Yesterday was a relatively light clinic day — just seven patients on the schedule — which left me with some unexpected time for the day. I was invited to a dinner at a well-known steakhouse, hosted by a pharmaceutical company. In full disclosure, I do speaker engagements for industry about two to four times a month, so I’m familiar with both sides of these events. Usually, I’m selective about attending as a guest, but this time, I decided to go.
Why? Because I recognized the speaker — a highly respected colleague from Florida, someone I’ve known and whose insights I trust. And given that I’m currently doing locum work in West Virginia, away from my usual circle, I saw this as a rare chance to reconnect and engage in meaningful conversation.
I want to use this post to talk about why I sometimes choose to attend pharmaceutical-sponsored dinners — and why I often don’t.
Let’s start with why I do go.
- The Topic Matters
If the dinner is focused on therapies I find compelling — like bispecific antibodies or novel immunotherapies — that’s a draw. These settings provide a more relaxed environment to hear about the latest data and clinical trial developments. - The Speaker Matters
If I know the speaker and respect their work, I’m more inclined to attend. Even if the topic isn’t directly aligned with my focus, the chance to hear their perspective, support a colleague, and engage in side conversations is worth it. - The Networking Opportunity
Outside of my routine clinic work, I don’t often have time to catch up with peers, fellows, or other specialists — especially in a non-pressured, informal setting. These dinners can open doors to meaningful professional relationships, future collaborations, or simply valuable conversations you don’t have time for during the day.
For example, this week I met the lung cancer specialist — someone deeply experienced and well-regarded in Central Florida — and I was able to ask him questions I haven’t had the time to research myself. These are questions that arise when managing unfamiliar tumor types in locum settings. Last week, I also met a medical oncology colleague from Duke and we ended up discussing everything from research to financial literacy to career paths — it was a conversation that wouldn’t have happened in a more formal context. This week, I also met two first year hematology oncology fellows and what a joy to help provide some candid personal experience as they venture through fellowship and eventually into their own practice.
But let me be clear: I don’t attend these dinners often. And when I do, I’m aware of the limitations.
Pharmaceutical-sponsored talks are highly regulated. Speakers must stick to approved slide decks and cannot discuss off-label uses. Conversations are often confined to trial data: efficacy, safety, toxicity, and management of side effects. Compliance officers may even attend to ensure the event adheres to federal regulations. Attending these events doesn’t mean I endorse the drug or the company — I approach them with the same clinical skepticism I apply in reviewing any new data. I consider these evenings to be more “edu-tainment”.
It’s also worth emphasizing that these events are just one small part of how of anyone can stay current. The most important and routine way for medical oncologists to stay current in clinical knowledge is by attending major annual meetings — such as ASCO or disease-specific CME-accredited conferences. I am excited about our 2025 national five-full-day conference coming next weekend in Chicago! These are a two-for-one special: they offer both rich clinical insight and continuing medical education credit, which every physician needs to maintain their licensure.
These dinners don’t replace that kind of independent education — they complement it. When chosen carefully, they can offer additional opportunities for dialogue and context, particularly when I’m in less familiar clinical settings or encountering new treatment approaches for unfamiliar tumor types.
At the end of the day, every effort I make to stay informed — whether through formal education or a thoughtful dinner discussion — is about improving the care I deliver to my patients. I see these moments not as endorsements, but as touch-points: ways to stay engaged, connected, and continuously learning. And as someone who’s currently working outside his home institution, I especially value these opportunities to plug back into a broader community.
About the author
Dr. Sajeve Thomas is a distinguished medical professional and a compassionate guide in the field of oncology. With over a decade of dedicated experience as a board-certified medical oncologist/internal medicine specialist, Dr. Thomas has become a trusted expert in the treatment of melanoma, sarcoma, and gastrointestinal conditions. He brings a wealth of expertise to the complex and challenging world of oncology.
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