> As I understand it, they don't get paid for prescribing stuff.
Yes, this kind of practice has now been outlawed in many developed countries, but there are tons of indirect ways a doctor can get "favors" from a company. Free lunches, invitation to seminars, scholarships, speaking fees as you mention (which can be pretty, pretty generous), publications, reviews, advisory boards, etc...
So, let's not be naive. Patients should be aware of all this kind of things because they can clearly influence doctors in their choice of drugs.
Somewhat interesting: My sister is a PA and she said the ethics at the clinics she's worked at at forbid you from taking the lunch offers. Apparently those sort of ethics are more and more common.
So instead they invite you out to expensive dinners which is of course during off hours.
Yes, this kind of practice has now been outlawed in many developed countries, but there are tons of indirect ways a doctor can get "favors" from a company. Free lunches, invitation to seminars, scholarships, speaking fees as you mention (which can be pretty, pretty generous), publications, reviews, advisory boards, etc...
So, let's not be naive. Patients should be aware of all this kind of things because they can clearly influence doctors in their choice of drugs.