Overdosed America Paperback Edition Available

"Some of the nation's worst drug dealers aren't peddling on the street corners, they're occupying corporate suites. Overdosed America reveals the greed and corruption that drive health care costs skyward and now threatens the public health. Before you see a doctor, you should read this book." - Eric Schlosser, author of Fast Food Nation

Buy on Amazon | Buy on Barnes & Noble

Excerpts: Introduction | Chapter 13 | Chapter 14

From a doctor of 25 years

Dr. Abramson,

Just what I was looking for and now I want more. I was family doctor for ten years. Then I did my own thing for ten years. Then I worked in drop in clinics - supermarket medicine. Now I am back in family practice or giving it a go.

Just had walk along Ahipara beach with my wife. Topic of conversation - my future. Do I want to work as a pill pusher? The polypharmacy going on where I am at the moment astounds me. Pushing pills onto people who have no desire for them or understanding what they are taking them for - mind blowing. This place is low decile area.

Last night at a peer review group meeting it was apparent that most docs in the room would not be prescribing to themselves what they do for their patients?
It's extraordinary!

My dad was a family doc in rural setting - he was so proud of his work and what he did for his patients. Now ones smells cynicism creeping in everywhere. Jerome Hoffman suggest we be skeptical not cynical - tricky to maintain this balancing act.

How often have I heard recently docs talking about putting their kids off from taking up medicine.

My brother is GP in UK. He talks of ticking boxes and prescribing as per guidelines so money comes into his practice. Some of these guidelines he disagrees with. You want the money doc - do what you are told.

Your book is fantastic. You let the facts speak for themselves. I do hopem it has a profound impact.

I want more - especially with regards to information on drugs.

Thank you
Dr. Andrew B.


Dr Andrew,

Thanks for you kind note. I certainly understand your predicament. The best sites that I know of to get good information about drugs are Therapeutics Initiative ( http://www.ti.ubc.ca/ -British Columbia), the Oregon Drug Effectiveness Review Project ( http://www.ohsu.edu/drugeffectiveness/reports/final.cfm ) and the National Instititue of Clinical Excellence ( http://www.nice.org.uk/ United Kingdom).

Though easy to get discouraged, it is all the more important to do good work.

All the best,

John Abramson MD

Labels: