Jerry Avorn

American physician and professor

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Jerry Avorn

Jerry Avorn is an American physician, professor, and researcher known for his work in the field of pharmacology and health policy. He is a prominent figure in the study of drug safety, pharmaceutical marketing, and the cost-effectiveness of medications. Avorn is a professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School and a pioneer in the development of the academic discipline known as "academic detailing."

Early Life and Education

Jerry Avorn was born in 1948. He pursued his undergraduate studies at Columbia University, where he developed an interest in the intersection of medicine and public policy. He later attended Harvard Medical School, earning his MD degree. During his medical training, Avorn became increasingly interested in the ways that medications were prescribed and used, which would become a central focus of his career.

Career

After completing his medical training, Avorn joined the faculty at Harvard Medical School. He also became affiliated with Brigham and Women's Hospital, where he conducted much of his research. Avorn's work has focused on improving the quality of drug prescribing and use, particularly through the development of "academic detailing," a method of providing unbiased, evidence-based information to prescribers about medications.

Academic Detailing

Academic detailing is a concept developed by Avorn to improve prescribing practices among physicians. It involves trained health professionals visiting doctors to provide them with evidence-based information about medications, countering the often biased information provided by pharmaceutical sales representatives. This approach has been shown to improve prescribing practices and is used in various healthcare systems around the world.

Research and Contributions

Avorn has published extensively on topics related to drug safety, the economics of drug use, and the impact of pharmaceutical marketing on prescribing practices. His research has highlighted the importance of using medications appropriately and the potential risks associated with inappropriate drug use. Avorn has also been a vocal advocate for policies that promote the safe and effective use of medications.

Publications

Jerry Avorn is the author of numerous scientific articles and books. One of his most notable works is "Powerful Medicines: The Benefits, Risks, and Costs of Prescription Drugs," which explores the complexities of the pharmaceutical industry and the challenges of ensuring safe and effective drug use.

Awards and Honors

Throughout his career, Avorn has received numerous awards for his contributions to medicine and public health. He is recognized as a leader in the field of pharmacology and has been honored by various professional organizations for his work in improving drug safety and prescribing practices.

Related Pages

• Pharmacology
• Health policy
• Drug safety
• Harvard Medical School
• Brigham and Women's Hospital