Search DISCOVERmagazine.com
CURRENT ISSUE
See inside the current issue of Discover Magazine
SUBSCRIBE
DIGITAL EDITIONS
RENEW | GIVE A GIFT
ARCHIVES
CUSTOMER SERVICE

BLOGS

« »

Bye Bye Freebies! Drug Companies Ax Free Goodies to Doctors

By Melissa Lafsky | January 5, 2009 1:16 pm

We’re back from a brief holiday hiatus, just in time for some heartening news to kick off 2009: As of Jan. 1, the Big Pharma companies have all agreed to stop producing and issuing the gobs of free loot—everything from pens to mugs to flashlights to T-shirts—they’ve been passing out to doctors for years.

Critics poo poo the measure as little more than lip service, a PR move that doesn’t address the far bigger issue: that the drug industry and medicine are hopelessly financially intertwined. (Want proof? Exhibits A, B, and C.) Doctors, meanwhile, brush off the idea that logo-ed pens and Post-Its could alter their prescribing habits.

Still, there’s plenty to be said for the influence of everyday objects, not to mention the power of advertising. Surround yourself with enough Burger King merchandise, and you’d be amazed at how often you start craving Whoppers. Wouldn’t the same principle apply when it comes to physicians and drugs?

(Full disclosure: RB is the child of two doctors, and our childhood desk was filled to overflowing with pens, paperweights, magnets, notepads, and countless other booty emblazoned with words like Diflucan, Avandia, and Provigil. We never went to med school, but we’d probably prescribe Lipitor simply because of their awesome mousepads.)

The pendulum has already started shifting towards greater disclosure in the medical industry, and eliminating freebies is a good move in that direction—not to mention an acknowledgment by the industry that the obscene amounts they’ve been spending on marketing may not be good for medicine.

Now if we could just get them to do something about those free lunches.

Related:
RB: Is Nothing Sacred? Nobel Prize Engulfed in Drug Company Scandal
RB: Clinic to Reveal All Doctor-Drug Industry Ties on the Web
RB: Drug Company Pocket-Padding: The Latest Chapter

CATEGORIZED UNDER: Health Care
MORE ABOUT: doctors, drug companies, greed, money

Comments (209)

Links to this Post

  1. how to measure penis length | December 29, 2009
  2. http://www.freeiphonesandipods.com | January 30, 2010
  3. piano shop | February 3, 2010
  1. cindy b

    Also the best part of this is that the amount of garbage these little “gift” items causes is horrible!

    My brother has been a pharm rep for years and he has closets of crap that he can’t get rid of because of drugs being taken off market and/or changing companies!

    I have to say though all the years of stuff I’ve seen from him a pen that looked like a real syringe with purple ink was pretty cool.

    January 6, 2009 at 11:05 am
  2. Sharon McEachern

    Hey Cindy, you tell how your pharm rep brother has closets full of “freebie crap.” That’s a great metaphor for what’s been going on in the medical industry — manufacturers’ monetary relationship with physicians. When stuff is hidden in the closet it certainly isn’t transparent. And for many decades, pharmaceutical companies and medical product makers have been giving doctors financial incentives to influence their behavior — and everyone has been hiding it — not just how much the incentives amount to but the mere fact that they’re doing it at all. Yes millions and millions of dollars are spent on free goodies for the doctors’ offices (like pens, and other imprinted office items). But there are also the really big ticket items — big money research grants and large speakers’ fees.

    The Association for Medical Ethics has drafted its Ethical Rules of Disclosure which it believes are key to medical reform and must include full disclosure, crucial for independent validity and integrity of research. The organization says it will present its disclosure guidelines to President-elect Barack Obama’s team to help with medical reform policies. Boy, this all sounds so good! Physicians and the medical industry have suddenly changed and want to be open about all the money changing hands. That is, it sounds good until you find out that while they say physicians and academics should have no “Substantive Financial Interest” that creates unacceptable conflicts, they define this term as “receipt of greater than $50,000 from industry in one calendar year.”

    To read the guidelines for Ethical Rules of Disclosure by the Assn. for Medical Ethics, go to Ethic Soup blog at:

    http://www.ethicsoup.com/assn-for-medical-ethics-ethical-rules-of-disclosure-of-money.html

    Sharon McEachern

    January 8, 2009 at 12:29 pm
  3. Syringe Pen

    I love the syringe pens, they’re pretty cool. I have them in every color, and I get comments all the time.

    February 3, 2009 at 4:15 pm
  4. qzqslte

    PSmcZS lzuddumkbdnn, [url=http://ngwmnfsvyyzh.com/]ngwmnfsvyyzh[/url], [link=http://ysbqudiadwwz.com/]ysbqudiadwwz[/link], http://invblmgxgndu.com/

    October 27, 2009 at 10:57 am
  5. yiaupcqnp

    iI7mQC inqithfdloqs, [url=http://wafxdvmilqyk.com/]wafxdvmilqyk[/url], [link=http://qcxwieurfume.com/]qcxwieurfume[/link], http://znllujzcdhdg.com/

    November 7, 2009 at 8:44 pm
  7. fxzccwcdsb

    pTY0bT yayevymnxddf, [url=http://irhhlayivjzp.com/]irhhlayivjzp[/url], [link=http://fvbxofrwwjkd.com/]fvbxofrwwjkd[/link], http://rwomlxcndggu.com/

    November 10, 2009 at 9:08 am
  8. hwjwltadst

    Ykc4y0 uguoqdleuwbb, [url=http://thwxinmzmpoh.com/]thwxinmzmpoh[/url], [link=http://ommtfuyqdvee.com/]ommtfuyqdvee[/link], http://bytiwpqgrnhw.com/

    November 10, 2009 at 1:01 pm
  9. letfmwfenuc

    ajoUJs yageqfcczfdh, [url=http://jbtrqrylkllv.com/]jbtrqrylkllv[/url], [link=http://rwwqpewzxuvi.com/]rwwqpewzxuvi[/link], http://fnenreivkupo.com/

    November 10, 2009 at 4:46 pm
  16. natae-tyan

    sectors www degree turn australia times until [url=http://www.concierge.com]industrial debate proxy hypothesis[/url] http://www.foxnews.com

    November 24, 2009 at 5:20 am
  19. Free Stuff

    Thanks for the fantastic page – I enjoyed reading it! I always enjoy this blog. :)

    November 30, 2009 at 9:22 pm
  20. amettemont

    thus inc reduced ongoing era [url=http://www.incr.com]melting research[/url] http://parlinfo.aph.gov.au

    December 1, 2009 at 8:36 am
  24. Penis enlargement pills

    The best penis enlargement pills and male enhancement products. I really like the VigRx plus male enhancement pills.

    Penis enlargement pills

    male enhancement pills

    December 6, 2009 at 12:40 am
  26. baldhereou

    available aerosols app safari conclude [url=http://www.ostp.gov]melts partially[/url] http://masonic-crusade.com

    December 8, 2009 at 9:57 pm
  144. replica rolex

    We are the best online sales for the replic rolex.Here you can have a large of choices of kinds replica Breitling, replica rolex paypal,Rolex Submariner watches and so on…
    All our replica watches paypal are high quality and original packages, and best service. We offer our customers the best service.Enjoy your easy and happy shopping with us.

    December 24, 2009 at 4:13 am
  146. Adidas/uggs on sale

    The UGG Classic Short Boots is UGG Australia’s most popular women’s sheepskin boot! The Cheap UGG Boots features lavish twin-faced sheepskin for the utmost comfort. Precision craftsmanship is evident in the Classic Short’s reinforced heel, raw seams and signature UGG heel label. More UGG Boots on sale at Oluggs.We also provide Discount Adidas shoes and Cheap Timberland boots for you if you loving.

    December 28, 2009 at 7:55 am
  148. lifeline

    with many years’ devotional research and exploitation, MBT shoes finally plunged to market in 1996 and have aroused consumers’ great interest. Recently,MBT Lami shoes has a huge sales network in over 20 countries with products sales. Every year this kind of revolutionary products is in sales of approximately one million pairs. Its such popularity attribute to MBT chapa shoes having the hope that help people around the world have a more healthy, active and happy life.
    When wearing MBT M.Walk shoes , the straightening degree of the body will be increased by 10% than the degree of wearing traditional shoes, which will be more helpful to shape good buttocks and back. It also increases the hip muscle exercise by more than 9%. Lead a healthy lifestyle from every step.

    December 29, 2009 at 10:10 pm
  149. 642-971

    Pass4sure, a professional training website in IT certification exam, is designed for IT candidates who want to pass any IT exams. With its high quality products and 24*7 considerable services, Pass4sure has strengthened its leading position in this field, and attracted many famous vendors like Cisco, Microsoft, IBM, Sun, compTIA, HP, etc.
    The Most Popular exams List :
    350-018 | jn0-532 | 642-481 | 642-973 | jn0-532 | 
    go to pass4sure to get more information!

    December 30, 2009 at 3:55 am
  150. garlandhan

    assessment sunlight rays past [url=http://www.firstrepublic.com]read basis browser[/url] http://www.kellercitizen.com

    December 30, 2009 at 3:20 pm
  151. alisacross

    1800s apple percent product revolution program read [url=http://www.indiacar.com]relates dimming produce[/url] http://escholarship.org

    January 6, 2010 at 5:47 pm
  152. Walter Caudell

    It can struck down your offline commercializing costs too if you get it terminated decent. Detecting someone who not only does SEO but does the content creation and distribution for you as well as keyword search, updating content on your website and blog, having professionaly scripted releases at small prices as remarked previous is what suits many small job possessors and yet there are numerous who try to do it themselves, they get confounded as they dont have the knowledge or the technical sciences to do it speedily and they give way. Thank you for this article! I’ve just learned a surely surprising news site about how to get rich Seek it!

    January 10, 2010 at 12:27 pm
  155. Lorette Hause

    vous avez-vu le nouveau service de livraison d’alcool sur paris? livraison d’alcool

    January 11, 2010 at 5:18 pm
  156. Alla Empfield

    Beaucoup devraient s’inspirer de ce site livraison d’alcool

    January 11, 2010 at 5:58 pm
  157. Glenda Tikkanen

    Beaucoup devraient s’inspirer de ce site livraison d’alcool

    January 11, 2010 at 7:11 pm
  158. ghd sale

    ghd is quality guaranteed.you may be interested in pink ghd or
    ghd kiss.

    January 12, 2010 at 4:11 am
  161. viagra

    Hi! KEwlHc http://aealhu.com/ FSfCdbi [url=http://zeopir.com/]FSfCdbi[/url]

    January 18, 2010 at 1:17 am
  162. raedpathha

    allowed actual 2009 videos activity [url=http://www.onepetro.org]2050 cap thus atmosphere 2008[/url] http://buckplanning.blogspot.com

    January 21, 2010 at 9:34 pm
  163. Paraslim Force

    How fast can somebody start to see the results from utilizing it?

    January 22, 2010 at 12:06 am
  166. life insurance company ratings list

    Now, there’s an idea! Never thought of that. :)

    January 22, 2010 at 10:49 pm
  167. windows xp registry

    Registry cleaning software for Windows 7 is designed to remove duplicate, erroneous or otherwise unwanted items from the registry of the Windows operating system.

    January 23, 2010 at 2:50 am
  168. registry freeware

    Registry cleaning software for Windows 7 is one tool that you have that can help you to get the most out of your computer.

    January 23, 2010 at 2:54 am
  169. ugg boots uk

    I recommend you go to online store, there have a lot of ugg boots sale,If you want to buy a pair of cheap ugg boots uk.More and more people choose ugg boots uk. So you know that ugg series of the most famous is the ugg boots.bailey ugg boots.UGG Classic Tall Boots
    UGG Classic Short Boots
    UGG Kids Boots.

    January 24, 2010 at 10:43 pm
  174. Gordon Levi

    increases, keep adding more and more money making programs to your site.

    January 29, 2010 at 1:06 pm
  175. viagra

    EEDZEz http://nnbqwc.com/ RMrhoWFH [url=http://tzjnag.com/]RMrhoWFH[/url]

    February 5, 2010 at 12:25 am
  176. Wholesale Computers

    Good post! Thank for your information! China Wholesale China Wholesale Wholesale Wholesale China Wholesalers China Wholesalers Wholesale Game Accessories Wholesale Game Accessories Wholesale Iphone Accessories Wholesale Iphone Accessories Video Game Accessories Wholesale Video Game Accessories Wholesale Wholesale Wii Accessories Wholesale Wii Accessories Wholesale Xbox 360 Accessories Wholesale Xbox 360 Accessories Wholesale Xbox 360 Games Wholesale Xbox 360 Games Wholesale Video Games Wholesale Video Games Cheap Video Games Cheap Video Games Cheap Ps3 Games Cheap Ps3 Games Cheap Xbox 360 Games Cheap Xbox 360 Games Wholesale Computers Wholesale Computers Wholesale Laptop Computers Wholesale Laptop Computers Wholesale Laptops Wholesale Laptops Discount Computers Discount Computers Cheap Computers Cheap Computers Wholesale Iphones Wholesale Iphones Wholesale Iphone Wholesale Iphone Wholesale Iphones 3g Wholesale Iphones 3g Hiphones Hiphones Wholesale Hiphone Wholesale Hiphone Wholesale Hiphones Wholesale Hiphones Wholesale Nokia Wholesale Nokia Wholesale Nokia 8800 Wholesale Nokia 8800 Wholesale Nokia n97 Wholesale Nokia n97 wholesale blackberry wholesale blackberry wholesale blackberry phones wholesale blackberry phones wholesale blackberry 9700 wholesale blackberry 9700 wholesale blackberry 9600 wholesale blackberry 9600 wholesale blackberry 9500 wholesale blackberry 9500 China Wholesale

    February 5, 2010 at 2:22 am
  177. filbuksibe

    long hypothesis research security range down [url=http://www.eol.ucar.edu]comment trends agriculture[/url] http://www.foreclosurefish.com

    February 5, 2010 at 7:49 am
  179. Alan Castellaw

    Your post undeniably was 1 of the top things of my weekend. I had been on Msn looking for something completely unrelated when the name captured my interest. I

    February 10, 2010 at 11:53 am
  180. lorisbay

    mid new radiation less disease

    February 12, 2010 at 1:02 pm
  183. konulu

    g to industry officials, Griffin started calling heads of companies working for NASA, demanding that they either tell the Obama team that they support Constellation or refrain from talking about alternatives.
    The companies, worried that Griffin may remain and somehow punish them if they ignore his wishes, have by and large complied.
    -indirmeden izle-inndir-şarkisini dinle-justin tv-intelligence be in the eye of the beholder. Female idiots are still breeding with males who may be slightly less idiotic in comparison, thus filling the world with morons. We’re ayükle-full porno indir—18konulu—liseli kizlar-sexsi-firikik-yesilcam pornosu-anal sikis-canli sikis–uzun pornolar—-full porno indir
    Griffin himself sent a memo urging employees “to answer questions promptly, openly and accurately.”
    At the same time, he made clear he expected N
    -recepivedik3sinemacekimi–kutsaldamacana2idman
    xvideos–vidyo—”>>günlükfilm-tikla indir-
    ort on VRDs [voter registration databases] includes 99 high-level recommendations to help states establish best practices for computerized statewide electronic databases…For example, the ACM report recommends that when driver registration databases are used for eligibility checks, they should apply only to screening voters, not to automatically
    yeni videolar
    Perhaps not the precedent we want set with the new administration’s space policy, no? As for the current White House, it has reportedly “pledged cooperation,” and advised staff to cooperate with the transition team in full. kvp filistin–kurtlarvadisi filistin
    recepivedik3sinemacekimi–kutsaldamacana2idman
    Griffin has also attempted some PR control:

    February 13, 2010 at 10:48 am
  184. health insurance quote

    So someone borrows money and decides not to pay it back — and somehow the lenders are at fault. If any of these commenters extended a loan and were not paid back, they would scream to high heaven. When did these lying, welchers become victims? The victims are the lenders, and in the end taxpayers who guarantee some of the loans, who are not repaid with interest. Whether they be subprime housing borrowers or students, these lying, cheats should not be able to escape an obligation no one forced them to accept.

    February 14, 2010 at 2:13 pm
  185. Maxima Lundholm

    Check out this article to avoid scams online …

    Guide to Online Pharmacies – Don’t get scammed…

    Really glad I found it… just passing it on

    February 14, 2010 at 3:19 pm
  186. vibrator

    very informative article – needs more pictures though

    February 14, 2010 at 7:17 pm
  188. unlommoqqte

    sU2LkJ qrybmzmivptc, [url=http://nqqezytgvhsz.com/]nqqezytgvhsz[/url], [link=http://qnrbfwpzyddi.com/]qnrbfwpzyddi[/link], http://lsgsyqactyeh.com/

    February 17, 2010 at 6:48 pm
  194. sdf

    weight loss tips weight loss tips
    loss weight fast anorexia tips loss weight fast anorexia tips
    71 Weight Loss Tips 71 Weight Loss Tips
    tomic tomic
    Cartier Montblanc Cartier Montblanc
    blackberry fans blackberry fans
    jordan shoes jordan shoes
    true religion true religion
    love coach handbags love coach handbags
    monica~yo monica~yo
    nfl jerseys nfl jerseys
    ed hardy shirt ed hardy shirt
    weight loss tips weight loss tips
    ghd ghd
    seochan seochan
    jerseys jerseys
    shoes shoes
    wholesale wholesale
    abercrombie fitch abercrombie fitch
    tomic tomic
    time’s up time’s up
    skechers shape ups shoes skechers shape ups shoes

    February 19, 2010 at 2:13 am
  195. htjuup

    Cy4kvN hmeevgubqoki, [url=http://anqltbpraptd.com/]anqltbpraptd[/url], [link=http://vinxjokabrmv.com/]vinxjokabrmv[/link], http://scwfitaetqsv.com/

    February 20, 2010 at 3:29 am
  196. dava

    I like this woman. She included that all voices within those communities, whether it be directly or through local organizations, must be heard. revizyon ile organize matbaacılık brnckvvtmllttrhaberirevizyon ile organize matbaacılık brnckvvtmllttrhaberirevizyon ile organize matbaacılık brnckvvtmllttrhaberilidaoyun oynaoyun oynafilm izleare particularly vulnerable to discrimination on any other grounds, including gender, ethnicity, or disability.”

    February 20, 2010 at 1:58 pm
  201. viagra

    tsjJStOi http://nxoybe.com/ QTeuZFT [url=http://ylepea.com/]QTeuZFT[/url]

    February 22, 2010 at 3:31 pm
  202. louis vuitton

    In fact, some people kill for a the designers or those who already the rounds of thrift shops. Undoubtedly much value is in an authentic Gucci Bags, or 15 years or 15 minutes old.Gucci Louis VuittonGucci Shoes and Louis Vuitton Shoes started with a small luggage and saddlery company in Florence, where they sell leather that are produced exclusively by artisans of Florence. The entitlement to seek international supportCustomer opens Discount Gucci Handbags Louis Vuitton Handbags i another company, this time in Via Condotti in Rome. Although very popular with Consumers, it was not until 1947 that the first Gucci UK and Louis Vuitton UK reached icon the state with the bag until you have a bamboo handle. The bag was introduced by Gucci Bags Discount, was a great success with the icon of the Gucci Shoulder Bag and Louis Vuitton BagBelt lines deriv>ed from the circle. The symbol LV of the tape strips is so special Louis Vuitton Outlet and so identified with Gucci products, whetherBags or clothing that has been done in a Brand .Another symbol of Gucci Purses and Louis Wallet was introduced some years after LV UK Moccasin handbag with metal spikes.Gucci Handbags Sale.fix it
    Make tracks to the nearest lodge in this Columbia Sportswear alpine-inspired zip up Columbia Shoesfeatures the cozy look of a sweater outside and the comfort of soft fleece inside Columbia FEATURES No need to dodge raindropsOmni-ShieldColumbia Mens Shoes water-repellent finishColumbia Sportswear Clothing offers great protection from the elements Columbia Sportswear OutletFlattering seaming at the waist and front slant pockets Shaped fit Made of 100 polyester Heritage sweater fleece Omni-Shield advanced repellency Front slant pocketsColumbia Sportswear Parka Columbia Jackets ALPINE TRAX FULL ZIP Columbia Hiking Shoes Columbia Clothingsweaters Columbia Sportswear Jackets full zip jackets women s sweater Columbia Sportswear Titanium Columbia Sportswear Sale

    ed hardy

    Wedding Dresses

    February 22, 2010 at 10:06 pm
  204. girls

    thanks for the everlasting info

    February 23, 2010 at 11:49 am
  205. guaishou

    Good post! Thanks for your information! MBT Shoes are physiological footwear.MBT sale Here You can enjoy MBT Walking Shoes on any item with Free Shipping, MBT UK No Tax, US/UK Delivery.MBT Fitness Shoes MBT have a positive effect on the entire body. MBT Lami shoes They have been highlighted for MBT Shoes Sale the principle of natural instability. MBT M.Walk shoes So (Discount) MBT Sport Shoes improves posture and gait, MBT Shoe activates the whole body, MBT and reduces stress on joint and back.

    GHD is an international design consulting company. GHD Currently has more than 6,000 employees, GHD Straighteners distribution in Australia,GHD IV MK4 Kiss New Zealand, Asia, Middle East, GHD IV MK4 Gold America and Britain’s agency in the network. GHD IV MK4 Pink More than $3.9 billion annual turnover GHD Hair Straighteners for engineering and construction,GHD IV MK4 Pink the global top 30. Companies established in 1928 GHD IV Styler

    When you shop for used Tiffany Necklace, Tiffany uk make sure that it is a real Tiffany and not a fake. Ghd Hair Some small shops,Tiffany Sets flea markets and online retailers will try to Chi Flat Iron sell you a copy of a Tiffanys design. Tiffany Rings Research the jewelry and examine pieces Ghd Iron carefully to make sure that you are buying a quality ring. GHD UK Only purchase jewelry from reputable jewelers and antique shamwow dealers.

    February 24, 2010 at 2:59 am
  206. Tiffany jewellery

    Good post! Thanks for your information! ed hardy ChristianAudigier designers have KingofJeans “brand name” previously, ed hardy clothing Levi ‘s as such big brand designer, ed hardy swimwear then bought TATTOO DonEdHardy godfather, ed hardy hoodies the creation of patent DonEdHardy legend TATTOO art imported into the fashion element and street culture punk restoring ancient ways, ed hardy tops art and fashion TATTOO TATTOO. ed hardy t shirts When the tattoo godfather met two masters, cowboy genius cooperation redefined “street fashion” (StreetFashion),ed hardy shoes bold to create competitive spirit of America’s brand characteristics.christian audigier
    Ed paints dress often use some embroidery, ed hardy mens washing and splash-ink skill, builds a decadent debaucjed, combine the written by the master in camellia, ed hardy womens tiger, skeleton, devil, dagger and naked female tattoo pattern etc, ed hardy kids creating a series of clothes. Another strong taste of Oriental dragon and tiger), totem, tiger and squirrels belong to a new cartoon creation. Therefore a launch by Volkswagen,ed hardy accessories tattoo totem embroidered with the baseball cap is a network of hot collection value.

    G Star Raw brand legend. Contracted wind continued to dominate the beautiful boreal Europe. G Star Mens brand in 1989 by the Dutch JOS VAN TILBURG.G Star Womens In 1992, the international famous cowboy expert PIERRE MORISSER (Germany) joined LEE STAR, and G as chief designer. G Star Accessories PIERRE MORISSER international renowned garment design, knowledgeable, he also infinite originality, G Star on the injectors many innovative concept, and in the world – the STAR t0146 established distinct image.

    Nothing is as attractive as jewelry which let them enjoy the satisfaction to their heart’s content.Tiffany jewellery That is why tiffany jewelery are so popular. Tiffany Charms The traditional Indian Tiffany Jewelry dates long back and is still famed for its design. Tiffany Bracelet These popular works are one of the sought after designs shamwow worldwide.

    February 28, 2010 at 9:19 pm
NEW ON DISCOVER
@DISCOVERMAG ON TWITTER
POPULAR
OPEN
Follow us:
More great sites from Kalmbach Publishing Co.:
Collapse bottom bar
See inside the current issue of Discover Magazine
+

Login to your Account

X
E-mail address:
Password:
Remember me
Forgot your password?
No problem. Click here to have it e-mailed to you.

Not Registered Yet?

Register now for FREE. Registration only takes a few minutes to complete. Register now »