Why Disclosure

Surgeons in this field have legitimate relationships with industry — consultancy, device development, research funding, royalties. Those relationships are not disqualifying, but an audience is entitled to know about them when weighing a recommendation. Disclosure protects the credibility of the meeting and of the person presenting.

Who Must Disclose

• All faculty, invited speakers and moderators
• All presenting authors of free papers and posters
• Instructional course and workshop instructors
• Members of the Scientific Committee and award judging panels

What Must Be Declared

• Consultancy, advisory board membership or speaker fees
• Equity, ownership or stock options in a commercial entity
• Royalties or intellectual property arrangements
• Research funding, whether direct or to the institution
• Equipment, materials or travel support in kind
• Unpaid roles carrying influence, including editorial and society office

Disclosure covers the twenty-four months preceding the meeting and extends to relationships held by an immediate family member.

How It Is Made

Declarations are submitted at the time of registration or abstract submission and displayed on the opening slide of every presentation, whether or not a relationship exists. A slide stating that the presenter has nothing to declare carries the same weight as one listing relationships.

Off-Label and Unapproved Use

Presenters discussing use of a device or drug outside its approved indication must state this clearly during the presentation.

Committee Recusal

Committee members and judges recuse themselves from decisions where a declared relationship creates a conflict, and the recusal is recorded.

Non-Compliance

Failure to disclose may result in withdrawal of a presentation and, where the omission is material, referral to the Executive Board.