Helping Harvard Medical School Make the Grade

Abstract

In 2008, Harvard Medical School was graded badly by the American Medical Student Association for its poor performance in terms of tracking and controlling funds it received from activities related to the pharmaceutical industry. It transpired that there were many conflicts of interest and biases at the School, with faculty encouraged to promote certain drugs based on the funding they receive from pharmaceutical companies. After a lobby for change driven by students and a hearing into corporate funding, the School's new policy allowed their official grade to improve, yet the School still allows faculty to consult and work with businesses and permits pharmaceutical companies to fund postgraduate medical courses.

This case was prepared for inclusion in Sage Business Cases primarily as a basis for classroom discussion or self-study, and is not meant to illustrate either effective or ineffective management styles. Nothing herein shall be deemed to be an endorsement of any kind. This case is for scholarly, educational, or personal use only within your university, and cannot be forwarded outside the university or used for other commercial purposes.

2024 Sage Publications, Inc. All Rights Reserved

locked icon

Sign in to access this content

Get a 30 day FREE TRIAL

  • Watch videos from a variety of sources bringing classroom topics to life
  • Read modern, diverse business cases
  • Explore hundreds of books and reference titles