Follow us
Log in
Much of the content on our site is available to our registered users only. If you're already registered, just click the 'Log in' button then enter your email address and password.
Register
If you're not already registered on the site, you'll need to do so in order to gain unrestricted access to all our content. There are two types of registration:
1. If you're a current subscriber, you can register for access to our protected content at no additional cost. You'll need your subscription number in order to complete your registration, which is on the polythene wrapper in which your journal is delivered. Click the Register button to begin your registration.
2. If you don't currently subscribe you can do so now by taking out a secure online subscription. Not only will this give you instant access to our protected online content, but you'll also get every issue of Nursing Standard - the UK's best selling nursing journal - delivered straight to your door. Click the Register button to begin your subscription and registration.
White Coat, Black Hat – Adventures on the Dark Side of Medicine
Author: Carl Elliott
Publisher: Beacon Press
Pages: 213pp
ISBN: 9780807061442
Review
Carl Elliott, professor of Bioethics at the University of Minnesota, takes a close look at the pharmaceutical industry and what he terms the ‘dark side of medicine’.
He highlights the concern that, as medical practice becomes more commercialised, there is a widening gap between patient-centred care and the business practices of international pharmaceutical companies.
The discussion begins with the professional guinea pigs who travel from one clinical trial to another, testing new drugs in sometimes appalling conditions. He moves on to the ethical considerations of ghostwritten scientific articles and drug reps who skilfully manipulate doctors’ prescribing habits.
Combining his own medical experience, philosophy and the insights of experts in the field, each topic receives a carefully considered analysis. Elliott’s writing style is clear and to the point, but features sufficient humour to maintain interest.
Some of the accounts make for uncomfortable reading. But this book is thought provoking – a real eye opener – and I recommend it to everyone.
Reviewer: Simon McGurk
« Back to search results | Search again »
RCN Publishing is a participant in the Amazon EU Associates Programme, an affiliate advertising programme designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.co.uk
The RCN Publishing Company is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Royal College of Nursing, the world's largest organisation for nurses. RCN Publishing produces one weekly, eight monthly and two quarterly nursing publications. Nursing Standard, the flagship journal, is the UK's biggest selling weekly for nursing. It is produced by RCN Publishing Company along with a suite of specialist nursing journals - Cancer Nursing Practice, Mental Health Practice, Learning Disability Practice, Nursing Children and Young People, Nursing Management, Emergency Nurse, Nursing Older People, Nurse Researcher and Primary Health Care. RCN Publishing Company also produce the RCN Bulletin, a major source of up-to-the-minute information for RCN members in all specialities, grades and working environments. With the latest nurse vacancies from trusts nationwide, it has become the most cost-effective nurse recruitment magazine available.