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Friedman ’38 publishes fourth medical thriller
Retired physician Barry Friedman ’38 has published his fourth novel, Prescription for Death, about a scheme to defraud insurance companies by faking heart attacks. Set in 1931, the plot involves a method of altering cardiograms, then a relatively new diagnostic tool.
Friedman’s previous books include Dead End (“lively,” according to the San Diego Tribune) and Assignment: Bosnia (“very suspenseful,” said AllReaders.com). His first book, The Shroud, dealt with an attempt to clone Jesus with blood obtained from the Shroud of Turin.
“I’m a somewhat undercooked Robin Cook,” jokes Friedman, referring to the best-selling author of medical thrillers.
When he entered Lafayette in 1934, Friedman intended to go into journalism, possibly as a science reporter. Dean Theodore Distler, however, suggested that he consider medical school at New YorkUniversity, where Distler had previously been registrar.
“He said I’d have greater latitude if I combined the fields of writing and science,” says Friedman. He followed Distler’s advice and went on to a 50-year career as an orthopedic surgeon. “Now, after all that time, I finally combined the two fields.”
Friedman and his wife, Sue, live in San Diego. His books may be purchased directly at his website, www.barryf.com.