Editor,
Oftentimes within the political landscape, we demonize our leaders for falling prey to the temptation of lobbyists. There is nothing more loathsome than the selling of one's principles in order to accrue campaign dollars. In order to find such abhorrent behavior, one need not go so far as Capitol Hill. Every day, similar transactions, overlooked by tradition and ambivalence, occur in our local clinics, hospitals and educational
facilities.
Medical-device and pharmaceutical industries have heavily invested in the acquisition and manipulation of physician integrity. The behavior of the pharmaceutical industry, like that of Washington's lobbyists, is well understood and expected. If certain promotional activities can increase the profit margins of a business, by all means they will be utilized. Neither industry nor the representative can be blamed for working in the interests of their investors.
Undoubtedly, there is a place for industry in the health care landscape. The true pathology of this conflict lies in the hands of the professionals who have sworn to uphold patient interests. As medical professionals, physicians have chosen to work for the well-being of patients, not for corporate interests. While providers continue to emphasize patient-centered care, many of these same physicians enjoy the promotional benefits offered by profit-centered
corporations.
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A long history of published scientific literature indicates that gifts, irrespective of size, impact physician behavior. Yet many providers still accept promotional gifts from the industry. If being willing to modify one's prescriptions for a free lunch is not enough, the culture of gift acceptance is being foisted upon our physicians in training. The very institutions that uphold the concepts of professionalism, evidence-based medicine and patient well-being continue to allow the manipulation of their students.
With the current policies and attitudes that persist in the medical profession, one suggestion can certainly be made: Perhaps more physicians should go into politics.
David Stromberg
UNM student
