"First, Do No Harm": Ethical Failures and Preventive Solutions in the United States Pharmaceutical System - A Narrative Review

Author

• Rebekah R. Bailey, University of MississippiFollow

Date of Award

Spring 5-9-2026

Document Type

Undergraduate Thesis

Department

Public Health

First Advisor

Neil A. Manson

Second Advisor

Nathan Oakes

Third Advisor

Vivian Ibrahim

Relational Format

Dissertation/Thesis

Abstract

The United States pharmaceutical system is highly advanced but faces growing ethical concerns related to drug development and marketing, overprescription, and high drug costs. This thesis examines how pharmaceutical marketing, regulatory practices, and prescribing behaviors may conflict with the ethical principle of “first, do no harm.”

Using a narrative review of interdisciplinary literature in public health, medical ethics, and applied ethics, this thesis analyzes patterns in drug development, marketing strategies, and regulatory oversight. The findings suggest that ethical issues are systemic, driven by commercial incentives, inconsistent regulatory standards, and an increasing reliance on pharmaceutical solutions. These factors contribute to overmedicalization, expanded disease definitions, and reduced emphasis on preventive care.

This thesis concludes that addressing these challenges requires a shift toward greater transparency, stronger regulatory oversight, and increased investment in preventive healthcare. Emphasizing prevention over treatment may better align pharmaceutical practices with long-term patient well-being and ethical medical standards.

Recommended Citation

Bailey, Rebekah R., ""First, Do No Harm": Ethical Failures and Preventive Solutions in the United States Pharmaceutical System - A Narrative Review" (2026). Honors Theses. 3431.
https://egrove.olemiss.edu/hon_thesis/3431

Creative Commons License

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