Superbugs

The Race to Stop an Epidemic

De: Matt McCarthy

Narrado por: Matt McCarthy

International Bestseller

"An amazing, informative book that changes our perspective on medicine, microbes and our future."
--Siddhartha Mukherjee, MD, New York Times bestselling author of The Emperor of All Maladies

A New York Times bestselling author shares this exhilarating story of cutting-edge science and the race against the clock to find new treatments in the fight against the antibiotic-resistant bacteria known as superbugs.

Physician, researcher, and ethics professor Matt McCarthy is on the front lines of a groundbreaking clinical trial testing a new antibiotic to fight lethal superbugs, bacteria that have built up resistance to the life-saving drugs in our rapidly dwindling arsenal. This trial serves as the backdrop for the compulsively readable Superbugs, and the results will impact nothing less than the future of humanity.

Dr. McCarthy explores the history of bacteria and antibiotics, from Alexander Fleming's discovery of penicillin, to obscure sources of innovative new medicines (often found in soil samples), to the cutting-edge DNA manipulation known as CRISPR, bringing to light how we arrived at this juncture of both incredible breakthrough and extreme vulnerability. We also meet the patients whose lives are hanging in the balance, from Remy, a teenager with a dangerous and rare infection, to Donny, a retired New York City firefighter with a compromised immune system, and many more.

The proverbial ticking clock will keep readers on the edge of their seats. Can Dr. McCarthy save the lives of his patients infected with the deadly bacteria, who have otherwise lost all hope?

Excellent 👌

Dr. McCarthy nails the balance between compellingingly human and groundbreaking clinical medicine by walking us through his "translational" research with Dalba. At the same time, by celebrating the clear brilliance of Dr. Walsh whose work has prevented countless deaths to infection he also puts to the page an ode to the experienced mind in medicine that will always have it's place among the latest and greatest antibiotics since those hard-earned drugs will only be so powerful as those who wield their powers. If more doctors in training would read this book I believe both over prescription and white-coated pride could be prevented in a large degree. In any case, an excellent read. Thanks Dr. McCarthy.

Not a scientific book

A good book of the backstory of bringing a new drug to market. Interesting read.

Beyond Clinical Competence

The clinical challenges of fighting superbugs makes for a compelling listen. But the hidden gift of this book is its focus on Tom Walsh, the author’s mentor. Walsh is an energetic polymath whose insight and expertise bring hope to hopeless cases, yet his relentless optimism can’t prevent him from absorbing the pain of suffering patients. Matt McCarthy reveals what Tom Walsh has taught him along the way: patience, humility, curiosity, and unflinching dedication to the mission of helping the helpless.

LOVED IT !

I couldn't stop listening. It elicited so many memories of good and bad. Thank you for writing the book.

Fascinating/Scary

Informative as to the processes of developing a new drug, fascinating because of the patient experiences and scary because bacteria can hurt us so badly. I appreciate people like the author who strive to find answers.

Terrific even as somebody in medicine.

I’m always hesitant to start a book that might be targeted to the general public but after “The Real Doctor Will See You Shortly” I had hope. It was not misplaced; this book was excellent as a soon to be physician. I’ve heard some of it before but I appreciated the historical aspects and clinical wisdom of trials that I definitely wouldn’t get anywhere else.

Brilliant read by Dr. Matt McCarthy!

This is not my first book review of Author/MD/Assistant Professor of Medicine Matt McCarthy and given his content I will persevere to review additional literary orchestrations as they are never trite. If virology is your “chocolate fix” then “Superbugs: The Race to Stop an Epidemic” is the signal to “Graviora manent.”

The question is what always motivates the genius. In this case a decade was spent in a lab as Little Flem asked himself, “How did bacteria thrive and how could they be killed?” Not quite the Nobel prize winner (yet) we meet---via Dr. McCarthy---Alexander Fleming in his humble days as a “triage medic” transporting dead and dying patients.

“...Little Flem as he was known, was not drawn to controversy, or to combat or even a conversation. (One colleague claimed that trying to speak to him was like playing tennis with a man who, when he received a serve, put the ball in his pocket.)”
---Matt McCarthy, MD

Knowledge brings sadness and the question “Why?" Confronted with wisdom that not all physicians act on behalf of patients. Recount of the Tuskegee study is given. Eighty two percent were black and twenty-two percent could not read or write. What must it be like to do 20 spinal taps on a quotidian basis and watch suffering men with syphilis?

"Superbugs: The Race to Stop an Epidemic” is on the level of literary star “Siddhartha Mukherjee, MD” in originality and brevity. Dr. Matt McCarthy opens wide the doors to a brilliant introvert and Nobel Prize winner Sir Alexander Fleming---who engineered the drug penicillin. He adored music. Sad, realistic and honest. Buy and read.

A must read (listen)!!

I heard about this book on the “Making Sense” podcast by Sam Harris and it’s truly a great listen. It’s about a doctor’s relationship with his highly regarded mentor and his relentless race to fight against the perpetually evolving bacteria that threatens us all.

It includes amazing stories and tidbits, interesting stories, pharmaceutical history, and the vicissitudes of extemporaneously trying to treat “Superbugs” that have no interest in complying.

It tackles a strengthening issue that will affect every person on the planet.

My only problem with the book is the author mentions he doesn’t like dogs! Shame on you, Doc!

Worth the Time

The book provided excellent insights into the pharmaceutical development process for average folks like me.

Take it to the limit

Dr. McCarthy has become quickly my favorite (alive) author. Superbugs is more than just a medical book, Matt continues to tell his stories wonderfully. It was a pleasure of mine to read his books and I envy anyone who gets the chance to read (or listen to) them for the first time. 10/10