Glaxo SmithKline gives MECCs a thumbs down

From the GSK press release:

“GSK will not support as many medical education programs, but we will continue funding those with the greatest potential to improve patient health,” said Deirdre Connelly, GSK’s President North America Pharmaceuticals. “Continuing medical education offers healthcare professionals important information on disease prevention, diagnosis and management. Independent and balanced information on the latest discoveries about disease and treatment options helps healthcare professionals make higher quality decisions and achieve better patient health outcomes.”

GSK will invite grant applications from approximately 20 medical education providers with a documented track record of developing and delivering high quality medical education programs that have a measurable impact on improved patient health. Potential grant applicants will be limited to academic medical centers and their affiliated teaching and patient care institutions, as well as national-level professional medical associations that represent healthcare professionals responsible for the delivery of patient care. All selected providers must be directly accredited by a recognized accrediting body.

GSK will no longer fund CME by commercial providers including medical education and communication companies (MECCs) under the policy which takes effect immediately.

Click here to access the GSK press release.