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

"I've learned through my medical school rotations that financial incentives provided by pharmaceutical companies are not acceptable and should be restricted, but 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. Does your institution have any policies on working with pharmaceutical representatives? How do your urology residents typically interact with them?"

Due to the tendencies of these companies to financially reward physicians for using or prescribing their products, it is necessary to realize that sales representatives of pharmaceutical companies are generally an ally for physicians and provide essential information. Knowing that you will likely be seeing competing drug reps, it's important to reiterate that you would always be willing to do your homework on new treatment options to do what is best for your patients.