Gifts, Blind Spots, and Gray: Canadian Student Pharmacists' Perceptions of Pharmaceutical Industry Interactions

To evaluate Canadian student pharmacists' interactions with the pharmaceutical industry and their perceptions of potential bias, implications for future behavior as pharmacists, and conflicts of interest (COI).

A national, cross-sectional survey was administered to students enrolled in accredited Canadian PharmD programs. The 31-item instrument examined acceptance of industry gifts, attendance at sponsored events, educational exposure to COI, and institutional policy awareness. Recruitment was conducted via email through student liaisons and associations.

Of 4878 eligible students, 563 initiated and 483 completed the survey (response rate: 9.9%). A majority (88%) reported accepting small gifts, and 39% accepted larger gifts (eg, conference funding). Most students (75%) had attended pharmaceutical-sponsored educational or social events. Despite high participation, only a minority (6-17%) viewed these interactions as problematic regarding the impact on their behavior as future pharmacists. About one-third had never considered the implications of accepting gifts or awards. Over half of respondents believed pharmaceutical representatives were valuable information sources, and nearly one-third planned to meet with them in practice. Instruction on COI was inconsistent; only 31% received annual education, and over half were unaware whether their faculty had a COI policy. Observed behaviors of faculty and leaders appeared to normalize industry relationships for many students.

Canadian student pharmacists report frequent interactions with the pharmaceutical industry and limited awareness of associated impacts on future professional behavior. These findings highlight the need for more robust, curriculum-based education on COI and industry influence to promote critical reflection and professional integrity.