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January 09, 2008
Mad Libs for Legislators
by Peter Pitts
Under the signature of Chairman Dingell and Mr. Stupak, the Energy and Commerce Committee is charging that Dr. Robert Jarvick isn’t qualified to speak on issues of cardiovascular disease since he’s not a "practicing physician with a valid license in any state."
As Peter Rost over at BrandweekNRX writes, “He's an M.D. but he never actually practiced medicine. Instead he changed the course of medicine, through his work."
Did Jonas Salk ever practice medicine -- or was he too busy saving mankind?
“In the ads, Dr. Jarvik appears to be giving medical advice, but apparently, he has never obtained a license to practice or prescribe medicine,” Mr. Dingell said in a press release.
Congress imitates the Colbert Report. Except their writers aren't on strike.
Rost writes. “This is grossly unfair. He clearly went through fire to get his medical degree and had more motivation than most. He then continued a career which led to one of the most notable breakthroughs in medicine. To get on his case and the fact that Pfizer is using him as a spokesperson is simply wrong.”
"Dr. Jarvik,” Pfizer responds, “ is a respected health care professional and heart expert. Dr. Jarvik, inventor of the Jarvik artificial heart, knows how imperative it is for patients to do everything they can to keep their heart working well."
It's Mad Libs for legislators. Insert NAME OF DRUG COMPANY. Insert NAME OF CEO. Insert ACCUSATION. Its fun for the whole family – and the media loves it!
Until it makes you look foolish.
Posted by peterpitts at January 9, 2008 08:51 AM
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