YOU BET YOUR LIFE From Blood Transfusions to Mass Vaccination, the Long and Risky History of Medical Innovation

Advances in medicine rarely go in a straight line. There are breakthroughs, setbacks, progress, failures, risk-benefit analyses, and real human (and animal) costs. James Noel Hoban's deep, grave voice and energetic pace embody the sense of urgency that is central to efforts to save patients' lives. In 1967, the recipient of a heart transplant operation lived for 18 days; now such operations are somewhat routine, and life is extended for decades. Ryan White famously contracted HIV/AIDS from a blood transfusion and bravely fought prejudice to attend school; oversight now ensures a safe blood supply. Hoban sounds fascinated by Dr. Paul Offit's stories of medical progress, and he adjusts his performance nicely to reflect both the tragedy and excitement of the scientific process. A.B. © AudioFile 2021, Portland, Maine [Published: NOVEMBER 2021]