The Drug Rep: Troubadour of Truth or Temptress of Evil?
With Dickens precision I was visited by Three Pharmaceutical Drug Representatives one morning. Followed quickly by another three reps (perhaps they smelled their competition). Yes, five out of six were women; yes, five out of five women were pretty. They were also knowledgeable and charming and good at their job. (Okay, they also had shiny hair and wore high heels- God Bless Big Pharma). I just finished reading another blog/ article/ twitter vilifying the drug companies-certainly an easy target- but also naming the ninja/agent/seductress/battalions of Drug Reps as the sneaky minions executing the evil will of said greedy pharmaceutical empire. When it comes to criticizing the Drug Industry or Big Pharma, many an article focuses on the Drug Rep.
“The tools in this deception are gorgeous female drug reps that are hired for their ability to transfix doctors.” This great insight is actually from an exemplary blog entitled “Beautiful drug reps: a symptom of a diseased pharmaceutical industry”. Interesting, I thought: it was not the evil, blood-sucking, greedy, heartless corporations or the inept, behemoth, governmental bureaucracies under fire, but the comely vixen in heels? Continue reading “The Drug Rep: Troubadour of Truth or Temptress of Evil?” »
100% Charity
I had to work this Christmas holiday, the most important day of the year for me personally. An emergency (it happens). Not only did I drive to the hospital at my inconvenience; miss dinner with my family (hey, it’s a doctor’s life); get a ticket (bad luck); wait for tests and paperwork; give instructions in two languages; repeat the ER doctor’s exam; render treatment; stabilize the patient; remain at bed side until the symptoms resolved; fill out another round of paperwork, but I would not get paid for this work.
No payment. No reimbursement – not even a holiday fruitcake. “100% Charity” read the Emergency Room Intake Sheet. 100% Charity, translation: “You ain’t gettin’ paid”. Continue reading “100% Charity” »
