I was surprised to read the comments that the drug reps only drop off drug
samples that the doctors can then use to give to elderly/poor patients, but
not anything else.  It must depend on the specific company, the part of the
country, etc.

Since living in Delaware (one month on Wednesday) I've had two relevant
experiences.  First, while signing up my youngest with the new
pediatrician's office, a drug rep came in and asked to speak to the office
manager.  He wasn't wearing any ID that I could see, so I didn't ask if he
was from a company that made formula, or just antibiotics, though often the
company makes both (they make money making the kids sick, then they make
money making them better, what a racket!).  Anyway, the office manager came
out and first introduced herself to me, as her husband is my husband's top
boss.  Then she turned to the drug rep who said he wanted to "Set up a time
when I can provide breakfast for the office -- bagels, cream cheese, coffee,
etc."  I didn't hear any more as the office manager whisked him off to
office to look at her calendar.  In Texas, I often saw signs up on the wall
behind the appointment desk in pediatrics saying things like "REMEMBER: Ice
Cream Sundaes at 3 pm, compliments of Ross Labs." Or "PIZZA PARTY this
Thursday, compliments of _______."

Second, my husband is now the Director of Immunization Programs for the
state of Delaware.  He just got back from a big conference in Savannah,
Georgia focusing on coalition-building in communities in support of
vaccinations.  He came back from the conference with an entire bag full of
"goodies" from the drug companies that make the vaccines, including lots of
really cool pens, pads of notepaper, magnets, clocks (!), and two books.

Katherine A. Dettwyler, Ph.D.

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