Dr. Robin Cook is an acclaimed American physician and author, born on May 4, 1940, in New York City. He is best known for his significant contributions to the medical thriller genre, which he achieved by combining medical writing with thriller genre elements. Cook's novels have captivated readers worldwide, addressing critical medical issues and public health topics while providing an entertaining reading experience. With over 100 million copies sold, many of his works have been featured on the New York Times Best Sellers List, some even reaching the number one spot.
Cook's educational background includes a degree from Wesleyan University and a medical degree from Columbia University School of Medicine. His postgraduate medical training at Harvard, which included general surgery and ophthalmology, has provided him with a strong foundation to create authentic and engaging medical stories. He divides his time between homes in Florida, New Hampshire, and Massachusetts, where he resides with his wife, Jean. Cook is currently on leave from the Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary.
As a doctor and novelist, Cook's professional experience has supplied him with abundant ideas and background for his novels. He has explored a wide range of topics in his works, such as organ donation, genetic engineering, fertility treatment, managed care, medical malpractice, drug research, drug pricing, specialty hospitals, stem cells, and organ transplantation. Cook is known for his ability to anticipate national controversies, making his novels particularly relevant and engaging for readers.
In an interview with Dr. Cook, he mentioned that his main goal is to get people interested in the issues addressed in his novels, particularly those related to medical ethics and technology. He strives to entertain his readers while raising awareness about critical medical and public health concerns. Cook continues to dominate the medical thriller genre, having published 39 international bestsellers, including Outbreak, Terminal, Contagion, Chromosome 6, Foreign Body, Intervention, Cure, Night Shift, Viral, Genesis, Pandemic, and Charlatans.