Relations between Physicians and Pharmaceutical Companies: Where to Draw the Line

To the Editor: Dr. Jenike suggested (Feb. 22 issue)* that an ethical line be drawn between speakers at medical symposiums and members of the audience in determining which physicians could appropriately have their expenses, "including travel with spouse, hotel room, open bar at a reception, and meals," paid for by the pharmaceutical sponsor. It was unclear from Dr. Jenike's letter whether he did in fact speak at the conference after he learned that the members of the audience were attending the symposium at the expense of the sponsor. Why is it conscionable to receive the above perquisites if you give . . .