It’s pretty to think that medical programs put the health of Americans first and inspire doctors to provide the best care possible. Unfortunately, the American Medical Student Association says this ideal is threatened by the influence of the pharmaceutical industry. AMSA says drug companies subtly intervene at medical institutions with the hope that they can direct future doctors’ prescribing habits.
Now, Pfizer – one of the nation’s largest drug companies – has given Stanford University a $3 million grant to develop continuing education programs for doctors devoid of drug industry influence, according to the New York Times. Pfizer officials said they made the grant to ensure the independence and patient benefit of such programs.
While some are skeptical about the drug company’s supposedly unbiased support, Stanford medical staff gladly accepts the funds and hope the grant comes with "no strings attached." A press release from the medical school said that, "The Pfizer grant comes with no conditions and the company will not be involved in the curriculum."
Dr. Philip Pizzo, dean of the Stanford medical school, told the source that this grant represents a "novel rebooting" of the common bias in education programs from drug companies that quietly support medical institutions. He says Pfizer’s open support and promise to remain outside of the curriculum planning is a "fundamental change."
Nonetheless, he will be on guard against any inappropriate marketing messages Pfizer – or other drug companies – try to send participants in the continued education program.
Stanford doctors are still in the process of picking educational topics for the program to best keep doctors up to date in the medical field. According to NPR, possibilities include reducing surgical infections, better diabetes management, and developing smoking-cessation programs for patients.
Additionally, the grant will allow Stanford to implement new, advanced technologies that can simulate a hospital for lessons. 