Integrity - the last word - Editorial

Inside MS, Oct-Dec, 2002 by Mike Dugan

The Society initiated a Task Force on Organizational Effectiveness about two years ago. The recent formal acceptance of its recommendations comes at a time of great uneasiness about the integrity of corporate institutions. The changes we are making in our institution will soon be evident.

This November, for example, for the first time in Society history, new members of our National Board of Directors will be chosen from a slate nominated by chapter leadership nationwide. All board members in our more chapter-directed Society are pledging themselves to protect our integrity and to promote transparency in our policies.

As part of this, I'd like to answer some questions about the Society's relationship to the health industry--most visibly the pharmaceutical industry. Since the first disease-modifying drug was approved by the FDA in 1993, industry-sponsored educational activities, Web sites, publications, conferences, and more have greatly elevated public awareness of MS and its problems. This is a positive good.

But we all know that corporate investment comes attached to a purpose. Corporations are in business to pay dividends to their investors and to satisfy their customers. Along the way they must comply with state and federal regulations. The Society is "in business" to end the devastating effects of MS. Serving the best interests of people with MS is our only yardstick, first and last. The two aims are not identical.

Does this mean we cannot work with corporations successfully and ethically? We know we can. But we also know oversight and transparency are essential. In all our dealings, we are guided by the need for personal empowerment and confidentiality, the right to self-reliance, and the obligation to prevent hidden conflicts of interest.

This means all educational events bearing the logo of the Society are independently verified and developed by our advisors. Our advisors are required to inform us of the grants and sponsorships they have accepted--and of their financial interests in other health businesses.

We welcome the funds that the health industry contributes to our mission. That doesn't diminish the need for integrity. First, last, and always. You have my word.

Mike Dugan
General, USAF, Ret.
President and CEO