“It Works by Activating Very Basic Instincts […]”: Medical Students’ Opinions about the Benefits and Risks of the Pharmaceutical Industry’s Marketing Efforts Aimed at Medical Doctors

Abstract

Cooperation between the pharmaceutical industry and medical doctors is both necessary and inevitable. As part of the medical community, medical students are likely to have developed specific views as to its benefits and risks. The article is part of a series of articles presenting selected results of nine focus group interviews from three cities (Warsaw, Kraków, and Gdańsk). The study used social constructivism as a theoretical framework, and thematic analysis was performed. In their group discussions, the students drew links between cooperation’s perceived benefits and risks. Despite the associated risks, most medical students perceive benefits obtained from the pharmaceutical industry as attractive. Better education about social, psychological issues (manipulation techniques) and the conflict of interest is needed in medical schools.