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Final Diagnosis: A Medical Thriller
She has every reason to trust them . . .Claire Weaver’s been admitted to a state-of-the-art medical institute in Miami. It’s equipped with a brilliant staff devoted to the latest in cutting-edge medical wizardry.
Her life is in their hands.She has every reason to fear them . . .Erin Wells is a reporter for the AMA News, and Claire’s closest friend. She’s arrived to extoll the advances of the world-renowned institute and to lend support to Claire. But what she soon discovers only arouses suspicion. Met with fierce resistance at every level, Erin risks more than she ever feared by digging deeper than she ever imagined. Now, the truth has brought her one step closer to an inescapable trap of corporate greed, deadly corruption, and an insidious conspiracy.
For here, down the stark white halls of the Miami Institute, there are no patients. Only human experiments.
Her life is in their hands.She has every reason to fear them . . .Erin Wells is a reporter for the AMA News, and Claire’s closest friend. She’s arrived to extoll the advances of the world-renowned institute and to lend support to Claire. But what she soon discovers only arouses suspicion. Met with fierce resistance at every level, Erin risks more than she ever feared by digging deeper than she ever imagined. Now, the truth has brought her one step closer to an inescapable trap of corporate greed, deadly corruption, and an insidious conspiracy.
For here, down the stark white halls of the Miami Institute, there are no patients. Only human experiments.
372 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 1, 2001
686 people are currently reading
318 people want to read
About the author
Gary Birken
15 books134 followersGary Birken is a full-time pediatric surgeon, medical thriller author, husband, father, grandfather, and more.
Born and raised in New York, Birken completed his undergraduate studies in Ohio, spent two years studying in Paris, before returning to complete his general and pediatric surgery training at the Ohio State University Hospital and Columbus Children’s. Upon completion of his fellowship in pediatric surgery, Birken moved to Hollywood, Florida where he has spent his entire professional career. Presently, Birken serves as the Surgeon-In-Chief of the Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital.
As an Author, Gary Birken approaches novel writing as a means not only to entertain, but to educate the reader in a particular area of medicine. Birken’s approach to each book is first selecting a timely or controversial topic in medicine and then, using it as a springboard, Birken weaves a story of suspense and conspiracy around it.
When Birken is not in the operating room or writing his next medical thriller, he plays tennis, basketball and holds a black belt in martial arts.
Born and raised in New York, Birken completed his undergraduate studies in Ohio, spent two years studying in Paris, before returning to complete his general and pediatric surgery training at the Ohio State University Hospital and Columbus Children’s. Upon completion of his fellowship in pediatric surgery, Birken moved to Hollywood, Florida where he has spent his entire professional career. Presently, Birken serves as the Surgeon-In-Chief of the Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital.
As an Author, Gary Birken approaches novel writing as a means not only to entertain, but to educate the reader in a particular area of medicine. Birken’s approach to each book is first selecting a timely or controversial topic in medicine and then, using it as a springboard, Birken weaves a story of suspense and conspiracy around it.
When Birken is not in the operating room or writing his next medical thriller, he plays tennis, basketball and holds a black belt in martial arts.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
July 16, 2022
3.5 rounded up to 4 due to the suspense.
This was a typical medical thriller, reminding me of when Robin Cook first started putting out books. The plot was complex, but not hard to follow, and all of the pieces fit together at the end. Some of the characters were very minimally drawn, and even the main character was a little “cardboard.” It was clear this was a debut novel, with a lot of unnecessary detail focused on what people were wearing, what they were eating, etc. This all just made the book unnecessarily longer without really adding anything of value. Nevertheless, the suspense and pacing were pretty good and I was very eager to find out what happened next. This was a good, lightweight, easy read that took me away from reality for awhile.
This was a typical medical thriller, reminding me of when Robin Cook first started putting out books. The plot was complex, but not hard to follow, and all of the pieces fit together at the end. Some of the characters were very minimally drawn, and even the main character was a little “cardboard.” It was clear this was a debut novel, with a lot of unnecessary detail focused on what people were wearing, what they were eating, etc. This all just made the book unnecessarily longer without really adding anything of value. Nevertheless, the suspense and pacing were pretty good and I was very eager to find out what happened next. This was a good, lightweight, easy read that took me away from reality for awhile.
May 27, 2025
Once a nurse....
Being a reporter/nurse/friend and investigator became the life of Erin , fresh from Washington into the humidity of Miami and the crosshairs of quite a few deaths and mishaps at the Fetal Institute. Her best friend was a patient there , facing a whirlwind of tests and experiments. She dodged a few mishaps of her own, finally winning the respect of her peers. A fast paced story written by an author with AA conscience. Thank you GB
Being a reporter/nurse/friend and investigator became the life of Erin , fresh from Washington into the humidity of Miami and the crosshairs of quite a few deaths and mishaps at the Fetal Institute. Her best friend was a patient there , facing a whirlwind of tests and experiments. She dodged a few mishaps of her own, finally winning the respect of her peers. A fast paced story written by an author with AA conscience. Thank you GB
July 8, 2025
GARY BIRKEN DID IT AGAIN
Another great read. Keep me interested throughout the entire book. Great storyline, and fascinating characters. Thank you GB for keeping me engaged.
Another great read. Keep me interested throughout the entire book. Great storyline, and fascinating characters. Thank you GB for keeping me engaged.
May 27, 2025
A very interesting combination of medical research in fetal medicine, greed and gritty investigative reporting! Suspenseful, authentic and entertaining from beginning to end! I loved the characters, the main character Erin was slightly annoying at the beginning but she grew on me as the novel went on. Characters Claire and Alex were so sweet and heartwarming in an otherwise dark plot. Their ending was a happy one, which I loved!
December 13, 2024
I enjoyed reading this! The suspense carried me along well, and I appreciated the "closed door" romance--moved on quickly to another one of his books and I'm very pleased! Easy, fun, entertaining.
March 18, 2025
A timely topic and intriguing narrative!
I love a good medical mystery and this one doesn't disappoint. As an admirer of this excellent writer, having enjoyed three of their books, I am still amazed. This story is complex, with interesting and well-developed characters. The medical implications of falsifying data is one of extreme interest in light of today's culture of lies and distortion among the FDA and related big pharma. I can't wait to read another of his books.
I love a good medical mystery and this one doesn't disappoint. As an admirer of this excellent writer, having enjoyed three of their books, I am still amazed. This story is complex, with interesting and well-developed characters. The medical implications of falsifying data is one of extreme interest in light of today's culture of lies and distortion among the FDA and related big pharma. I can't wait to read another of his books.
May 27, 2025
Great medical thriller!
I read this non-stop because it kept me on the edge of my seat. Lots of twists and turns kept me guessing about the characters and their actions. My only criticism is the editing. There were too many errors that should have been caught. I took off one star because this is the 2nd book that I’ve read by Gary Birken. The first book also had typos. I hope he’ll get a new proofreader!
I read this non-stop because it kept me on the edge of my seat. Lots of twists and turns kept me guessing about the characters and their actions. My only criticism is the editing. There were too many errors that should have been caught. I took off one star because this is the 2nd book that I’ve read by Gary Birken. The first book also had typos. I hope he’ll get a new proofreader!
April 23, 2025
A pages turned of the best kind!
Birken does it again! Mysterious happenings among pregnant women, and a dedicated friend of one of them stumbled right smack into the mess, quite by accident. Is something happening to the babies in utero?
Birken does it again! Mysterious happenings among pregnant women, and a dedicated friend of one of them stumbled right smack into the mess, quite by accident. Is something happening to the babies in utero?
August 25, 2011
not bad.after all it's written by a doctor and his first novel.thanks to this book i know about fetal surgery.nice plot but some are predictable.not too typical but not good enough.still 4 stars.
February 8, 2015
PRETTY GOOD!!!!!!!!!!!!!
March 27, 2024
Loved this book - it is well written, great character development, and the perfect amount of mystery. Really enjoyed this read, I'll have to check out more from this author.
May 25, 2024
I thoroughly enjoyed the different moving themes . The author’s medical experience adds reality. I was held throughout the entire book. Great conclusion!
September 18, 2024
Intriguing storyline
This thriller held my interest from the get go. Lots of twists in the plot. A great read by a compelling author.
This thriller held my interest from the get go. Lots of twists in the plot. A great read by a compelling author.
February 8, 2025
Engaging, suspenseful, can be easily followed by non-medical readers, and wonderful character development. I have read other books by him and love each and every one. Strongly recommended.
February 17, 2025
first diagnosis
The story had many facets keeping me reading all in. One day. I will look for more books by this author. Excellent read
The story had many facets keeping me reading all in. One day. I will look for more books by this author. Excellent read
May 19, 2025
Loved this Book
This was an exciting read. I kept waiting for the unimaginable thing to happen, and I loved the suspense.
My kind of book!
This was an exciting read. I kept waiting for the unimaginable thing to happen, and I loved the suspense.
My kind of book!
June 12, 2025
Final Diagnosis
Quite the pager turner. It’s mind-boggling to think that while this is fiction it could happen in real life. A bit scary to think that.
Quite the pager turner. It’s mind-boggling to think that while this is fiction it could happen in real life. A bit scary to think that.
December 16, 2025
Wild
This was a very hard book to put down. Great story that shows corruption can be found anywhere and it's hard to trust anyone - which is very scary. I liked all the characters except for the main character Erin. Her sense of entitlement bothered the hell out of me. Constantly throwing around that she was an RN when she hadn't practiced in years was annoying. Look, I'm all for a strong female lead but this woman just didn't do it for me. Great story though.
This was a very hard book to put down. Great story that shows corruption can be found anywhere and it's hard to trust anyone - which is very scary. I liked all the characters except for the main character Erin. Her sense of entitlement bothered the hell out of me. Constantly throwing around that she was an RN when she hadn't practiced in years was annoying. Look, I'm all for a strong female lead but this woman just didn't do it for me. Great story though.
January 26, 2019
This was not an easy read. Pregnant ladies with problems is the theme. A woman who desperately wants a child, after losing her first one, and her best friend go to a clinic/hospital in Florida for a fetal surgery. The friend is a writer for AMA magazine who becomes suspicious of the clinic's practices, and through interviews discovers that there is something nefarious going on.
July 8, 2025
Kudos to the author on his first novel. Interesting premise: a breakthrough in fetal surgery medication the interest of a reporter whose pregnant friend requires the surgery. But things don’t seem to add up and soon the reporter finds herself in danger.
Unfortunately, I felt the characters were rather stiff and the outcome was a bit too predictable.
Unfortunately, I felt the characters were rather stiff and the outcome was a bit too predictable.
August 15, 2025
another great book
Gary Birken has the knack to hold a reader’s attention. I really enjoyed the “Final Diagnosis”; however, the proofreading sucks. There were at least a dozen misprints while I was reading.
I was able to put that aside and enjoy the story. One should still read his books. 🤔
Gary Birken has the knack to hold a reader’s attention. I really enjoyed the “Final Diagnosis”; however, the proofreading sucks. There were at least a dozen misprints while I was reading.
I was able to put that aside and enjoy the story. One should still read his books. 🤔
November 4, 2023
Edge of Seat
This book had me engrossed from page 1! I can’t think of a way to describe it without giving the storyline away. I can say, without reservation, you’ll be enthralled through the whole book!
This book had me engrossed from page 1! I can’t think of a way to describe it without giving the storyline away. I can say, without reservation, you’ll be enthralled through the whole book!
May 17, 2024
super technical
Great plot with several twists but be warned — this one puts the “medical” in thriller very strongly. It’s highly technical, at some points tedious, but is an all around solid story.
Great plot with several twists but be warned — this one puts the “medical” in thriller very strongly. It’s highly technical, at some points tedious, but is an all around solid story.
May 17, 2024
Loved this book
This book shows the reader what greed and a desire to get ahead can do. The story flows smoothly and this author makes you want to read more of his work. Happy reading everyone.
This book shows the reader what greed and a desire to get ahead can do. The story flows smoothly and this author makes you want to read more of his work. Happy reading everyone.
August 31, 2024
Great story
A reporter is just going through the Fetal Surgery for a story to be published in the AMA. As she interviews the doctors, more and more questionable information that she comes across makes her wonder.
A reporter is just going through the Fetal Surgery for a story to be published in the AMA. As she interviews the doctors, more and more questionable information that she comes across makes her wonder.
November 8, 2024
It had me guessing
I really enjoyed this book and hated it to end! It had me guessing up until the reveal, and then the surprises kept coming!
The characters were well developed and made you feel what was happening in the story.
I look forward to reading another Birken book!
I really enjoyed this book and hated it to end! It had me guessing up until the reveal, and then the surprises kept coming!
The characters were well developed and made you feel what was happening in the story.
I look forward to reading another Birken book!
January 16, 2025
Kept me reading on an on.
Was certainly a different take on drugs in a pregnancy, lots of interesting characters and also the crime element. But kept me in suspense about one particular doctor.
Was certainly a different take on drugs in a pregnancy, lots of interesting characters and also the crime element. But kept me in suspense about one particular doctor.
January 31, 2025
Good Medical suspense
Like all of it, characters and story line, a little bit scary but quite realistic! THE MEDICAL drama and the pharmaceutical aspect, buy outs appeared up to date.
Like all of it, characters and story line, a little bit scary but quite realistic! THE MEDICAL drama and the pharmaceutical aspect, buy outs appeared up to date.
May 18, 2025
Interesting medical
This book would have been so much better without so many typo errors and misspelled words. Some proofreader did a terrible job! The plot was interesting and timely with so many new meds in the market today.
This book would have been so much better without so many typo errors and misspelled words. Some proofreader did a terrible job! The plot was interesting and timely with so many new meds in the market today.
May 31, 2025
Excellent
Lot of information that doctors and nurse's use day to day but put together so a person can understand what is happening. Very interesting novel that keeps you reading late at night. Looking to read more from this author.
Lot of information that doctors and nurse's use day to day but put together so a person can understand what is happening. Very interesting novel that keeps you reading late at night. Looking to read more from this author.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews