October 20, 2010 
Making a living.
Excerpts from Chicago Tribune and other sources.
When doctors moonlight for drug companies
New data show drug firms have forged lucrative relationships with physicians that critics say can compromise care
Doctors are drawing an extra paycheck — worth tens of thousands of dollars a year or more — for speaking to other medical professionals about pharmaceutical products at companysponsored, company-scripted events in Illinois and across the country.
The pharmaceutical data show that 11 Illinois physicians each earned more than $100,000 between January 2009 and June 2010 from seven companies, according to a new database compiled by the national investigative news organization Pro-Publica. An additional 13 medical providers earned between $75,000 and $100,000, primarily for participating in speakers’ bureaus and educational fo-rums. Most doctors received far lesser sums.
Some medical and policy experts say physicians involved in the activities have crossed an important line, straying into the realm of product promotion and potentially compromising their independence and patient care.
“Let’s be honest: The purpose of these talks is to influence doctors to buy a company’s drugs,” said Eric Campbell, an associate professor of health policy at Harvard Medical School.
“To me, it’s always been about helping physicians understand the treatments that are available for migraine,” said Dr. Merle Diamond, president of the Diamond Headache Clinic on the North Side.
Diamond received $148,300 this year and last, mostly for speaking on behalf of GlaxoSmithKline. Four colleagues listed on her headache clinic’s Web site received lesser sums from Glaxo.
Dr. David Guthman, a urologist who practices in Arlington Heights, earned more from these pharmaceutical firms than any other Illinois physician — $210,091 this year and last. The sum includes $195,750 from Glaxo for discussing medications for enlarged prostates and bladder dysfunction.
Several medical experts say the true agenda is to sway doctors to use products featured at company-sponsored sessions — typically newer, brand-name medications that may cost more than alternatives without being substantially more effective.
Angela Maher, a former Michigan drug sales representative turned whistle-blower, described training sessions where psychologists and coaches would brief her on how to play on doctors’ vulnerabilities — their desire to feel important, their eagerness to be on the cutting edge — while working to boost sales.
As in other states, psychiatrists dominate the list of Illinois doctors who earn large amounts from drug companies. Among them is Dr. Joseph P. McNally, medical director of Streamwood Behavioral Health Center, with $72,378 in payments from Lilly.
In an interview, McNally said, “I in no way influence prescribing practices of my peers” at Streamwood, where 10 child psychiatrists are on staff.
Late last year, a review by experts from the University of Illinois at Chicago found that the psychiatric hospital sometimes gave foster children housed at the facility dangerous combinations of mood-altering drugs. Streamwood officials called the report “exaggerated and misleading.”
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