Overkill

When Modern Medicine Goes Too Far

By: Paul A. Offit

Narrated by: Tim H. Dixon

Length: 7 hrs and 8 mins

Publisher's summary

An acclaimed medical expert and patient advocate offers an eye-opening look at many common and widely used medical interventions that have been shown to be far more harmful than helpful. Yet, surprisingly, despite clear evidence to the contrary, most doctors continue to recommend them.

Modern medicine has significantly advanced in the last few decades as more informed practices, thorough research, and incredible breakthroughs have made it possible to successfully treat and even eradicate many serious ailments. Illnesses that once were a death sentence, such as HIV and certain forms of cancer, can now be managed, allowing those affected to live longer, healthier lives. Because of these advances, we now live 30 years longer than we did 100 years ago.

But while we have learned much in the preceding decades that has changed our outlook and practices, we still rely on medical interventions that are vastly out of date and can adversely affect our health. We all know that finishing the course of antibiotics prevents the recurrence of illness, that sunscreens block harmful UV rays that cause skin cancer, and that all cancer-screening programs save lives. But do scientific studies really back this up?

In this game-changing book, Dr. Paul A. Offit debunks 15 common medical interventions that have long been considered gospel despite mounting evidence of their adverse effects, from vitamins, sunscreen, fever-reducing medicines, and eyedrops for pink eye to more serious procedures like heart stents and knee surgery. Analyzing how these practices came to be, the biology of what makes them so ineffective and harmful, and the medical culture that continues to promote them, Overkill informs patients to help them advocate for their health. By educating ourselves, we can ask better questions about some of the drugs and surgeries that are all too readily available - and all too heavily promoted.

©2020 Paul A. Offit (P)2020 HarperCollins Publishers

Excellent: Review of medical issues

The best review of medical issues that involve cognitive fallacies and the harm on medical care and cost. From low T, vitamin D, etc. and various other popular myths. I recommend it highly!

It will surely make you think!

Offit did not disappoint with this one. Get ready to think about many of the health related decisions we commonly make.

Great Physician or Non- Physician Read

Dr. Offit does a great job analyzing peer reviewed studies and trials to help the reader (and patient) see flaws in some of modern medicine. As a non-physician I felt like I was brought along with him on the journey and now have a better understanding of some of the ways medicine can go too far and not only not provide help, but do harm.

Wow!

If it weren’t for the volume of quality studies cited, I would hardly believe many of the author’s claims. But, the arguments are presented logically, with high-quality supporting evidence. I prefer non-fiction author’s reading their own books, but otherwise this was astounding.

So many aha! moments

Crisp, clear, and highly relevant examples of where various biases have led to bad medical care and patient outcomes. For your own health or your friends and family, a must read to be informed and learn how to think critically about established medical norms.

Excellent book!

Thank you Dr. Offit for another wonderful book! Very insightful, and easy to understand. A recommended read for all audiences.

Amazing how powerful marketing is

Threw away my multi vitamins. Was always skeptical but learning about all those trials disproving their efficacy really opened my eyes. You will learn so much about conspiracy theories that are totally contrary to dozens of controlled trials.

An eye opening experience

A well written, thoughtful, well researched and thoroughly engrossing book, Dr. Offit doesn't hold back. I was surprised by how many common bits of household wisdom are not only wrong but dangerously wrong in some cases.
And while this book is a very sobering look at modern medicine, it does provide a path forward for us, and encourages communication between doctor and patient about the actual benefits and risks of care.
Well done.

An amazing book with outstanding information!

As a medical professional for the last 20+ years I can safely say that this is an amazing book full of great knowledge. This book should 100% be required reading for every 4th year medical student and every nursing student! The information provides practice changing knowledge that every practitioner needs to hear and understand!

A physicians view

I am so happy this book was written! So many times in modern medicine I think WHAT ?? Every patient and every doctor should read this book