According to a national survey of doctors published in The New England Journal of Medicine, 94% of physicians have "a relationship" with the pharmaceutical, medical device or related industries. A research firm recently estimated that drug companies spend over $20 billion annually marketing directly to physicians. With statistics like these, it is not surprising that the public is becoming concerned that these ties may influence how medications are developed, marketed and prescribed.
June 22, 2010Kevin M. Quinley