Nemeroff Steps Down As Emory Psychiatry Chair

Nemeroff Steps Down As Emory Psychiatry Chair


http://www.pharmalot.com/2008/10/nemeroff-steps-down-as-emory-psychiatry-chair/



3 Comments
By Ed Silverman // October 3rd, 2008 // 11:17 pm

The move by well-known psychiatrist Charles Nemeroff comes in response to the investigation by the Senate Finance Committee into allegations of undisclosed conflicts of interest, according to an e-mail written by Claudia Adkison, an Emory University associate dean.

At issue is whether universities are adequately policing disclosures in an effort to maintain scientific integrity and objectivity. The committee is investigating up to 30 academic psychiatrists who allegedly accepted grants from the NIH and pharma, but failed to properly report payments, which universities are required to monitor. The NIH is being leaned on to yank grants when disclosure is inadequate.

So far, the committee has singled out Stanford University’s Alan Schatzberg, Harvard University’s Joe Biederman, Brown University’s Martin Keller, University of Texas’ Karen Wagner and John Rush, and Melissa DelBello at the University of Cincinnati. The back story on Nemeroff can be read here, here and here. This is Adkison’s e-mail….

From: cadkison@emory.edu
Subject: Announcement re Sen. Grassley’s allegations about Dr. Nemeroff
Date: October 3, 2008 9:05:01 PM EDT
To: Medicine-Faculty@EMORY.EDU
Reply-To: cadkison@emory.edu

Senator Charles Grassley (R-Iowa) has raised a number of questions about whether Emory’s chairman of psychiatry and behavioral sciences, Dr. Charles Nemeroff, has properly disclosed his financial relationships with pharmaceutical companies. We at Emory take this matter very seriously and are working diligently to determine whether our policies have been observed consistently with regard to the matters cited by Senator Grassley.


In view of the ongoing internal and external investigations into these allegations, Dr. Nemeroff will voluntarily step down as chairman of the department, effective immediately, pending resolution of these issues.

Dr. Nemeroff is recognized internationally as a leader in psychiatric research, education and practice. He has made fundamental contributions to the field over many years. The length and complexity of the history outlined by Senator Grassley will require careful review of underlying payment records from the pharmaceutical companies, which we have requested from Senator Grassley’s office. We have also requested that Dr. Nemeroff provide us with relevant information and documentation so that we will have all the facts before us.

Dr. Nemeroff has assured us that: “To the best of my knowledge, I have followed the appropriate University regulations concerning financial disclosures. I have dedicated my career to translating research findings into improvements in clinical practice in patients with severe mental illness. I will cooperate fully and work with Emory to respond to the alleged conflicts of interest issues raised by Senator Grassley and his staff.”

Emory is committed to maintaining strong conflict of interest policies and procedures and will conduct a fair, thorough, and evenhanded investigation of these claims.

* Medicine-Faculty Web Page:
http://WWW.LISTSERV.Emory.Edu/Archives/Medicine-Faculty.HTML