07/02/2025
Hi guys! Happy summer!! Hope everyone is enjoying some sun and shade, and all the glorious activities that go with it!
But I need to get serious for a moment. We pediatricians (and doctors) have been weathering a very tough season recently. The good quality science that informs everything we devote our lives to is in question.
So, because it keeps coming up, I want NO ONE TO BE CONFUSED:
- Pediatricians do NOT get bonuses or payment OF ANY KIND from pharmaceutical companies. For giving vaccines. For promoting vaccines. For anything related to vaccinating or, for that matter, prescribing medications.
- Pharmaceutical companies are a necessary part of the health system - they have the deep pockets to fund the research that develops new, life-saving medication. But their mission to make money.
- Our mission as pediatricians is to promote health, wellness, and resilience in children and young people.
- The mission of doctors and pharmaceutical companies (as well as insurance companies) are thus diametrically opposed.
- In some states, like Vermont, it is actually illegal for pharmaceutical representatives to talk with or give medical providers as much as a pen. In other states, it is up to the employer or health system - for example, in Maine, pharmaceutical reps are not allowed inside MaineHealth hospitals and not allowed to speak with providers.
- Doctors take our information from the highest quality scientists and physicians in the world. NOT PHARMACEUTICAL COMPANIES. NOT POLITICIANS. NOT LAWYERS. NOT WELLNESS GURUS.
Everyone is getting confused by the lies perpetrated by politicians and the media. I'll say it again: JUST BECAUSE THEY SAY IT'S SO DOESN'T MEAN IT IS.
In good health,
Dr. Schumacher
