Medical Disinformation: Is My Doc Getting Dis-Info?
November 21, 2009
I read an article, which if spot on, troubled me. The story appeared in TechDirt with the catchy title “Senate Exploring Med School Profs Putting Names On Ghostwritten Journal Articles In Favor Of Drugs.” I have some modest experience in the halls of Congress, and I have heard about the influence of big pharma. As a result, I am doubtful that much traction will come from the drag strip tires slapped on the information highway over this matter. Nevertheless, let me point you to the passage in the article that I found memorable:
…often the pharma companies would ghostwrite articles, and then get professors to basically put their names on the works, which were designed to emphasize the benefits of certain drugs, while hiding or de-emphasizing the risks.
My father is ill, and I am concerned about his care. The idea that some medications may not work as “advertised” bothers me. Heck, I take some medications. What about me? Maybe this marketing stuff has strayed outside the faded white lines on the information highway?
Stephen Arnold, November 21, 2009
I think I will disclose to the US Senate Sergeant at Arms that I was not paid to write this article. Think it will help? Will some online vendors charge for possibly incorrect marketing collateral?
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