Robin Cook ​

Dr. Robert Brian "Robin" Cook is an American physician and novelist who writes about medicine, public health, and medical thrillers. Among his most famous novels are "Coma", "Outbreak", and "Invasion". His writing often provides a critique of the medical industry and its ethics.

Quick Facts ​

• Known for writing medical thrillers.
• His first novel, "Coma," became a blockbuster hit and was made into a successful film.
• Practiced as an ophthalmologist before turning to writing full time.
• Many of his books have been adapted into movies and mini-series.
• His novels often combine medical writing with the thriller genre.
• Has sold millions of copies of his books worldwide.

Background ​

Cook was born in 1940 in New York City. He completed his medical training at the Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons. He then undertook a surgical internship at the Bellevue Hospital in New York. Following his internships, he served in the Navy and was stationed on the Polaris submarine, where he later became an aquanaut. After leaving the Navy, he completed his ophthalmology residence at the Harvard Medical School. He started his writing career with the medical thriller "The Year of the Intern", which was published in 1972. He made his breakthrough with his second novel, “Coma” in 1977, which became a bestseller and was adapted into a successful film. His other successful novels include “Outbreak”, “Fever”, and “Foreign Body”. He is recognized for mixing medical writing with the thriller genre of writing.

Writing Style and Impact ​

Cook's writing style is a combination of suspense and medical information, providing readers with a glimpse into the world of science and medicine. His works often focus on controversial topics in the medical field and feature doctor-heroes who uncover medical conspiracies. Cook has been praised for his detailed knowledge of medical procedures and principles, which lends authenticity to his work. His novels have unquestionably contributed to the popularity of the medical thriller genre.

Notable Works ​

• Coma (1977)
• Outbreak (1987)
• Mutation (1989)
• Harmful Intent (1990)
• Critical (2007)
• Host (2015)