Drug Marketing Exposed -- Again and Again

The Los Angeles Times devotes its health section today to exposing drug industry marketing to physicians. Last week, Sen. Charles Grassley (R-IA) proposed legislation that would require that drug companies list all their payments to physicians (when they're hired as "consultants" and "speakers" for peddling drugs to their fellow docs at professional meetings). One can only hope this constant drumbeat of criticism is having an effect on corporate boardrooms.

Here's my advice to drug industry execs: Why don't you come up with something innovative? Docs will beat a path to your door. Marketing costs? Minimal.