Healthy Skepticism Library item: 20018

Warning: This library includes all items relevant to health product marketing that we are aware of regardless of quality. Often we do not agree with all or part of the contents.

Publication type: Magazine

Collings S
Drug rep's values
Australian Doctor 1997 Oct 31

Full text:

Editor – I read with interest the article ‘Debate: should drug companies sponsor CME?’ (Australian Doctor, 19 September).

However I was a little disappointed to read Dr Nick Williams’ comments. His reference to the WHO checklist and his apparent support of it causes me to pen my comments, particularly in reference to wording such as: “Ignore the picture – glamorous, well-dressed women are used to sell contraceptives and hormone replacement therapy; harassed mothers are used to sell antidepressants”.

I have been a pharmaceutical industry representative for almost 16 years. When I joined the industry, less than 5% of the sales representatives were female.

As a representative I have been associated with three highly reputable research and development companies. I have promoted a range of pharmaceuticals covering many disease states to both GPs and speciality groups. It is entirely appropriate and expected that doctors question product claims put to them by representatives. I welcome doctors asking for more information on a particular issue, study, headline or reference.

I do not support stereotyping in anyway, shape or form. Dr Williams’ reference to “harassed mothers selling antidepressants” is an obvious stereotype and reminds me of someone with tunnel vision.

I am a mother who is selling an antidepressant, but am I harassed? Definitely not.

Am I proud of what I do and promote? Yes. Do I think I help my doctors? Yes. Do I think I go to work every day well dressed and prepared? I sincerely hope so.

After all, I am a professional pharmaceutical representative with integrity and high levels of professional and personal values.

One value I have endeavoured to pass on to my son is never to judge a book by its cover.
May I suggest to Dr Williams there are some well-written and well-researched “books” out there. Just be selective.