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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