Sunday, July 15, 2012

Death by remedies: Mary Szela on the reckless use of prescription drugs

Mary Szela Image Credit: openlibrary.org


In The Imaginary Invalid, Moliere wrote, “nearly all men die of their remedies not of their diseases.” The pill paradox is among those challenging pharmaceutical issues which Mary Szela has likely examined as part of her critical role as Abbott’s Senior Vice President of Global Strategic Marketing and Services - Pharmaceutical Products Group.

Mary Szela Image Credit: marieclaire.com


The recent marketing hype on pills, which are said to combat new age diseases linked to modern lifestyle, work, and social environments, has convinced people to believe that better health is within reach through chemistry. In effect, consumers are now pill-popping their way to better health as if taking painkillers and other medications is the only solution available. The pills premised on treating so-called health problems, which aren’t actually a matter of illnesses but of physical imperfections like wrinkles and cellulite, have sparked paranoia on the part of consumers, thereby increasing the likelihood for reckless use of drugs.

Mary Szela Image Credit: foxnews.com


Mary Szela isn’t at all supportive of any forms of sham in the pharmaceutical industry. In full compliance to Abbott’s culture of responsibility and corporate citizenship, she would rather aim for better holistic solutions for advancing health such as educating consumers about everything they need to know about drugs and diseases. An important insight to note is that many ailments labeled as pathological conditions cannot be regarded as true disorders, therefore making the use of pills as unnecessary.

Get to know more about Mary Szela at investing.businessweek.com.