Minnesota woman campaigns nationally against "pill for every ill"

WASHINGTON – Kim Witczak appeared recently before members of the National Physicians Alliance annual conference, stammering slightly as she spoke.

The hitch was a little case of nervousness, she said, as she was one of the few people in the room without a medical degree. But there she stood, telling dozens of doctors seated in front of her and a broad Internet audience how to fight the "selling of sickness."

Her "grand rounds" presentation, an honor in the medical world, was an unlikely first for Witczak, a Minnesota native and Minneapolis resident with a career in marketing and advertising. But she has gained entree into major segments of the health care community over the past decade, having emerged as a key figure in the push for the "black box" warnings on antidepressants for possible suicidal side effects.

Prompted by the 2003 suicide of her husband, who was prescribed the antidepressant Zoloft for insomnia, Wit­czak has traveled to Washington roughly 50 times. Often, she testified before the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, which has named her as a patient advocate to an advisory committee on psychiatric drugs.

"She's a dedicated and courageous spokesperson who has lobbied Congress and the FDA to see to it that people are adequately informed about the risks and benefits of pharmaceuticals," said Michael Baum, one of her lawyers in a suit against Pfizer, Zoloft's producer.

Witczak is working to build a broad coalition to counter what she believes is the improper influence of profits, politics and publicity in drug and device development. "My role is the ability to bring people together," she said.

In February, Witczak, 47, teamed with New York University medical school Prof. Leonore Tiefer to stage a "selling sickness" seminar in Washington to combat what they believe are undue commercial influences that distort medical research and the delivery of care. The seminar included doctors, lawyers, whistleblowers, consumer groups, academics and regulators.

Tiefer is a well-known sex therapist who for years has battled what she sees as attempts by drug companies and devicemakers to manipulate sexual issues for profit. She joined Witczak in the grand rounds presentation but did so as an equal, not a mentor.

Tiefer calls this "doing a Masters and Johnson," a reference to sex researcher Dr. William Masters and his assistant, Virginia Johnson, who didn't even have an undergraduate degree. Witczak and Tiefer, who turns 70 in February, make for an odd couple, but they share a mission — changing the culture of medical care.

"I think each of us has something that the other one needs to do what we want to do," Tiefer said.

Witczak says her husband never would have taken Zoloft if he had been told of possible side effects that could cause suicide. Witczak's husband didn't know the risks, because the prescribing physician, his longtime family doctor, didn't know either.

As proof, she offers an internal memo showing that the drug company chose not to discuss the issue with general practitioners.

"We never questioned the drug because it was given by a doctor, and it was FDA approved," Witczak told the physicians.

While they did not comment specifically on Witczak's efforts, the drug and device industries say they support safety, effectiveness and the free exchange of information with doctors and patients.

"Biopharmaceutical companies ... help keep physicians current on the latest treatments, new indications, and emerging safety risks," said Matthew Bennett, a vice president of the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America. "In turn, physicians share firsthand knowledge with biopharmaceutical professionals about patient experiences with their medicines."

Said Mark Brager, a spokesman for the Advanced Medical Technology Association: "We support efforts to educate patients so they know the range of their treatment options, and their risks and benefits."

Witczak admits that bringing doctors and lawyers together in her movement will be difficult. But she says it is in everyone's interest to work around differences.

"How do you tell me something in plain language, so I can do something with it?" Witczak challenged the doctors. "Let's not say the experts are at the front of the room. Let's say the experts are [all over] the room."

To show what a partnership model can look like, Witczak and Tiefer offered themselves. Tiefer has the academic background and clinical experience to attract professionals. Witczak has the personal narrative to attract everybody else.

They wrote the grand rounds presentation together. Witczak, an ad designer, frequently consulted her notes, which led to pauses. Tiefer crooned along with the confidence of an experienced lecturer and therapist, tossing in humor to drive home points.

"I'm an arrogant SOB, and you're an ignorant extremist," Tiefer joked with Witczak, as she explained the danger of stereotypes.

The National Physicians Alliance grand rounds was the women's first try at a joint presentation. It likely will not be their last.

They handed out a "Call to Action on Disease Mongering." It urged physicians to sign a petition that demands a "firewall" between industry and government regulators, as well as tighter reins on product testing and advertising.

When they finished, doctors flocked to the podium.

"She's pointing out a clear problem," Dr. Charles Mayer, a family physician from Seattle, said of Witczak. "We're an evidence-based group, and she's an advocate. But what she said is of benefit."

Witczak is ready to try it again. "Who knows," she said as she prepared to return to Minneapolis. "But one thing's for sure: I'm signing up to work with a presentation coach when I get back."

Jim Spencer • 202-383-6123