doctors urge end to corporate ties...

a group of prominent physicians and researchers on wednesday urged professional medical groups to “wean” themselves from industry support and move toward a complete ban on corporate money for things like souvenir pens, tote bags and the sponsorships of committees that develop clinically important guidelines and training programs... the authors acknowledged that while it would be difficult, even painful, to carry out the reforms, they were essential if physician associations are to maintain their scientific integrity and the trust of their patients. // roni caryn rabin, 04.01.09, new york times