#BookReview #PrognosisCritical #GaryBirkenMD

 

WHERE DEADLY SECRETS ARE THE NORM . . .

Three weeks after completing her residency in pediatric cardiology, Dr. Jacey Flanigan moves from the Pacific Northwest to Manhattan to begin her career at the prestigious Children’s Heart Hospital. But after an unpleasant encounter with an arrogant heart surgeon on her first day, Jacey begins to realize that the medical profession is not what she expected. She learns that enigmatic physician behavior and questionable cardiac surgical practices are cloaked in secrecy—and she is expected to follow suit.

. . . EVEN FOR THOSE WHO’VE SWORN TO HELP.

Jacey soon finds herself facing the difficult moral dilemma: turn a blind eye to malpractice and protect her fledgling career, or dig deeper into suspicious activity and face the consequences?

Amazon

More about the book from the Dr. Himself

The novel is one of medical suspense that focuses on a heinous conspiracy to subvert patient care for misguided and contemptable reasons.

​When choosing a plot-line for my books, I’ve always started by selecting  a pressing contemporary healthcare issue, and then using it as the underpinning for the story. The focal point of Prognosis Critical is the concept of Centers of Excellence and the powerful financial pressures hospitals and healthcare systems are under as they intensely compete for patients. The very survival of these institutions can be at stake, and oftentimes the line between ethical and unethical practices becomes blurred. The book is a fictionalized account of what might happen when these pressures reach a point where a small group of misguided individuals lose their moral and ethical compass, apply twisted logic, and embark upon an illegal and depraved course.  

​The protagonist, Dr. Jacey Flanigan, is a talented and idealistic young physician who has just completed a lengthy training program in pediatric cardiology and critical care. She is excited beyond her wildest dreams when she’s offered a position at the internationally renowned Manhattan Children’s Heart Hospital. But soon after she begins, her enthusiasm and idealism begin to erode as she observes inexplicably strange medical and surgical practices. When she verbalizes her concerns to the powers-to-be, they suggest her imagination is running away with her, and that she’d be well advised to remain “in her lane” until she acquires some experience and credibility. As the story unfolds, she refuses to abandon her suspicions, which leads to a stark warning to cease her unauthorized investigation or face dire consequences to her career. Jacey again refuses andeventually discovers the treachery goes well beyond anything she could have imagined. 

​To mention a few, the plot contains: an illicit overseas adoption ring, desperate parents who’ve been blackmailed, shamcardiac operations, illegal altering of medical records, and duplicitous characters whose agendas are not what they seem. In addition, there are two significant plot twists. After Jacey isattacked in the ruins of a deserted TB hospital on Roosevelt Island, the story comes to its climax when she is compelled to appear in front of the hospital’s disciplinary board to answer trumped-up allegations of incompetence and unprofessional behavior. Her position on the medical staff and her medical license hang in the balance as she struggles to save her fledgling career. The morning of the meeting, the room is filled with all manner of healthcare providers. With time running out, Jaceymanages to makes it to the inquest. To everyone’s shock, she presents irrefutable evidence, which tears down the wall of lies and deceit, and exposes the conspiracy. By this time, the FBI is involved and a formal investigation is launched to hold the conspirators accountable for their illicit acts against dozens ofhelpless patients and their parents.  

About the Author

When I first set pen to paper as a novelist, I was a busy full time pediatric surgeon. I completed eight years of surgical training at Ohio State University and Nationwide Children's Hospital and remain to this day an ardent Buckeyes fan. Upon completing my training, I relocated to South Florida and joined the medical staff of Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital, where I served as the Surgeon-in-Chief. Now, that my schedule is more relaxed, I'm able to devote greater time to writing and getting more involved with my readers. My approach to story-writing has always been to utilize fiction not only as a means to entertain, but also to offer some insight into an interesting or controversial topic in medicine. I'm often asked by aspiring authors for suggestions as to the best way to get started. The best advice I can offer any individual who seriously want to write is to take the time to learn the craft of fiction writing, and then - read a lot and write a lot. I am a member of the Mystery Writers of America and have had the opportunity of teaching writing at various conferences and other forums. I have also had the pleasure of serving as a panel member at the SleuthFest Conference. In addition to spending time with my family, including my ten grandchildren, I am a private pilot, and an avid tennis player. I also enjoy auditing university level courses and just hanging out with my English Setter, Eliza Doolittle. I hold a black belt in martial arts and frequently teach courses in women's self-defense.

Prognosis Critical

Written By

Gary Birken, MD

Review By

Heidi Lynn’s Book Reviews

First, I want to thank Gary Birken, MD for providing me with this book so I can bring you this review. 

OH this is just the medical thriller that I have been craving!!! I absolutely LOVED Gary Birken, MD’s Prognosis Critical! It had everything you would want in a medical themed book: the pull on your heartstrings moments, the shocking jaw dropping moments, and oh the drama!! 

This is an incredibly fast paced that is so addicting that you will be able to devour it in one sitting. 

If you are a fan of any of the medical shows on tv like Grey's Anatomy, ER, New Amsterdam or Chicago Med this is a book for you! Or if you are like me and love all things medical you need to pick this book up! 

The graphic designers did an amazing job with the cover and definately got my attention! I loved the colors along with the graphics. 

One of my favorite characters in the book was Jacey Flanigan the pediatric cardiologist. She had a heart of gold and wanted the best for her patients. However, on the flip side I was not a fan of Dr. Gault the cardiac surgeon. He seemed the opposite of Jacey, cold and heartless.