Case 11: This Could Be Serious. Be Prepared

Abstract

You are an assistant professor in a university hospital, with a special interest in a specific aspect of clinical anesthesia. In this field you have published extensively. A startup company representative meets you and suggests collaboration. They have been developing a prototype machine that could prove very useful and helpful for patient care in the field in which you are an expert. You ask to see their preliminary results but are told that the information could not be shared with you. The company representative suggests that you be principal investigator (PI) on a protocol that they are submitting to various venture groups for funding.