An in-depth look at the mavericks, moments, and mistakes that sparked the greatest medical discoveries in modern times-plus the cures that will help us live longer and healthier lives in this century . . . and beyondHuman history hinges on the battle to confront our most dangerous enemies-the half-dozen diseases responsible for killing almost all of mankind. The story of our medical triumphs reveals an inspiring tapestry of human achievement, but the journey was far from smooth. It is a tale replete with dramatic episodes as spellbinding as any blockbuster Hollywood movie.
In
The Masters of Medicine, Dr. Andrew Lam, an award-winning author and retinal surgeon, distills the long arc of medical progress down to the crucial moments that were responsible for the world's greatest medical miracles. He brings to life heroic tales of embattled mavericks who endured ridicule and sometimes risked their own lives to conceive the incredible, life-saving cures we depend on, and often take for granted, today.
Readers will discover fascinating true stories throughout history, including:
- Rival surgeons who killed patient after patient in their race to operate on beating hearts-and put us on the path toward the life-saving heart transplant
- A quartet of Canadians who miraculously discovered insulin in a saga marred by jealousy and resentment
- The discovery of penicillin, and the long-suffering doctors who gave it to the world but were robbed of the credit
- The feud between two Americans in the quest for the polio vaccine, a contest that persisted long after both died and continues today
- The discredited New York surgeon whose "heretical" idea to cure patients by deliberately infecting them has now inspired our next best hope to defeat cancer
- The Hungarian doctor who solved the greatest mystery of maternal deaths in childbirth, only to be ostracized for his discovery
The Masters of Medicine is a fascinating chronicle of human courage, audacity, error, and luck. This riveting ode to mankind expertly highlights the battle against deaths from heart attacks, diabetes, infection, cancer, trauma, and childbirth, revealing why the past is prelude to the game-changing breakthroughs of tomorrow.
Industry Reviews
"""Magnificent!I enjoyed every twist through time of this beguiling reminder of how far we've come in medicine—and how far we still have to go.""
—Susannah Cahalan, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Brain on Fire
""This is a book filled with extraordinary tales of extraordinary personalities. It's accurate, clear sighted, well written, and . . . cuts through myth to get to what really happened. In truth, no myths are necessary—the reality is fascinating enough.""
—John Barry, #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Great Influenza
""Lam is a master surgeon, storyteller, and writer, and this combination produces a book that is both a pleasure to read and rich with information . . . A stellar guide to the breakthroughs that have defined and continue to shape modern medicine.""
—Adam Alter, Ph.D., New York Times bestselling author of Drunk Tank Pink and Irresistible
""The Masters of Medicine vividly captures themix of well-planned experiments, serendipitous findings, and eureka moments leading to some of the most important breakthroughs of modern medicine.""
—Gregg L. Semenza, M.D., Ph.D., winner of the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine
""A skillful and engaging portrayal of the journeys through some of the pivotal accomplishments in medicine . . . Lam vividly describes the very human exploits, failures, and tenacity of clinicians who found solutions to some of nature's most perplexing problems. Andrew Lam has furnished a major contribution to the history of medicine.""
—Thomas Helling, M.D., author of The Great War and the Birth of Modern Medicine
""A thoroughly ripping yarn that should be told to all. Remember: the next patient could be you.""
—Robin Hesketh, Ph.D., author of Betrayed by Nature: The War on Cancer
""Stunning narratives of pain, disappointment, luck, and—above all—the hard work that it took to succeed.""
—Robert Bazell, Ph.D., former chief science and health correspondent for NBC News"
