Originally Posted by stinger
Why not actually take a stand and make it illegal for Pharmaceutical companies to provide incentives to Dr's? That would stop things rather quickly. Then let the Dr decide on the merits of the drugs rather than the merits of the vacation or size of cash payments.
Other industries fall under similar guidelines by this industry seems to be ducking it. And this is probably the one that hurt's people the most. Bad advice can be just that but Bad Advice from your Dr can kill you.
I think this analysis presumes that Drs are motivated primarily by free travel or cash inducements. I think professional conduct and fear of malpractice works as much, if not more, to hold marketing efforts in check.
Isn't the real issue that everyone resents the appearance that Drs are benefiting from their position in society? And that if they weren't Drs they wouldn't be eligible for these trips.?