In this episode of "In Conversation," host Terry Shepherd sits down with author Parker Garrett to discuss his debut medical thriller, Adverse Events. Drawing from over two decades of experience in healthcare compliance, research ethics, and institutional oversight—alongside a doctorate in bioethics—Garrett explores the dark intersections of institutional power, grief, and medical ethics.
Key Discussion Points
- The Premise of Adverse Events: Grieving widower and healthcare compliance professional Ethan Maris leaves New York to start over at a prestigious Washington hospital, where he uncovers cryptic clues and dangerous secrets left by his predecessor.
- Real-World Foundations: Garrett shares how his career dealing with institutional oversight failures, unconsented device implantations, and federal violations inspired the core of the story.
- A Post-Oversight America: The novel explores a fictional America struggling to rebuild its healthcare system following the dismantling of federal oversight, combined with the pressures of private equity and closing rural hospitals.
- Artificial Intelligence and Ethics: Discussion centers on "George," an AI regional hub in the book's universe designed to assist physicians and provide a neutral, binary check and balance for ethical decision-making.
- Unapologetically Queer Storytelling: Garrett emphasizes the importance of authentic queer representation in media, where a character's sexuality is incidental to telling a fully human story.
- The Writing and Editing Process: Insights into balancing dry medical complexity with fast thriller pacing, utilizing editing software like Autocrit, and achieving publication after 191 agent rejections.
Connect with Parker Garrett
- Website: parkergarrett.net
- Featured Book: Adverse Events (Book 1 in the Ethan Maris series)
We all inevitably become the brand. And that's why I wrote, "How to Become a Dynamic Podcast Guest and Sell Stuff." It's a sweet and short primer that teaches you about the gear, the appearance and the messaging that can grab and hold today's micro-attention spans and motivate your listeners to take action. It's Just a dollar ninety nine at Amazon. Grab your copy today and sell mo
