Doctors, drug companies and gifts

This paper by Chren and Landefeld was originally presented at the Miriam Hospital on March 21, 1991, as the 1991 Lichtman Oration, an annual meeting devoted to ethical problems in medicine honoring Herbert C. Lichtman, MD, former physician-in-chief at the hospital. Because of the importance of this paper, and its controversial character, the Journal has asked a number of practicing physicians and other concerned persons to offer their opinions on this paper. These commentaries will then be published in a subsequent issue of the Journal, along with reactions by our readers.