Trinkets from big pharm

Dr. Jon Hallberg comments on the promotional materials doctors receive from pharmaceutical companies and a new trend to rid clinics of these items.

St. Paul, Minn. — Pens, coffee mugs, clipboards all with the name of the latest prescription drug emblazoned on them. They are a common sight in hospitals and doctors' offices. However, they have disappeared from one group of clinics in our region.

Duluth-based SMDC Health System removed over 18,000 branded items from their clinics and it took 20 shopping carts to haul it all away.

SMDC claims its action is part of a wider trend in medicine: Trying to limit or eliminate the gifts from pharmaceutical companies and the potential influence that comes with the gifts. Dr. Jon Hallberg spoke with "All Things Considered" host Tom Crann about this issue and showed off some of his freebies.

Broadcast Dates

• All Things Considered, 01/22/2008, 4:45 p.m.