Ghostwriting

You see a paper in a top journal. The lead author is a famous professor from Harvard. You trust it.

But the professor didn't write it. He didn't analyze the data. He might not have even seen the raw data.

The Scheme

1. Pharma Company wants to sell a drug.
2. They hire a Medical Communication Agency.
3. Professional writers draft a paper that highlights the benefits and hides the side effects.
4. They approach a Key Opinion Leader (KOL)—the famous professor.
5. They say: "We have a draft. Would you like to be the lead author?"
6. The professor spends 1 hour reviewing it, signs their name, and adds it to their CV.

Why It Happens

• Pharma gets credibility. A paper by "Dr. Famous" is worth more than a paper by "Pfizer Employee."
• The Professor gets a publication with zero effort.
• The Journal gets a famous name.

The Diagnosis

This is academic fraud. It misleads doctors and patients.

Look for "Editorial Assistance" in the fine print. It often means "We wrote this, he just signed it."