It's nice to see previous interns especially when you discover that they are doing good in their chosen field. There are some, however, who seem to be losing their professional values despite their school, talent and intelligence.

For example, I've talked to a brilliant young doctor who happens to be a former intern of ours. During our conversation, I have mentioned that I've been keeping myself away from sponsorship of pharmaceutical companies in attending conventions, symposiums, seminars and other related activities. It's because these company expenses are eventually added to the prices of their drug products.

He replied by saying,"If we will not take it, others will. So, we might as well take it."

So, the next time I met with our interns I wrote on the white board one of my most favorite statement from R. David Anderson just before they came in because I find it relevant in our time:

"...Pharmacy's practice component is losing its control over the breeding of pharmacists; unfortunately, hospital pharmacy has never exerted any effective control at the undergraduate level. Entry into the profession is largely regulated by the colleges of pharmacy, though they frequently plead for assistance from alumni and practitioners. Students are selected primarily on the basis of grades and the ability to meet demanding curriculum requirements. Little, if any, attention is given to identifying and rejecting those who would violate professional ideals and morality."

I told the incident to the interns without explaining what was written on the board. I just hope that they got the message and do something about it in their time.

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pinoypharmacist's note:R.David Anderson's Harvey A. K. Whitney Award Lecture can be read in the American Journal of Health-System Pharmacy vol. 61, Nov. 15, 2004 issue (p 2373-2379).