“A robust learning environment for healthcare professionals”

I have recently posted on the promotion of Lurasidone (Latuda) in the UK. This has raised concerns for me about transparency of conflicts of interest for some of the key doctors and academics involved with the research, development and promotion of this novel antipsychotic.

One of those who has most significant financial interests is Professor Stephen Stahl. In “partnership with” the British Association for Psychopharmacology he recently gave this “Expert Seminar” at the University of Bristol:

This “Expert Seminar” is introduced by Professor Stahl as follows:

And here is the Programme for this “robust learning environment” which is co-chaired by British Psychiatrist and Academic, Dr Hamish McAllister-Williams:

“Application” was made by Sunovion for CPD approval to the Federation of the Royal College of Physicians of the United Kingdom.

Summary:
This “robust learning environment for UK health professionals” has left me asking some questions:

1. Were these UK healthcare professionals made aware that Professor Stahl has been paid over $3.5 million dollars since August 2013 by 15 Pharnmaceutical companies including SUNOVION?
2. Can healthcare professionals and the public easily access Professor Stahl’s declaration of financial interests as required by the British Association for Psychopharmacology?
3. What is the rationale of the Governance Panel for the British Association for Psychopharmacology in approving such “robust learning environments” for healthcare workers?
4. Was this “Expert Seminar” approved for CPD by the Federation of the Royal College of Physicians of the United Kingdom?
5. Where can the public find which healthcare workers received such “robust learning”?

Declarations of competing interests given by Professor McAllister-Williams in published journal articles in his career to date: