A funny thing happened on the way to researching some cardiology stuff recently: I happened upon an article in the New York Times on the emerging drug company / medical ghostwriting scandal. I was utterly gobsmacked.
As a heart attack survivor who takes a fistful of cardiac drugs every morning, I realized that I have no clue which of my drugs were prescribed based on flawed research, or medical journal articles bought and paid for by the drug’s manufacturer. Not even my doctors know. And worse, I think we are discovering only the tiniest tip of the iceberg here. Luckily for any of us who have to take any prescription medicines, there are investigative journalists out there who are like dogs on bones as this medical research fraud scandal unfolds.
After I’d written two or three online articles about this emerging medical ghostwriting scandal, it struck me that not everybody visiting Heart Sisters might feel as gobsmacked as I am about this marketing issue. Many, if not most, arrive here to find out more about the important subject of women and heart disease – our #1 killer. My stats page consistently tells me that by far the two most frequently read titles here remain: Am I Having A Heart Attack? and How Does it Really Feel To Have a Heart Attack? Women Survivors Share Their Stories. Go figure…
So I’ve decided to divide these two subjects and move my rants on Big Pharma, whistleblowing, PR spin scandals and questionable marketing practice over to a new site that I’m calling “The Ethical Nag: Marketing Ethics For The Easily Swayed“. Please visit, tell your friends to visit, and then let me know what you think.
© 2009 Carolyn Thomas www.myheartsisters.org
Heart Sisters 
Just wanted to say I really enjoyed visiting your Ethical Nag site which has been around for a while but is all new to me. You have really put a lot of time into your content and it is just wonderfull! I have subscribed to both your blogs now. Thank you for all of this!!!!!!!!!!!!
regards,
T.W. in Buffalo, NY
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Thanks, this is the first time I’ve heard of your new site. Excellent information, both here on H.S. and on Ethical Nag. Well written and thoughtful perspectives. I’m glad I found this today. Keep up the great work, Carolyn.
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This is my first time receiving your update, and I wanted to say thank-you very much. I have spent the last half hour cruising through your website, learning and enjoying.
I need you to know that I really appreciate the work you are doing on behalf of women everywhere. A heartfelt thank-you …
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