We teach medical students, residents and fellows evidence-based medicine to lay the groundwork for rational prescribing and good clinical judgment. But should we stop our rheumatology fellows from interacting with pharmaceutical companies as part of this foundation? It is not surprising that pharmaceutical companies can influence physician prescribing through gifts. At least, it should not…
We received a few letters in response to the December 2011 Ethics Forum, which asked the question: What is your personal policy about accepting gifts?
The holiday season is here and I certainly enjoy receiving gifts as much as anyone. We have been either educated about declining—or forbidden to receive—gifts from pharmaceutical companies, but these are not the only source of gifts. A few years ago, I discovered a private physical therapist was located only a few blocks from my office.