You Bet Your Life: From Blood Transfusions to Mass Vaccination, the Long and Risky History of Medical Innovation

Go behind the scenes of medical discoveries with pediatric physician Dr. Paul Offit as he patiently transports the reader into the history and development of major therapeutic practices that affect our health. Through stories dealing with anesthetics, antibiotics, vaccines, x-rays, heart transplants, chemotherapy, and gene therapy, human personalities are examined, the pressures of the times are examined, and the commercial interests dissected.

Recall the first heart transplant by the publicized Christian Barnard and the modifications developed by noted Norman Shumway. Follow the modifications and regulations that led to the currently publicized gene-modified pig heart substitution for a diseased, non-functioning human one. Look back on the accidents and deaths resulting from early anesthetics, vaccines, x-rays, gene therapy, and other therapies. Each of these problems steered researchers to solutions that improved these treatments.

In this engrossing introduction to the trials and tribulations of medical advances, the author skillfully sketches the diverse personalities of the investigators, the sometimes devious commercial routes pursued, and the restrictions and guidelines imposed for consumer safety. The book emphasizes that all procedures entail some risk; it is important that the public be aware of the possible costs of medical advances.