Physicians should get all views on a drug
Re “Drug Firms’ Freebies Banned,” Sept. 13
Beyond the free pens and flashlights, there is the broader issue of how information on pharmaceuticals is dispensed to physicians. Pharmaceutical company representatives are well versed on how to promote their products. The problem is that this selective interpretation of medical literature is just as prevalent as it is in the use of the Bible. Practicing doctors, let alone medical students, do not have the time to do exhaustive research on all relevant articles pertaining to a product, not just those that support it.
A promotion should be accompanied by a presentation of a contrary point of view from a person who has the appropriate expertise. In some instances, makers of rival products could debate one another.
Not only would this be more informative, it certainly would be more interesting. Then we could pay for their lunch.
HYMAN J. MILSTEIN MD
Studio City
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So Stanford University has implemented a stringent policy against its staff physicians accepting gifts and catered lunches from pharmaceutical companies. The drug industry, however, is concerned that the policy will not allow doctors to receive the most comprehensive information about current trends in medicine. How sad a commentary on the medical profession -- that doctors might not attend educational sessions if they’re not accompanied by the perks they’ve come to expect.
Not to worry. By reading to the end of the article, we learn that these restrictions will not apply to gifts and meals accepted during nonbusiness hours at off-campus locations. So these academicians will now have to attend weekend getaways at five-star resorts and dinners in upscale restaurants while receiving their continued medical education. What a shame.
JILL RUBENSTEIN
Bell Canyon
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Hurrah for Stanford for banning pharmaceutical companies’ marketing at its medical school. These companies do not spend billions of dollars on marketing to get nothing in return. It is insulting to doctors to say they need this blitz of marketing to know what drugs will best help their patients.
The doctors should get their information from journals. Eliminating this marketing could save billions in drug costs, directly and from the overuse of drugs created by such extensive marketing.
Hopefully all other medical schools will follow suit and bring back true integrity to medical training.
TERRY A. TURNER
La Crescenta
