March 24, 2008 Shahram Ahari on the ethics of selling drugs Play video

(NECN) - Massachusetts Senate President Therese Murray is making a ban on gifts for doctors part of her package aimed at stemming the rising costs of health care.

Shahram Ahari is a former drug sales rep, or "detailer," for the Eli Lily Company.

He spent two years promoting drugs like Prozac and Zypraxa before leaving the company.

Ahari is now testifying about pharmaceutical sales tactics in state and federal cases.

Ahari also speaks to medical students about how to resist detailer sales routines.