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NEWS: Jeanne Lenzer Doctors refuse space to group fighting drug company influence BMJ 2005; 331: 653-a [Full text]

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Ridiculous decision, thankfully now reversed

Peter J Flegg   (23 September 2005)

Strange but true

John P Heptonstall   (24 September 2005)

Re: Strange but true

Nora W. Coffey, Rick Schweikert   (25 September 2005)

Ridiculous decision, thankfully now reversed 23 September 2005
Peter J Flegg, Physician Blackpool, FY3 8NR Send response to journal: Re: Ridiculous decision, thankfully now reversed	The American Academy of Family Physicians took a similar line on this issue as did the American College of Physicians at its annual meeting in April. Fortunately the Academy has had a change of heart and has now agreed to host the No Free Lunch exhibit(1), (albeit next to an exhibit promoting the qualities of Californian wine). It is saddening that the Academy seems to have been blind to all logic and reason in the first place, and only arrived at this decision following an outcry from its members and other health professionals. 1. http://www.aafp.org/x38241.xml Competing interests: None declared
Strange but true 24 September 2005
John P Heptonstall, Director of the Morley Acupuncture Clinic Leeds LS27 8EG Send response to journal: Re: Strange but true	Perhaps someone could explain what is so strange about the noted doctors 'Academy' preferring the company of large fee paying purveyors of pharmaceuticals and fast food to that of such fellow professionals? Regards John H. Competing interests: None declared
Re: Strange but true 25 September 2005
Nora W. Coffey, President, Hysterectomy Educational Resources & Services (HERS) Foundation Bala Cynwyd, PA 19004, Rick Schweikert Send response to journal: Re: Re: Strange but true	Indeed, John, sad but true. "First do no harm" is often replaced by "First how much do I stand to gain". We are heartened by the response of Peter J. Flegg and yourself. Surely he is not the only physician who feels this way. The outcry from members of the Academy was powerful enough to reverse their initial preposterous decision. We hope more physicians join him with public response in support of ethics that improve medicine for patients and physicians alike. Competing interests: None declared