The AVMA pondered for years what to do about leg-hold traps. At one end of the spectrum, it is easy, pure black. It has been a crime since humans first relied on a handshake to seal a deal. Then it gets grayer. At the other end of the spectrum it is almost pure white.
Veterinary medicine offers constant conflicts of interest.
The easy answer is that you never let self-interest interfere with the delivery of quality healthcare. That is not always the easy action. The practice felt that as long as staff were entertained or received tokens of appreciation of little or no value that their position as a purchasing agent would not be compromised. One salesperson for a large vaccine manufacturer had become good friends with Jill and offered to take her to dinner so that they could quietly discuss some of the emerging practice trends that would affect next year's business. Jill was happy to go to dinner because it was a good social opportunity to enjoy quiet conversation with her friend, Barbara, the sales representative.