O’Connor, Parsons, Lane & Noble is pleased to announce the winner of the 2024 Undergraduate Scholarship, Alondra Tijerina!

To be eligible for the scholarship, Alondra had to answer this prompt in a 500 word essay:

Many forms of medicine such as Actos and Accutane contain threatening side-effects with long-term consequences. As an attorney, what measurements will you take to help promote safety and wellness for people who may be unaware of these dangers?

Read Alondra's Essay:

Helping to promote safety and wellness for people

In the realm of pharmaceuticals, ensuring that patients are adequately informed about the risks associated with medications is a critical responsibility for both healthcare providers and legal professionals. As an attorney advocating for patient safety, especially concerning drugs like Actos and Accutane, which are known for their serious side effects, there are several key measures I would undertake to promote safety and wellness.

Firstly, it is imperative to champion transparent communication between pharmaceutical companies and the public. Many patients are unaware of the potential dangers of their medications due to insufficient warnings or overly complex medical jargon. To address this, I would work towards enforcing stricter regulations on the clarity and visibility of drug warnings. This could involve advocating for standardized, simplified labeling that clearly outlines the risks and side effects in layman's terms. Furthermore, I would push for mandated educational programs that inform patients about potential long-term consequences of medications before they begin treatment.

Secondly, legal actions against pharmaceutical companies may be necessary when they fail to disclose the risks adequately or engage in deceptive marketing practices. By pursuing litigation, I would seek to hold these companies accountable for any harm caused by their products. This includes seeking compensation for affected individuals and ensuring that any settlements or verdicts lead to improved safety practices and more rigorous testing of drugs. In addition, I would support the creation of a legal framework that encourages companies to prioritize patient safety over profit margins, thereby incentivizing them to provide thorough and honest risk information.

Another crucial measure is to advocate for stronger post-marketing surveillance systems. While clinical trials are essential, they often cannot predict all potential side effects, especially those that may manifest after long-term use. I would support legislation that demands continuous monitoring of drugs once they are on the market and that mandates swift action if new risks are identified. This includes pushing for more robust reporting systems where healthcare professionals and patients can report adverse effects, which would contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of a drug’s impact.

Educational outreach is also key. Partnering with patient advocacy groups and healthcare organizations, I would help develop resources and programs that educate the public about the risks of specific medications. This includes creating accessible online platforms and community workshops where individuals can learn about the potential dangers of drugs like Actos and Accutane and understand their rights if they experience adverse effects.

Finally, I would advocate for legislative reforms that promote greater transparency and accountability in the pharmaceutical industry. This includes supporting laws that require drug manufacturers to disclose detailed clinical trial results and to be more forthcoming about potential side effects. By pushing for such reforms, I aim to ensure that safety and wellness remain at the forefront of pharmaceutical practices.

In summary, as an attorney committed to promoting safety and wellness, my approach would involve advocating for clearer drug warnings, holding pharmaceutical companies accountable, supporting robust post-marketing surveillance, enhancing public education, and pushing for legislative reforms. By implementing these measures, we can work towards a healthcare environment where patients are better informed and protected from the potentially severe consequences of medication side effects.