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NEWS: Ray Moynihan US seniors group attacks pharmaceutical industry "fronts" BMJ 2003; 326: 351 [Full text]

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AARP attack on "shadow promotion outfits" for Pharm Houses (selected)

Frank J. Elsner, retired   (21 February 2003)

AARP attack on "shadow promotion outfits" for Pharm Houses (selected) 21 February 2003
Frank J. Elsner, RETIRED 008034, retired Send response to journal: Re: AARP attack on "shadow promotion outfits" for Pharm Houses (selected)	I am surprised it took the AARP (35 million + members) so long to realize this has been going on for eons! To my knowledge, including various Churches, there have been "front" organizations for virtually ALL works of life - the Pharm Industry (with the exception of a few, highly ethical ones), has been doing this for at least fifty years. Pfizer, Inc. was one of the originators of having authoritative Physician (and allied health professionals) speak before a "Grand Rounds" )[phys & other health professionals] - at hospitals, as far back as 40 years ago -to enable Interns, Medical Students, Residents, Fellows and Staff physicians (& other interested health personnel, such as Nurses, Social Workers, etc.) be appraise of the latest health situations and "remedies" from top, non- partisan medical authorities - the Hospital "Grand Rounds" section and the Chiefs of Service, picked the speaker - OF THEIR CHOICE - invited her/him and the speaker was paid a reasonable honorarium for services rendered - BY the hospital or Medical group (such as Country Medical Society) - the institution was reimbursed by Pfizer, without monies going directly to the speaker. Much of the time, the Medical speaker's topic had nothing to do with any Pfizer product - but was totally Medically informational; as a result of this, these are the reasons that many - if not all - of the AARP members are able to take advantage of the many "miracle=like" prosthesis and other tremendous medical advances to keep them hail and hearty - because an "expert" came in and whetted the appetite of an influential audience, who went on to do great "medical miracles" for mankind. In conclusion - at this point in the history of our Great United States of America, what industry, company or Church organization can the author name, WHO does not or has not used a "friendly front organization" to help foster their cause. At the very least, the Pharmaceutical industry should NOT be singled out - in MY opinion. Thank you and continued - with the help of the Pharm industry and the medical community - GOOD HEALTH. Frank J. Elsner Competing interests:   none