The Danger Within Us

America’s Untested, Unregulated Medical Device Industry and One Man’s Battle to Survive It

By: Jeanne Lenzer

Narrated by: Jeanne Lenzer

Length: 10 hrs and 6 mins

Publisher's summary

Did you know....

• Medical interventions have become the third leading cause of death in America, killing more Americans each year than diabetes, murders, car accidents, and AIDS combined.
• An estimated 10 percent of Americans are implanted with medical devices - like pacemakers, artificial hips, cardiac stents, etc.
• The overwhelming majority of high-risk implanted devices have never undergone a single clinical trial.
• The FDA lets device manufacturers decide whether to report serious complications or deaths that may have been caused by their products.
• The average salary and compensation package for CEOs of the 18 publicly traded medical device companies in the US was $1.3 million and $15.4 million respectively as of 2015.

In The Danger Within Us, award-winning journalist Jeanne Lenzer brings these horrifying statistics to life through the story of one working-class man who, after his "cure" nearly kills him, ends up in a battle for justice against the medical establishment.

His crusade leads Lenzer on a journey through the dark underbelly of the medical device industry, a fascinating and disturbing world that hasn't been written about before. What Lenzer exposes will shock listeners: rampant corruption, elaborate cover-ups, shameless profiteering, and astonishing lack of oversight, all of which leads to dangerous devices (from artificial hips to pacemakers) going to market and into our bodies.

In the vein of America's Bitter Pill and A Civil Action, The Danger Within Us is a meticulously researched and propulsive listen that will fill you with anger and indignation, a stirring call for reform, and a must-listen for anyone who cares about the future of American health care.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying reference material will be available in your My Library section along with the audio.

©2017 Jeanne Lenzer (P)2017 Hachette Audio

Critic reviews

"One of the best books in medicine I have read. A splendid, savage story about the failings of modern device regulation that reads like a mystery, not a work of medical non-fiction: It turns out to be both." (Vinay Prasad, assistant professor of medicine, Oregon Health and Science University, and author of Ending Medical Reversal)

"In this disturbing and riveting book, the indefatigable investigative reporter Jeanne Lenzer tells the story of how millions of Americans are implanted with medical devices with almost no proof that they are safe. Lenzer exposes the web of commercial incentives governing their use, and the refusal of the manufacturers and the FDA to take responsibility when things go wrong." (Marcia Angell, former editor in chief, the New England Journal of Medicine, and author of The Truth About the Drug Companies)

"More than a decade ago, longtime BMJ contributor Lenzer abandoned her career as an emergency room physician associate to become an investigative medical journalist. Her debut book, an inspired inquiry into the politics of the industry, is startling and provocative.... Reading like a cross between a riveting medical thriller and 'a Kafka novel', the book is a powerful cautionary tale.... An impassioned exposé that uncovers a significant danger within the contemporary health care industry." (Kirkus)

"Lenzer reads her investigation with passion.... Lenzer's compassion for Fagan and others affected is clear in her voice." (AudioFile)  

3 eye rolls x bias x lack of sufficient objective support

I didn’t care of the I am a PA so I know right off the bat. Dazzle me with data and some heart string pulling here & there but not selective bias. The FDA & Leah’s cases earned the starts otherwise it was hard listening to the narrative of this author. I wanted to enjoy this audiobook!

Very interesting, with good information

This book brings up a lot of good issues and is presented in a way that makes it interesting. I a in the medical field, and while some of this is not new information, it was still intriguing.

Eye opening !

I work in the medical device industry, and was completely unaware of the corruption level. Thanks Jeanne Lenzer !.

Important Information for All

This information is important to know for all whether they have a medical device implanted, plan to, or like me are a student. This information will help myself and others make future decisions with accurate knowledge. I was shocked by the contents of this book I wonder what else I have been in the dark on.

i have a pacemaker defibrillator implant.

To me this is vital information. my husband has his neck fuzed. Checking records now!

Must read

If you know anyone that has an implanted medical device. Compelling presentation of material. I couldn’t stop listening .

A much needed book

Well worth reading, very informative. Thank you for the care and time taken to investigate all these.