Physician Relations with the Pharmaceutical Industry

Interactions with representatives of pharmaceutical manufacturers are a common experience in residency and in independent practice. Physicians generally learn very little about how the pharmaceutical industry develops its marketing strategy and how physicians are believed to be influenced by it.

Dr. Jennifer Pearlman is a family physician who is also a certified financial analyst and has focused on the healthcare and pharmaceutical industries in her investment advisor practice. She has an “insider’s” knowledge of the industry and its marketing practices, and frequently speaks to physician groups to educate us about the ways in which pharmaceutical companies try to manipulate physicians.

This three hour module is designed to allow PGY-3 trainees to gain some understanding of how the pharmaceutical industry is structured and how its marketing components function. The goal is for trainees to enter independent practice, and encounter the pharmaceutical industry's efforts, with a personally developed attitude that maximizes their independence from manipulation.

The session will consist of a presentation and small group, case-based discussion. Advance reading is recommended, as well as review of the cases.

Materials for the session can be found in the Archives and Resources page under "Pharmaceutical Industry Relations". The userid and password for this page can be obtained by emailing the CRISP program.

Last updated:10/9/2007 9:38:19 AM