Healthy Skepticism Library item: 6941

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: Journal Article

Vollman J.
Gifts to physicians from the pharmaceutical industry [3rd of 4 letters]
JAMA 2000 May 24-31; 283:(20):2656

Abstract:

Wazana’s review suggests that the present extent of the physician-industry interactions affects not only prescribing behaviour but the professional standing and identity of the medical profession in general. The practice of accepting meals is problematic (1) conflict of interest can affect clinical judgement (2)[it] undermines the trust of patients (3)[it] tacitly teaches students and residents that it is appropriate to expect incentives as part of clinical practice. Instead of perpetuating the participate in CME current pattern, one should expect physicians to pay for their own meals and to because it is a professional duty. Society has to provide sufficient resources for medical education if it wants to have its physicians behave as professionals rather than adopt the behavior of the marketplace.

Keywords:
*letter to the editor/United States/Germany/