BP in Practice

Conflicts of Interest Volume 17, No. 6 – June 2020

A Clear Path
ON THE TRAIL
At Houston Methodist, we’re
always on the trail to excellence,
attracting talented people from all
walks of life and with a wide
variety of expertise and interests.
And for that reason, it’s not
unusual for HM employees to
have professional pursuits
outside of our institution. If this
includes you, read on to learn
about conflicts of interest and
how to find a clear path forward.

FIND YOUR DIRECTION

At Houston Methodist, employees and board members have an obligation to take note of situations where
they may have a conflict of interest or even a perceived conflict of interest. If you recognize a possible conflict,
don’t set out alone! Bring the issue to the attention of your supervisor, who can help you find your direction.

SPOTTING OBSTACLES
Feeling lost about how to identify a conflict that might become an obstacle? Here are a few common
examples:
 You have a second job and your work for the other employer spills over into your time on the clock at HM,
or your other employer asks you to disclose confidential HM information.
 A consultant offers to take you out for an expensive meal when you know he/she is seeking HM business.
 You or a member of your family own a business offering services HM also provides.
 You receive royalties on a product HM might purchase for use in your service line.
 You’re a decision-maker in vendor selection, and you have a personal or financial connection to a bidder.
CLEARING THE WAY
Conflicts of interest can come in many different forms, so clearing a path takes collaboration and open
dialogue. If you’re unsure of whether you have a conflict or how to take the next step, get in touch with
Business Practices for guidance. We’ll work with you and your supervisor on navigating toward a clear path
forward.

Now That’s Living the Houston Methodist Values Through Business Practices!

BP EthicsLine: 800.500.0333 | tmhs.myethicsline.com

Prepared by the Houston Methodist Business Practices Office. For more information, please contact Dan
Pantera, Houston Methodist Business Practices Officer, at dpantera@houstonmethodist.org or 713.383.5177.
Archives are available on the Business Practices homepage. Review Policies BP08, BP09, BP39, RE14 and
RE70. BP in Practice (excluding art) ©2020 Houston Methodist