The Day Pharma Tchotchkes Died

Back in February, 2009, shortly after the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA) imposed a voluntary ban on gifts to physicians (aka "tchotchkes"), I predicted that tchotchkes would become nostalgia items in the future, reminding pharmaceutical sales reps and physicians of the "good old days" (read "Viagra Boxers: An Example of Proto-Nostalgia tchotchke").

I was reminded of this prediction by a recent article (here) in MM&M, which claimed:

"These relics of the past have a certain value for those on the hunt. One eBay seller hopes to fetch $20 for a blue pill-shaped Viagra promotional clock that doubles as a business card holder, an item that was once a big weapon in the Pfizer sales rep's arsenal of freebies."

I think the Viagra jock strap/boxers would command much much more money on eBay!

In any case, the subtitle of the MM&M article ("The Day the Tchotchkes Died") inspired me to rewrite the lyrics of "American Pie" as "American Pharma Pie." I imagine a physician singing my version of the song. "Read More" to see the lyrics, which also touches upon the ramifications of the Payments to Physicians Sunshine Act.

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