Key opinion leaders

Key opinion leaders (KOL's) is a term used in PR to describe individuals who are influential in particular circles.

For example, in the drug industry 'KOL's are medical academics and practitioners who will, for a fee, act as consultants for a company. Their duties can involve speaking at medical conferences in favour of particular drugs or to the media.

Related SourceWatch Articles

 * Third party technique

External Articles

 * Ray Moynihan, Key opinion leaders: independent experts or drug representatives in disguise?, British Medical Journal, June 21, 2008. (Subscription req'd).
 * Charlie Buckwell, chief executive Complete Medical Group, "Should the drug industry work with key opinion leaders? Yes", British Medical Journal, June 21, 2008.(Subscription req'd).
 * Giovanni A Fava, "Should the drug industry work with key opinion leaders? No", British Medical Journal, June 21, 2008.(Subscription req'd).