Doctors, drug companies, and gifts
Article Abstract:
The ethical and practical ramifications of doctors receiving gifts from drug companies were examined following an incident in which a drug company gave cash to dermatologists attending a meeting, presumably to cover transportation costs. Since accepting a gift from a drug company obliges the physician to respond, such gifts may entangle physicians in unethical relationships with the companies. Such gifts ultimately cost the patients' money, and may be morally wrong. The moral character of the physician could be undermined by a practice which promotes self-interest above the interest of the patient. Thus, such gifts could damage the public's perception that the medical profession places the interests of its patients foremost. A physician would violate his responsibility to his patients if he prescribed unnecessary or inappropriate medications because he felt indebted to the drug manufacturer. The need for guidelines concerning the receipt of gifts is discussed.
Publication Name: JAMA, The Journal of the American Medical Association
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0098-7484
Year: 1989
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Performance-enhancing drugs, fair competition, and Olympic sport
Article Abstract:
Many athletes at the 1996 Summer Olympic Games in Atlanta will be tested for drug use despite claims that drug testing violates their personal liberty. Almost one-fifth of athletes will be tested immediately after their event and many will be tested by their home countries before they arrive in the US. The tests will be done on short notice or no notice at all and will test for stimulants, anabolic steroids, diuretics, hormones, marijuana and blood doping. Use of steroids and amphetamines carry the biggest sanctions. Most Olympic athletes support drug testing.
Publication Name: JAMA, The Journal of the American Medical Association
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0098-7484
Year: 1996
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Discussion of medical errors in morbidity and mortality conferences
Article Abstract:
Many doctors how work in a hospital do not discuss medical errors during morbidity and mortality conferences, according to doctors who observed 332 conferences. Surgery conferences were much more likely to discuss medical errors than internal medicine conferences. Morbidity and mortality conferences are often held every day, where groups of doctors discuss a particular case.
Publication Name: JAMA, The Journal of the American Medical Association
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0098-7484
Year: 2003
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