Additionally, as part of the sponsorship agreement with Merck, society members who used the teaching materials were required to report to the society where and when they presented the material, Dr. Rothman and Dr. Rothman said.
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists also received grant money for HPV vaccine education.
In an interview, Dr. Hal C. Lawrence III, vice president of practice activities for ACOG, emphasized that the college “thoroughly reviewed the evidence before making any recommendations about the HPV vaccine.”
“We wouldn't make any recommendations if we didn't feel strongly about the importance of the vaccine, both in the prevention of cervical cancer but also in other HPV illnesses,” he said. “Although the incidence of cervical cancer has diminished dramatically, the incidence of venereal warts, condyloma, and abnormal Pap tests is still significant.”
Dr. Rothman and Dr. Rothman concluded that professional medical associations should refrain from promoting product-specific speakers bureaus and refuse funding that requires reporting activity to the donor.
Neither reported having relevant financial disclosures.