Robin Cook (American novelist)

Robin Cook in Warsaw Poland 2008

Robin Cook (born May 4, 1940) is an American physician and novelist who is best known for combining medical writing with the thriller genre. Many of his books have been bestsellers on the New York Times Best Seller list. Several of his books have also been featured in Reader's Digest. His books have sold nearly 100 million copies worldwide.

Early Life and Education

Robin Cook was born in New York City, New York. He completed his undergraduate studies at Wesleyan University in Middletown, Connecticut, where he graduated magna cum laude with a degree in chemistry. He then attended Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, where he earned his medical degree. Cook served in the United States Navy as a medical officer.

Career

After completing his postgraduate medical training, Cook practiced general surgery and ophthalmology. However, he soon discovered his passion for writing and shifted his career towards it. His first book, The Year of the Intern, was published in 1972. Unlike his later work, this book did not achieve commercial success.

Cook's breakthrough came with his second novel, Coma, published in 1977. The book was a critical and commercial success, leading to a film adaptation directed by Michael Crichton in 1978. Coma established Cook's reputation as a successful author of medical thrillers.

Following the success of Coma, Cook wrote numerous other novels, many of which deal with issues at the forefront of medical science and ethics, such as genetic engineering, organ transplantation, fertility treatment, medical research fraud, and medical ethics. Popular titles include Outbreak, Toxin, Invasion, Contagion, and Crisis.

Themes and Style

Robin Cook's novels are known for their well-researched medical details, fast-paced narratives, and suspenseful plots. He often uses his medical background to explore the ethical and moral dilemmas faced by the medical community. His works are credited with popularizing the medical thriller genre, making complex medical science accessible and entertaining to the general public.

Impact and Legacy

Cook's writing has had a significant impact on public awareness of various medical issues and has sparked debate on bioethical issues. He is considered a pioneer in the medical thriller genre, influencing many subsequent writers in the genre.

Bibliography

Some of Robin Cook's most notable works include:

• Coma (1977)
• Sphere (1987)
• Outbreak (1987)
• Toxin (1998)
• Crisis (2006)

Personal Life

Robin Cook divides his time between Boston and Florida. He continues to write and remains a prominent figure in the field of medical thrillers.

See Also

• Medical fiction
• Thriller (genre)
• List of best-selling fiction authors