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To the Editor: Mr Dana and Dr Loewenstein¹ confused the difference between medical problems and conflicts of interest. Physicians who see patients on a daily basis face ethical concerns at every turn and we acknowledge them as part of the decision-making process.

Physicians have been receiving these minor gifts for decades and our delivery of care continues to be ethical and superior. The gifts provide a little fun, but unfortunately the continued political attacks against our integrity and profession, such as those found in this article, will surely stop that while the real problem remains unsolved. It is physicians' very honesty and ethics that allow us to accept these attacks.

Financial Disclosure: Dr Tarshis serves on the lecture boards of Wyeth Pharmaceuticals and Forest Pharmaceuticals.

Gary A. Tarshis, MD
Express Care Plus
Colorado Springs, Colo

1. Dana J, Loewenstein G. A social science perspective on gifts to physicians from industry. JAMA. 2003;290:252-255. FREE FULL TEXT

Letters Section Editor: Stephen J. Lurie, MD, PhD, Senior Editor.

JAMA. 2003;290:2405.

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