LAUSR

Key Points Question How long after completing their graduate medical training do physicians develop financial relationships with the pharmaceutical and medical device industries? Findings In this cohort study including 45 745 physicians in orthopedic surgery, neurosurgery, and internal medicine (as a comparison group), financial relationships and significant financial conflicts of interest formed and expanded in the early years of independent physician practice. Surgical specialty physicians and male physicians accepted higher industry payments. Meaning This study suggests that the financial relationship between newly independent physicians and industry developed in the early years of independent physician practice, with surgical specialty physicians and male physicians accepting higher industry payments.