Jerome Kassirer's "On the Take" reveals the pervasive influence of Big Business on medical profession
- Jerome Kassirer reveals the troubling and pervasive influence of Big business on the medical profession, highlighting the ethical dilemmas and financial conflicts that have become endemic in modern medicine.
- The book describes how pharmaceutical, biotechnology and medical device companies entice doctors with extravagant gifts, from high-end electronics to all-expense-paid vacations, in exchange for promoting their products, thereby compromising medical objectivity and integrity.
- Kassirer provides real-world examples, such as the experiences of Dr. Robert E. Reisman and Dr. Charles Field, to illustrate how even minor financial incentives can sway prescribing habits and potentially compromise patient care.
- The influence of corporate interests extends to continuing medical education (CME) programs, which are often sponsored by pharmaceutical companies. This raises concerns about the objectivity of the information disseminated and the potential for bias in medical training.
- Kassirer advocates for stricter regulations to manage financial conflicts of interest, including full disclosure of financial arrangements, limits on gift acceptance and the elimination of certain types of financial ties. These measures aim to restore integrity and trust in the medical profession and ensure that healthcare decisions prioritize patient welfare over corporate interests.
Jerome P. Kassirer's book "
On the Take: How Medicine's Complicity with Big Business Can Endanger Your Health" offers a sobering exploration of the intricate and often troubling relationship between the medical profession and corporate interests.
This exposé, which delves into the ethical dilemmas and financial conflicts that have become endemic in modern medicine, is both a wake-up call and a call to action for a system in dire need of reform.
The narrative begins with a vivid depiction of a medical conference, a setting that should epitomize the pursuit of knowledge and innovation. Instead, it resembles a marketplace where
doctors are courted with an array of lavish gifts from pharmaceutical, biotechnology and medical device companies. What was once a pen or a notepad has evolved into high-end electronics and personalized services, all in exchange for the doctors' attention and, ultimately, their loyalty. This scene, while seemingly innocuous, is emblematic of a much deeper issue: the insidious influence of big business on medical practice.
Kassirer, a former editor-in-chief of the
New England Journal of Medicine, pulls no punches in revealing the extent to which financial conflicts of interest have permeated the medical field. Physicians are enticed with all-expense-paid vacations to exotic locales, free gadgets and gourmet meals, all under the guise of professional development or simple hospitality. However, these "generous" offers come with strings attached, often requiring doctors to participate in company-sponsored events where they are subtly pressured to promote specific products.
One of the most compelling examples in the book is the case of Dr. Robert E. Reisman, who found himself courted by pharmaceutical companies offering enticing incentives. These ranged from luxurious trips to free technology, with the implicit understanding that he would become a spokesperson for their drugs. This practice, while seemingly beneficial for the companies, raises serious questions about the objectivity and integrity of the medical advice being dispensed.
The book is replete with similar stories, illustrating how
financial incentives can subtly sway a doctor's prescribing habits. Dr. Charles Field, an internal medicine specialist, admitted that the perks he received influenced his choice of medications, albeit marginally. This admission underscores the pervasive nature of the problem: even the smallest incentives can have a significant impact on medical decisions.
The influence of big business extends beyond individual prescribing habits to the very fabric of medical education. Continuing medical education (CME) programs, which are crucial for keeping physicians updated on the latest advancements, are often sponsored by pharmaceutical companies. While this sponsorship can facilitate access to valuable educational resources, it also raises concerns about the objectivity of the information being disseminated. Dr. Douglas Waud's criticism of the practice of accepting free lunches and the blurred line between education and marketing highlights the need for a critical re-evaluation of how medical education is funded and delivered.
Kassirer also delves into the darker side of self-interest in medicine, highlighting instances where
doctors have promoted certain products without disclosing their financial ties. These cases illustrate the potential for greed to overshadow the ethical obligations of the profession. The concept of reciprocity plays a significant role here, as doctors who accept gifts often feel an unspoken obligation to reciprocate, even if it means compromising their professional judgment.
In conclusion, "On the Take" is a powerful reminder of the challenges facing the medical profession today. The influence of big business is pervasive and the potential for conflicts of interest is ever-present. However, by shining a light on these issues, Kassirer empowers us to demand change and work towards a more ethical and trustworthy healthcare system. This book is not just a critique; it is a blueprint for reform, urging us to reclaim the integrity of medicine for the benefit of all.
Learn more about the
complicity of the medical field with Big Business by watching the video below.
This video is from the
BrightLearn channel on Brighteon.com.
Sources include:
Brighteon.ai
Brighteon.com
Parler
Gab
Copy
