List date(s) this work was published or aired.
April 2, May 25, Oct. 22, and Dec. 29, 2012
Provide a brief synopsis of the story or stories, including any significant findings.
Stories are part of the ongoing series, “Side Effects,” that investigates conflicts of interest in medicine.
Explain types of documents, data or Internet resources used. Were FOI or public records act requests required? How did this affect the work?
FDA records, medical journal articles, drug and medical device company web sites, and Wisconsin Open Records requests
Explain types of human sources used.
Interviews with doctors, researchers, and drug and device company officials.
Results:
Stories, in part, led to an investigation by the US Senate Finance Committee of Medtronic’s spine surgery product, Infuse.
Follow-up (if any). Have you run a correction or clarification on the report or has anyone come forward to challenge its accuracy? If so, please explain.
No,
Advice to other journalists planning a similar story or project.
Get to know doctors in the field, read the medical literature, read transcripts of FDA advisory panel hearings, attend medical conferences, check drug and device company websites for payments to doctors.