Hope for New Doctors

One of the most hopeful trends in medicine is the skeptical eye medical students are casting on their teachers. The American Medical Student Association has conducted its second annual survey on U.S. medical schools, grading them on how strictly they control the relationships between doctors and sales representatives from drug and medical device companies.

Of the 132 medical schools surveyed, 60 received Fs. These schools refused to reveal their policies, or ignored requests for the policies, which the student association contends should be available to the public. Only seven schools received As, while 14 received Bs, four received Cs and 19 received Ds.

The good news is that at least some of the medical students are beginning to appreciate the influence peddling that's going on in the hallowed halls of America's medical schools. Perhaps the next generation of doctors will not only view prescription drugs with more skepticism but maybe even appreciate the healing techniques called complementary and alternative medicine.