Are Patients Gaining Too Much Power Influencing Doctors About Medications?

Dr. Conrad Murray’s involuntary manslaughter trial for the death of Michael Jackson continues this week. I am struck, however, with a broader question: Why can doctors today be easily co-opted by their patients—celebrities and otherwise?

Based on already-heard testimony, Jackson’s “personal" physician is being accused of becoming a drug pusher, often crossing the line from benevolent practitioner to a gun-for-hire drug dispenser, prescribing and furnishing drugs, often at his patient’s discretion.

How can we prevent strong-willed, drug-addled patients from taking over their treatment from vulnerable or money and fame-seeking physicians?

Disclosure: The author worked with Michael Jackson on the Choice of a New Generation Campaign for Pepsi.