I am a practicing psychiatrist, clinical educator, and researcher at The Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto. My area of clinical specialization is in developmental neuropsychiatry, and I am currently completing a PhD in the cognitive neuroscience of self-regulatory control.
Nevertheless, the self-regulation I have been most concerned about is that of the medical profession vis-a-vis the pervasive influence of the pharmaceutical industry. As such, I teach medical trainees and psychiatrists about critical appraisal and how to mitigate commercial bias in literature evaluation, professional development and clinical practice. I have organized several symposia on these topics, have advised the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario, and have been a member of the University of Toronto Faculty of Medicine Task Force on Relations with Industry and the Private Sector.
I remain hopeful that the increasing awareness of these topics among practicing physicians and the public will translate into more rational and compassionate care to the benefit of those who seek it.