The Best of MBM: Painkillers and Big Pharma - The Marketing of Medication

MindBody Matters

In this summer's "Best of MBM" series, we replay our eye-opening episode from August 2023 about big pharma in which we discuss the Netflix series "Painkiller," which shed light on the unethical marketing practices of Purdue Pharma, makers of OxyContin. Greg interviews Dr. Robert Shepherd, a Psychologist who witnessed firsthand the influence of big pharma companies like Purdue Pharma and Pfizer, makers of Celebrex had on doctors as he was wined and dined by pharmaceutical companies but saw the danger early in the opioid crisis and spoke out against it. Greg and Dr. Shepherd explore the ways in which big pharma incentivize doctors to prescribe their drugs plying them with perks, lavish dinners and paid speaking opportunities. As well, Dr. Shepherd shares how he was forced to resign when he openly spoke out against these practices.

After the interview, Rob brings up how both of he and Greg received perks from record companies when they were radio announcers similar to the practices discussed.

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• Artwork for MindBody Matters created by artist Mel Coleman ⁠https://www.instagram.com/melscoleman/⁠ or melcoleman.ca

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• Dr. Robert Shepherd - http://therapyonline.me/
• Evidence Based Health Information - https://www.cochrane.org/
• "Pain killer: An Empire of Deceit and the Origin of America's Opioid Epidemic" - Barry Meier - https://www.amazon.com/Pain-Killer-Empire-Americas-Epidemic/dp/198480118X
• Netflix series "Painkiller" - August 10, 2023 - https://www.netflix.com/ca/title/81095069

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