Marcia Angell

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Marcia.angell

Marcia Angell is a prominent figure in the medical and health policy fields, known for her critical views on the pharmaceutical industry and her advocacy for reform in medical research and drug approval processes. She served as the first woman Editor-in-Chief of the New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM), one of the most prestigious peer-reviewed medical journals, from 1999 to 2000, having been with the journal since 1979 in various capacities.

Early Life and Education

Marcia Angell was born on April 20, 1939. She pursued her undergraduate studies at James Madison University and went on to receive her medical degree from Boston University School of Medicine in 1967. Following her graduation, Angell completed a residency in pathology and internal medicine, which laid the foundation for her career in medical research and policy.

Career

Angell's career is marked by her tenure at the New England Journal of Medicine, where she started as a deputy editor and eventually became the first woman to hold the position of Editor-in-Chief. Her leadership at NEJM was notable for her commitment to maintaining the integrity of the peer-review process and for her efforts to ensure that the journal's content remained free from the influence of the pharmaceutical industry.

Beyond her editorial work, Angell has been a vocal critic of the pharmaceutical industry. She has argued that the industry's practices often prioritize profits over patient welfare and has called for stricter regulation of drug approval and marketing practices. Her book, The Truth About the Drug Companies: How They Deceive Us and What to Do About It (2004), is a seminal work that critiques the influence of pharmaceutical companies on the practice of medicine and the research agenda.

Views and Contributions

Angell's contributions to the field of medicine and her critique of the pharmaceutical industry have sparked significant discussion and debate. She has been a proponent of evidence-based medicine and has emphasized the importance of transparency in clinical trials. Her advocacy work extends to reforming the patent system to make drugs more affordable and accessible, especially in developing countries.

Her views have not been without controversy, particularly her skepticism regarding the efficacy of certain psychiatric medications, which has sparked debate within the medical community. Despite this, her work has been influential in shaping policies and practices related to drug approval and marketing.

Legacy

Marcia Angell's legacy in medicine and health policy is characterized by her unwavering commitment to integrity in medical research and her advocacy for patient rights. Her tenure at the New England Journal of Medicine and her critical examination of the pharmaceutical industry have left an indelible mark on the field.

Selected Publications

• The Truth About the Drug Companies: How They Deceive Us and What to Do About It (2004)
• Numerous articles and editorials in the New England Journal of Medicine

Awards and Honors

Over her career, Angell has received numerous awards and honors in recognition of her contributions to medicine and health policy.

See Also

• Pharmaceutical industry
• New England Journal of Medicine
• Evidence-based medicine
• Drug approval process