President’s Column

The article “Drug Industry Responds to Complaints About Marketing” and “Throw Them Out?” by Dr. Appelbaum in the July 5 issue make some interesting points. But why should we physicians give our time free of charge to pharmaceutical companies when their sales reps call on us or when we attend their presentations, the sole purpose of which is marketing their products?

Yes, Dr. Appelbaum is right. My time is worth a lot more than pens, note pads, and frisbees! We should charge for our time when reps call on us and when we attend industry-supported presentations. That includes attending industry-supported presentations at APA’s annual meeting. There is nothing unethical about charging for our time.