When Eric J. Topol, one of the nation’s most prominent medical researchers, sought her advice after coming under pressure for his corporate ties, Catherine D. DeAngelis, editor in chief of The Journal of the American Medical Association, said she was straightforward.
“I said, ‘If you’re smart, just give it all up,’ ” she recalled. ” ‘I don’t know how much you get, but whatever it is, it’s not worth it.’ ”