What are your thoughts on the relationship between physicians and the pharmaceutical industry?
Medical students are generally dismissive of the interactions between physicians and pharmaceutical companies, but as an Internal Medicine Resident, you will prescribe medications and work with reps from various companies. Your interviewers will want to hear that you can see the positives in your relationships with the pharma industry.
"While I recognize that financial incentives provided by pharmaceutical companies are not acceptable and should be restricted, I see value in pharmaceutical sales representatives as useful sources for information about a new drug, including 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 aree open to listening to the reps and learning about new medicines for your patients.
"Physicians should utilize their knowledge and training to provide their patients the best treatments possible. Oftentimes this requires physicians to interface with the pharmaceutical industry to provide the best care for their patients. Ultimately, a physician needs to be guided by what is in the best interest of their patients and not what is in the best interest of a pharmaceutical company."
Community answers are written by other candidates practicing this set. Reading how others frame the same question is one of the fastest ways to sharpen your own.
Anonymous Answer
I think there are definite benefits and access to new treatments that would be helpful to patients for whom established treatments may not work. The drug reps are very knowledgeable about the drugs, indications, side effects, etc. Now that companies are limited in the incentives (no kickbacks) they can offer to a physician to prescribe their own products, the relationship is much more beneficial to the patient. Free samples are also very helpful to patients who can’t afford meds.
Marcie's Feedback
Nice! You've done a good job of explaining several of the ways patients might benefit when physicians establish working relationships with pharmaceutical sales reps. It's positive that you also mention that kickbacks and incentives are detrimental to the process since the interviewer will want assurance that you understand both sides of this topic. Good job!
