A National Survey of Physician–Industry Relationships

In this national survey of 3167 physicians, 83% reported receiving food or beverages paid for by a company that makes drugs or other medical products, 78% drug samples, 35% reimbursement for professional meetings, and 28% payments for consulting, speaking, or enrolling patients in clinical trials. Family practitioners met most frequently with industry representatives, and cardiologists were most likely to receive payments. In this national survey of physicians, 83% reported receiving food or beverages paid for by a company that makes drugs or other medical products, 78% drug samples, 35% reimbursement for professional meetings, and 28% payments for consulting, speaking, or enrolling patients in clinical trials. In the past 20 years, physician–industry relationships have received considerable attention. 1 – 12 In 2000, Wazana reviewed 16 studies published between 1982 and 1997 and estimated that, on average, physicians met with industry representatives four times per month and residents accepted six gifts per year from industry representatives. 13 A 2001 survey showed that 92% of physicians received drug samples, 61% received meals, tickets to events, or free travel, 13% received financial or other kinds of benefits, and 12% received incentives for participation in clinical trials. 14 Many of these previous studies are now somewhat dated or focused on particular specialties or geographic . . .