(Article at MPR.org: http://ow.ly/10zlT)
Most restrictive legislation is created under the assumption that doctors are easily influenced by drug marketing.
Is this true?
Doctors are people, and, with administrative pressure to see more patients in less time, its understandable they *might* rely on information from drug companies more than they would if they had more time for their own research.
At the same time, the medical profession is founded on solemn oaths to put patients first. Most doctors choose the job out of a sincere desire to serve.
It's equally likely that these trained professionals would hold drug company claims at arm's length, ensuring they had the best, and not just the most convenient, information at hand to ensure patients receive the best care.
Are we giving doctors enough credit? Don't have an answer to this one, so feel free to weigh in.
Most restrictive legislation is created under the assumption that doctors are easily influenced by drug marketing.
Is this true?
Doctors are people, and, with administrative pressure to see more patients in less time, its understandable they *might* rely on information from drug companies more than they would if they had more time for their own research.
At the same time, the medical profession is founded on solemn oaths to put patients first. Most doctors choose the job out of a sincere desire to serve.
It's equally likely that these trained professionals would hold drug company claims at arm's length, ensuring they had the best, and not just the most convenient, information at hand to ensure patients receive the best care.
Are we giving doctors enough credit? Don't have an answer to this one, so feel free to weigh in.
