STAT: "How pharma sales reps help me be a more up-to-date doctor"

[[La...]]

Dr. David Juurlink's tweet:

 

 

Article:

 

https://www.statnews.com/2017/09/01/doctor-pharma-sales-reps/?s_campaign=tw&utm_content=buffer029f7&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter.com&utm_campaign=buffer

[[Te...]]

I think this comment at the bottom about sums it up for me regarding Robert Yapundich's article: "To think a drug representative is not primarily motivated to sell more of his product, regardless whether it’s appropriate or superior to others, is to live in some kind of fantasy of ones own making. There are a lot of gullible people, as the number of common scams indicate, so certainly doctors cannot be eliminated from that category. The trick is not to open yourself up to that possibility."

 

And I'm taking an alpha blocker (similar to Prazosin). I still have PTSD, and from what I read, you'd need a large amount to stop PTSD. A large amount of ANY bp drug would probably help, but who wants to take 16 mg. Plus it gives terrible dizziness and also blocks sexual response.

 

I'm so happy that Dr. Juurlink brought the topic about pharma reps up! And I especially like this comment from Ilse Wiechers: I'm a product of zero drug rep interactions (thanks in part to where I trained and now practice) and I think I'm still a pretty good doctor...And yes, it's hard to stay up to date, but its my responsibility to do it in unbiased, conflict-free manner. For me and my patients sake.

 

Thanks as usual, Lapis!!

 

[[La...]]

Thanks for bringing that other doctor's comments up, Terry! I had read the whole thread. I know there ARE doctors out there with integrity. As patients, we have to determine who's who, put some trust where it's needed, but also stay vigilant and informed.

 

 

[[Te...]]

I'm in the "stay vigilant and informed" camp. It's so hard to find a good doctor in the U.S. Even reading the bios, you may think the person is okay, see them, and realize that they're not for you. There are good doctors out there; it's just that I haven't had the pleasure of meeting one yet after seeing so many. I'm still hoping.

[[La...]]

Our systems are so different, Terry. I can't imagine trying to navigate things there. When I go to see a doctor, I don't worry about the money factor.