Two cheers for physicians' conflicts of interest

This paper will attempt to demonstrate that conflict of interest is an unavoidable feature of medical practice, medical institutions, medical publications, and medical research. It also seeks to show how and why current regulations are ineffective in curbing fraud and abuse. The paper goes on to argue that, in light of the incentives incorporated into current reimbursement arrangements, physicians have to learn how to manage the conflicts they face and keep true their fiduciary responsibility to patients.