PREPUBLICATION COMMENTS AND REVIEWS FOR
THE OPIOID EPIDEMIC CONSUMERS & HEALTHCARE GUIDE
Special thanks to everyone who participated in our free/uncompensated, honest, independent and impartial prepublication review of this book. I am truly appreciative for the time that you have contributed as well as your excellent constructive comments and reviews that you have provided. You have made this book significantly better than I could by myself alone. Those of you who were unable to participate I do understand and appreciate you as well. Any criticism of this book rests solely on my shoulders and no one else. I am truly grateful to each and everyone of you!
SOME OF THE COMMENTS AND REVIEWS
"The book is exceptionally comprehensive, addressing issues of importance to both professionals and the public. It is divided into discrete chapters that address important issues related to the management of pain and the opioid crisis. Each chapter includes appropriate references that can also serve as sources of additional information. The book includes a significant number of useful appendices.'
John L. Melvin, M.D.,MMSc; Emeritus Professor and Chair, Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University. Past president of American Academy of PM&R.
"I have read Dr. Foster’s book and found it to be excellent. It is both factual with clear data but also personal and practical. I think he presents a very balanced review of the topic that has become very political, emotional, and one-sided. Congratulations on this excellent book!"
Prof. Gerard A. Malanga, M.D. Rutgers School of Medicine, NJ Medical School. Author of four textbooks - Last one 2017: “Regenerative Treatments in Sports and Orthopedic Medicine.” Incoming president of the Interventional Orthopedic Foundation (IOF) in 2019.
"This book is a clearly written, comprehensive examination of an important problem. Written by an experienced clinician, the book is thorough and thoughtful. Each chapter is sprinkled with charts and facts yet written in clear, non-technical language that is very readable even with no medical background. For the health care professional there is a very useful listing of “References, Recommended Readings and Resources” at the end of each chapter. This book should become a core textbook in every Pain Fellowship. In fact, in view of the widespread reality of our opioid epidemic, I would recommend this book to every medical student and practicing physician."
Jacqueline Wertsch, M.D., Professor Emeritus of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. Medical College of Wisconsin. Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
"Dr. Foster has undertaken the monumental task of helping the layman and healthcare professional to understand the opioid epidemic. He succeeds in laying out a systematic analysis of the scope of this multifactorial problem. Dr. Foster incorporates recent data, historical perspectives and commonly held misconceptions about the causes of the opioid crisis. He effectively exposes the truth, and in the process lays the groundwork for future actions to prevent recurrences. This book is an excellent source of information and education written by a Pain Management physician who lives on the front line of the opioid epidemic."
Carlos J. Giron M.D. Founder and past president of The Georgia Society of Interventional Pain Physicians (GSIPP). Founder and CEO of the Pain Institute of Georgia, and Macon Pain Center.
"I found this to be a well-researched, well-written, balanced, data driven comprehensive look at the opioid epidemic. Although I was familiar with many aspects of this problem, I also learned a lot reading through the manuscript. I like the fact that you do not sugarcoat the problem, explode a few myths with the use of statistics, and also make it clear that we "can't throw out the baby with the bath water" and that while we have to seek and implement solutions, there is still a need for prescribing to certain patients. I certainly see the value of the book for healthcare providers as well as the general public and commend you on this accomplishment."
Dr. Clover Hall, Ed.D. Educator (Retired).
"This book is informative and relatively easy to read. One of the things I liked most about the book is that although it relies heavily on research and data collected on the subject of opioid treatment and abuse, it does not overwhelm the reader with scientific terms and expressions. Overall, the book is a valuable tool in the war against the opioid epidemic and if it gets in the hands of enough people whose work in the field or have loved ones whose lives have been derailed by the crisis, it should help to save some lives."
Howard Jackson Jr. Senior Manager, Information and Communications Technology
"I am very impressed. It is well-written and well researched. Thank you for allowing me to review this book. This information is very much needed in the public sphere. I hope you gain a wide readership!”
Daniel McDevitt, M.D., Peachtree Vascular Specialists, Stockbridge GA. Asst. Clinical Professor, Dept. of Surgery Medical College of GA, Atlanta Medical Center and Emory University Hospital Midtown.
"A must read, and not just for professionals, but for everyone!! Dr. Foster gives an interesting and provocative account of the dynamics of the opioid epidemic on our society. The book is relatable to any reader since the opioid epidemic has touched, or will touch just about everyone, whether family member, friend, co-worker, patient, client. I found it applicable to my area of practice of child welfare law, and my personal observation on the effect on the elderly as it relates to pain management."
Hazel Langrin-Robertson, Esq
"I am truly impressed by the thoroughness and details presented. Your first-hand knowledge and experience as a Pain Management Doctor, blended with your compassion for people, your solution and result oriented thinking make this a must read book. To me, it offers perspective relevant to those who legislate as well as offer an opportunity to inform and create awareness and solution amongst socially conscious members of our society."
Andrea Owen-Boyd: Financial consultant.
"I have just reached Chapter 15 of the book. I can tell you today, that even if I don’t get to read another page of it, I have found this book to be brilliantly conceived, thoroughly researched and ingeniously presented. It paints a very vivid picture of what I know to be factual. It addresses a very important issue that we face today. It answers questions that we may have now or could have in the future. Thank you for inviting me to be a part of it!"
Janie B. Pope, RN
"This book is an easy read for anyone who has an interest in acute or chronic pain. This includes health care providers who may be just curious to those who are pain specialist. Those who are directly or indirectly affected by opioids will find comfort in knowing that you are not alone. This book allows the reader to have an excelled understanding of the epidemic and more importantly, resources to get help for those in need."
Santhosh Thomas, DO, MBA, Associate Medical Director, Richard E. Jacobs (REJ) Health Center, Medical Director, Center for Spine Health - REJ Co-Director Medical Spine Fellowship. Cleveland Clinic, Avon, Ohio.
"The author’s intent to bring awareness to consumers was definitely executed if read by consumers, family, friends and healthcare professionals. I strongly believe this book will be beneficial to the other desired target audience “healthcare professionals.” Bringing this epidemic out in the limelight will definitely help these professionals better assist those affected directly or indirectly. Again, awareness is essential for explaining to professionals how to deal with this epidemic. Overall, I found this book very informative and it has opened my eyes to the use of opioids which is often prescribed to myself for my military injuries that are now causing chronic pain."
Michael Thompson, Lieutenant Colonel (Retired). US Army
"This is an insightful educational guide to helping the addict, care giver and/or healthcare provider better understand and defeat the opioid crisis. As a healthcare provider, I have witnessed firsthand the devastation this crisis has caused in families. It is a privilege and our responsibility to pass this wonderful information on to others who may never pick up a book of any kind to read. I highly recommend this book to persons from all walks of life in an effort to combat the opioid crisis facing our communities, state and world. Our communities throughout the world will be a better place because of such a challenging book dedicated to reaching one person at a time saving or changing lives."
Dottie Borders, MSW, CM. Medical Social Worker
"As a mid-level provider practicing in the field of pain management, the detailed information and data Dr. Foster provides regarding the current opioid epidemic we’re facing is both eye-opening and insightful. All of the given data is not only credible, but will henceforth alter my approach to managing pain. Congratulations on such a wonderful accomplishment."
Chantel Lee, Physician Assistant.
"In this masterful work, Dr. Foster takes us on a comprehensive analysis of the American opioid crisis. It is well organized, presented by the history of the crisis with the involvement of the pharmaceutical industry, the doctors, policies and other healthcare providers, all having an impact on the current opioid epidemic. It is very informative. It is a great resource for practicing providers. Strongly recommend this book for all providers involved in pain management."
Angella Green, FNP, Keizer Family Medicine, Salem, Oregon.
"My overall impression is that this is a well-researched, balanced and broadly applicable treatment of the subject matter. I am particularly impressed by its conversational tone and clear appeal to the entire spectrum of stakeholders. It is a work whose time has well and truly come and I feel confident that it will do well. Impressive work Dr. Foster."
Dr. Brian James, BSc, MBBS, DA, FRCA Anaesthetist, Bustamante Hospital for Children. Bustamante Hospital Operating Theatre Users Committee Chairman. Kingston, Jamaica W.I