The Journal of the American Medical Association researched back in 2006, the issue of a possible conflict of interest between the pharmaceutical industry and doctors. I found the results to be quite startling. They found that doctor’s who took free samples, accepted research grants, and or honorariums, all significantly increased their prescriptions of the particular drug they had be marketed to. Many incorporate the pharmaceutical companies recommended treatment plans, or give hospitals that choice of treatment for disease. Where drug company sponsored conferences, Doctor’s increased prescriptions of these pharmaceutical products by as much as 80-190%. I believe many people feel the moral requirements of the physician’s roles are or have been compromised by close ties to the drug companies. This study backs that belief. The good news is that Patients more then ever are  taking an active role in their health outcome.

From this study’s results, it is clear that more stringent regulation are necessary, including the elimination or modification of common practices related to small gifts, pharmaceutical samples, continuing medical education, funds for physician travel, speakers bureaus, ghostwriting, and consulting and research contracts. There has been a small group of Doctor’s who have come out against the close ties between them and the pharmaceutical companies, I hope after reading this study, more doctors will see the need to educate themselves on the all the drugs they prescribe to their patients.