Michael Palmer (novelist)

Dr. Michael Palmer

Michael Palmer (October 9, 1942 – October 30, 2013) was an American physician and author of thriller novels, many of which are medical thrillers. He was born in Springfield, Massachusetts, and graduated from Wesleyan University in 1964. Palmer earned his medical degree from Case Western Reserve University in 1972. Before his writing career took off, he worked as an internist and emergency room physician.

Early Life and Education

Michael Palmer was born in Springfield, Massachusetts, to Milton and May Palmer. He developed an interest in medicine at an early age, influenced by his father's career as a physician. After completing his undergraduate studies at Wesleyan University, where he majored in pre-med, Palmer went on to attend Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, earning his M.D. in 1972.

Medical Career

Following his graduation, Palmer worked in several hospitals in the Boston area, specializing in internal medicine and emergency care. His experiences in the medical field would later serve as a significant source of inspiration for his novels.

Writing Career

Palmer's writing career began in the 1980s, with his first novel, The Sisterhood, being published in 1982. The book was a success and marked the beginning of a series of medical thrillers that Palmer would become best known for. His novels often featured complex plots involving medical ethics, the pharmaceutical industry, and the human element within the practice of medicine. Some of his most popular works include Critical Judgment, Natural Causes, Extreme Measures, and The First Patient. Extreme Measures was adapted into a film in 1996, starring Hugh Grant and Gene Hackman.

Themes and Style

Palmer's novels are characterized by their fast-paced narratives, medical accuracy, and ethical questions. He had a talent for weaving intricate plots with realistic medical scenarios, making his books both entertaining and thought-provoking. Palmer's background as a physician lent authenticity to his work, providing readers with a glimpse into the complexities and challenges of the medical profession.

Personal Life

Michael Palmer was known for his dedication to his family and his passion for medicine and writing. He was also an advocate for medical ethics and patient rights, themes that are prevalent throughout his body of work.

Death

Michael Palmer passed away on October 30, 2013, at the age of 71. His legacy lives on through his novels, which continue to captivate and educate readers about the medical world.

Bibliography

• The Sisterhood (1982)
• Side Effects (1985)
• Flashback (1988)
• Critical Judgment (1996)
• Natural Causes (1994)
• Extreme Measures (1991)
• The First Patient (2008)
• The Last Surgeon (2010)
• Oath of Office (2012)
• Resistant (2014)

Legacy

Michael Palmer's contribution to the thriller genre, particularly the medical thriller subgenre, is significant. His novels have not only entertained millions of readers worldwide but have also raised important questions about the ethics of medicine, the pharmaceutical industry, and the nature of healing.