What are your thoughts on the relationship between physicians and the pharmaceutical industry?

"While I recognize that financial incentives provided by pharmaceutical companies are not acceptable and should be restricted as an Infectious Disease fellow with your program and in practice, I see value in pharmaceutical sales representatives as useful sources for information about new drugs. I would always seek data from clinical trials, samples for my future patients, and information about the manufacturer's program. This can make their drugs more affordable for patients who struggle financially, particularly those who don't have health insurance."

Due to the tendencies of these companies to financially reward physicians for using or prescribing their products, it is important to realize that sales representatives of pharmaceutical companies are an important ally for physicians and provide essential information. Assure your interviewers that you are open to listening to the reps and learning about new treatment options for your patients.