In this episode of Book Lover‘s Companion, host Edith interviews healthcare expert and fiction author David Shactman about his book ‘Mortal Choice: A Medical Mystery.’ The conversation delves into the harrowing realities of the illegal kidney trade, the ethical dilemmas faced by parents with critically ill children, and the real-life inspiration drawn from David’s experience researching medical tourism. They also discuss the development of the book’s protagonists – an FBI agent and a Boston detective – and the challenges David faced in writing fiction, particularly from diverse perspectives. The episode also touches on broader healthcare issues, the complexities of organ donation laws, and the socio-political landscape affecting these issues today.
00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome
00:40 Discussing ‘Mortal Choice’: A Medical Mystery
01:42 The Reality of Kidney Trade
02:49 International Black Market for Kidneys
04:41 Organ Donation Systems: US vs. Austria
07:27 Introducing the Protagonists
10:02 Character Backgrounds and Dynamics
13:12 Moral Dilemmas in the Story
15:19 Inspiration Behind the Book
15:26 Medical Tourism and Its Implications
20:00 Fiction vs. Nonfiction: Conveying Truths
21:53 Ethical Questions on Organ Trade
26:42 Blood Donation Program
27:28 Challenges in Policing Black Market Organs
28:33 International Organ Trade and Legal Loopholes
34:13 Writing Fiction vs. Nonfiction
36:10 Navigating First Person Narration
42:36 Addressing Misogyny in the FBI
43:51 Reflections on Social Progress and Prejudices
46:50 Advice for Aspiring Authors
47:37 Upcoming Books and Future Plans
49:17 Final Thoughts and Farewell
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Music: English Country Garden by Aaron Kenny Video Link: https://youtu.be/mDcADD4oS5E