Physician, Heal Thyself !

Dishonesty is rampant, and the healthcare business is no exception. A study reveals that most physicians who participate in writing the guidelines for treatment of, for example, heart diseases in the U.S. have financial interests in companies that would be affected by those guidelines. Not only are these doctors members of the groups, but they are also their leaders. Some claim that disclosing these conflicts of interests should be enough; others want those conflicts banned.

In my view, disclosure is a rather cynical approach to the problem, because it allows the improper situation to continue, as long as people are made aware of it. This is too serious a matter to take such a lenient approach. Doctors who have a vested interest in recommending or rejecting treatments shouldn't have any bearing on supposedly impartial scientific reviews and medical care guidelines.

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