The Unbranded Doctor

The National Physician's Alliance (NPA) just announced the kick off of its "Unbranded Doctor" campaign. For those who have never heard of the organization, the NPA is to the AMA (the American Medical Association) as the Prius is to the Ford Explorer--namely, a progressive group of relatively young doctors who are more concerned with ethics and patient care than with ensuring a fat income stream. I am a proud card-carrying member, and I urge you to join as well.

The Unbranded Doctor campaign is a godsend for physicians who are eager to make their offices drug rep-free and sample-free, but would like some logistical help and moral support. After all, nobody wants to be impolite to drug reps, who are by nature friendly and convivial. And how do you break it to patients that there will be no more drug company pamphlets around, not to mention not-truly-free samples?

The website offers downloadable brochures to keep in your waiting room, such as "Why is my doctor restricting the use of promotional samples?" and "Why doesn't my doctor see drug reps? Information for patients." Even more fun, there is an Unbranded Doctor Store, where you can purchase buttons with choice slogans like, "Data, not doughnuts" and "Lower your cholesterol, say NO to drug lunches!" While you're there, don't forget to pick up some unbranded t-shirts, sweat-shirts, coffee mugs, mouse pads, bibs, tote bags, journals, and clocks. They make great gifts for drug reps!