Opinion
Corporate stipend gratefully recalled, but did not influence prescribing
LETTER — Posted Aug. 22, 2005
Regarding "Drug firms to fund residency slots in dermatology pilot program" (Article, July 18): In 1960, I received a Wyeth Pediatric Scholarship of $200 per month, for two years, for residency training at the Philadelphia Children's Hospital. This money was awarded for need, since I had two infant children and was partially supporting my widowed mother.
I am grateful to Wyeth for helping to support me during my residency training. There were no strings attached. I do not feel obligated to prescribe Wyeth products because of their generosity to me at a time of need. I see no reason why pharmaceutical companies cannot help support residents during their training.
Gilbert A. Friday Jr., MD, Pittsburgh
Note: This item originally appeared at http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2005/08/22/edlt0822.htm.