Ciba-Geigy-sponsored events for physicians

Health Research Group Director Sidney Wolfe, MD, wrote a May 27 letter to Sen. Kennedy (D-Mass.) calling his attention to recent outings for physicians sponsored by Ciba-Geigy. Wolfe contends that the events in question are "clearly unethical according to the guidelines" adopted by AMA and PMA. Ciba-Geigy acknowledged providing free tickets to a performance of "Cats" and a dinner and river boat cruise to physicians attending company-sponsored symposia. Both events, Ciby-Geigy maintained, are in accordance with the AMA legal council's interpretation of the guidelines. The symposia each lasted for four hours and both social events were held locally at a cost of under $150 dollars per person, the firm said.