter, this institute serves as an advanced course on the relationship between pharmaceutical companies, physicians and biomedical research.   You will have the opportunity to learn to critically examine medical research and marketing, explore current legislation aimed at reducing conflict of interest, and discuss the successes of the PharmFree movement as well as how to be effective advocates for the movement. In addition, we will explore the connections between marketing practices in the US and the current lack of access to essential medicines in developing nations.  Significant emphasis will be placed on discussing the role of Academic Medical Center conflict-of-interest policies and preparing you to work with your medical school to strengthen your school’s policy and PharmFree curriculum.

Location: AMSA Office (Reston, VA, near Washington, DC)

Tuition Fees Due Upon Acceptance: $100**

Application Processing Fee Due Now: Application to an institute necessitates a $5.25 processing fee.  This fee should be paid by the application deadline (in order for your application to be considered).  If you encounter any problems using GoogleCheckout, please email dsp@amsa.org.

Application Deadline: Rolling admission, spots still available! Apply Now

Selection Criteria: Applicants will be selected based on the quality of their application and leadership experience. Previous experience with the PharmFree Campaign is not required.

Learning Objectives: By the end of this institute, participants will be able to…

• Understand the process of pharmaceutical development, approval, and marketing
• Critically evaluate arguments surrounding conflicts of interest and industry/medicine relationships
• Be familiar with research on prescriber behavior and attitudes, samples, and patient perceptions
• Understand the issue of domestic and global access to medicines
• Critically appraise industry marketing strategies, including journal ads, drug reps, and continuing medical education (CME)
• Critically evaluate research papers—both drug-company sponsored and NIH funded
• Be aware of and familiar with conflict-free and non-industry sources of drug and device information
• Create and implement innovative and effective PharmFree programming at your home institution
• Lobby on a piece of legislation of professional relevance
• Connect with and collaborate with fellow PharmFree activists

Participant Expectations:

• Arrive the night of Thursday, Feb 5, to attend the lobby day on Friday; or arrive the night of Friday, Feb 6, missing the lobby day but attending all of the institute, which concludes at 3pm on Sunday, Feb 8.  (Participants who can attend may be given first priority in institute admissions.)
• Implement a PharmFree-related project at your home institution
• Communicate outcomes of your project to the institute planners

Contact: Nitin Roper, AMSApharmfree@gmail.com

** Speak with your school’s administration (good places to start: Dean of Student Affairs, Dean of Curriculum, or Dean of Education) to obtain funding to cover the costs of your attendance of this institute (remind your school that you have been selected for a national fellowship opportunity – an honor for you and for your school).  If your school does not agree to fund your travel and tuition, please let us know by Dec 16 and we will seek funding on your behalf.