In his startling memoir, Schneider reveals the underbelly of the medical profession and exposes the deep-rooted power struggle that exists among doctors.  A power struggle that can, and sometimes does, put a patient’s life in jeopardy.  For Schneider, an ethical and compassionate cardiologist, this behavior is simply unacceptable.  He practiced medicine with the belief that the patient must “always” and “in all ways” come first.  When his colleagues and the hospital administrators allow greed and dishonesty to interfere with patient care, Schneider is left with only one decision: To stand-up for his patients…no matter the costs.

 Some say courage is doing the right thing even when it might adversely affect you personally.  Never intending to be a “hero”, Schneider simply tries to be honest and ethical for his patients and colleagues.  His adversaries resort to ruthless dishonest behavior that ultimately results in his forced retirement form medicine.

 In a style reminiscent of Atul Gawande’s, Dr. Schneider relates numerous easy to understand case histories to powerfully present his meaning to the lay reader.  These include his own experiences as a patient in a system that too often treats patients as commodities used to generate income for greedy and power hungry physicians and businessmen.  He suffers misdiagnosis and mistreatment by doctors and institutions more concerned with their own financial well being than his welfare as their patient.

 Finally, he offers a broad outline of a scientifically and economically sound comprehensive plan, based on Medicare, to ultimately solve America’s healthcare crisis.  Drawing on the basic principles of market capitalism he learned in college, he offers a solution predicated on returning the doctor patient relationship to a position of primacy.  His is the only solution that will increase quality, decrease costs, and cover all Americans.

              Dr. Schneider’s experiences in academic and private medicine offer insight into the American healthcare system only a first person memoir can offer.  His detailed history and comprehensive appendices offer a roadmap for other physicians, retaliated against for standing up for quality patient care, and their attorneys, to fight back against a seriously dysfunctional healthcare system.  This book offers a unique perspective to anyone involved in the theory, economics, or politics of healthcare. 

            Dr. Schneider relates his personal life as the foundation of his character and beliefs.  A driving force is his search for personal happiness through a loving relationship with a woman.  His personal needs are ultimately used against him by his medical adversaries in their attempts to assassinate his character.  In this book, he responds to their accusations with the truth.

              Dr. Schneider intends to donate his share of any profits from the sale of this book to charities dedicated to improving the quality of patient care.

 
This book is a must read for any person who has ever been, or ever will be, a patient.