Drug rep dilemma
While medical ethicists at great universities may have their opinions ["Say No to Drug Reps," February 14], I can say that in my internal medicine practice, every drug sample goes to a needy patient who would otherwise be unable to take the medication. A lunch for the office staff and a few pens do not sway many physicians in practice. Only a review of many studies and attendance at conferences may give the best advice about newest medications. It would be more useful if drug companies lowered their prices or if the government provided nongeneric drugs at a discount.
ALEXANDER J. LAZAR, M.D.
Brooklyn, N.Y.
Your article states, "The gifts and food keep doctors' doors open." My son, an engineer with a medical appliance manufacturer, and two drug rep friends confided that companies host physicians and spouses on alleged educational conferences at resorts in the United States and in Paris. What kind of obligation for unbiased prescribing would that provide?
JAMES WOOD
Terre Haute, Ind.
I am a pharmaceutical sales professional specializing in cardiovascular disease. It is unfair to label information provided by pharmaceutical reps as "untrustworthy." Product labeling, clinical data, and other sales aids undergo intense legal and regulatory scrutiny. Office lunches and other promotional activities do not buy business; they merely afford us time to do our job properly.
GEOFFREY L. BIXLER
Clovis, Calif.
Campaign preview
According to "Who's on first?" [Washington Whispers, February 21], "Sen. John Kerry thinks he's the front-runner for the 2008 Democratic presidential primaries. While many Democrats expect Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton to emerge as top dog, Kerry's been telling friends the nomination is his." I was a tremendous supporter of Kerry in the 2004 election, but I don't think he should be allowed near the 2008 campaign. The moment Kerry announces his intentions for 2008, I will have T-shirts made for my friends to wear that say, "Dated Dean. Married Kerry. Woke up with Bush."
DAVID A. TICE
New York
This story appears in the March 7, 2005 print edition of U.S. News & World Report.