The Day Pharma Tchotchkes Died

Back in February, 2009, shortly after the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA) imposed a voluntary ban on gifts to physicians (aka"tchotchkes"), I predicted that tchotchkes would become nostalgia items in the future, reminding pharmaceutical sales reps and physicians of the"good old days" (read"Viagra Boxers: An Example of Proto-Nostalgia tchotchke").I was reminded of this prediction by a recent article (here) in MM&M, which claimed:"These relics of the past have a certain value for those on the hunt. One eBay seller hopes to fetch $20 for a blue pill-shaped Viagra promotional clock that doubles as a business card holder, an item that was once a big weapon in the Pfizer sales rep's arsenal of freebies."I think the Viagra jock strap/boxers would command much much more money on eBay!In any case, the subtitle of the MM&M article ("The Day the Tchotchkes Died") inspired me to rewrite the lyrics of"American Pie" as"American Pharma Pie." I imagine a physician singing my version of the song."Read More" to see the lyrics, which also touches upon the ramifications of the Payments to PhysiciansSunshine Act.Read more ยป
Source: Pharma Marketing Blog - Category: Pharmaceuticals Tags: Ban Gifts to Physicians PhRMA Physician Sunshine Act tchotchkes Source Type: blogs