VCU Is Harmed By Ties to Philip Morris

Editor, Times-Dispatch:

In his recent, letter, VCU professor Henry McGee said, "The relationship between VCU and Philip Morris . . . is to be applauded, for it contributes real value to our society and it inspires students."

 

We'll hold our applause. We're glad Dr. McGee moved the discourse from the red-herring details of the contracts, to the deeper issue of the ultimate value of any collaborative relationship between VCU and Philip Morris. But we disagree vehemently with his perception that this relationship is good for VCU, students, or society.

Cigarettes are deadly, toxic, and addictive (and, yes, also legal and enormously profitable). Smoking is a worldwide public health catastrophe, contributing to the premature death and suffering of untold millions.

Should we be participating in this hideous business? No, of course not.

While doing so is legal and profitable, it is not ethical.

More pragmatically, VCU should safeguard its well-deserved reputation as a renowned academic medical center dedicated to protecting and improving health. Collaborating with tobacco companies will only tarnish this image, while burnishing theirs. VCU has more to lose than to gain from this.

We look forward to the day when VCU -- from its most senior leaders to its most junior faculty -- stops collaborating with Big Tobacco. Now that would be something to applaud.

J.Brian Cassel, Ph.D., Laurie J. Lyckholm, M.D.

Richmond.

 

Editor's note: Dr. Cassel is a data analyst in the VCU Health System and directs the VCU Life Sciences and Religion Initiative. Dr. Lyckholm is associate professor of hematology, oncology, and palliative care in the VCU School of Medicine where she holds the Sidney Page Professorship in Bioethics and Humanities. Both are members of the VCU Massey Cancer Center.