MSTP Students and Big Pharma

[ClarinetGeek]

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The following article was sent to me from my MSTP director yesterday. I thought it might create some interesting discussion.

"Duke orders students not to take payments from Glaxo, other pharmas"

http://www.bizjournals.com/triangle/stories/2008/03/24/story5.html?ana=from_rss

I don't have much insight to this since I am just finishing my M2 year; however, I figure some of you may have some encounters with similiar situations. Maybe some Duke students may be bold enough to even comment on what actually occured.

So discuss...

 

[xanthines]

I believe most programs forbid a "second" job in any form. The idea is that you're supposed to work on school because you're free from financial shackles with your mighty stipend.

I guess it just looks especially bad when the payments are coming from bio/pharma industry.

-X

 

[gbwillner]

Hey GSK, I'm an MD/PhD with no income for June... Why not send some cash my way???

 

[Neuronix]

Where's my WILL FARM MYSELF OUT TO PHARMA banner...

I actually did take some money on the side from pharma to collaborate on a pharma-sponsored project in my lab. That was approved by all of my bosses. Quite honestly depending on the number of hours worked, I don't see what's wrong with this. In fact, didn't Duke try to sell me on all the "industry connections" in the area when I interviewed there? What else would they be good for as an MD/PhD student?