In this book, "All Medicines are Poison!," Melvin H. Kirschner, MPH, MD, sets out to remove the fog of confusion that clouds the landscape patients are required to navigate in their search for health care today. This book describes the risks and benefits associated with the use of medicines, and explores the validity of other treatment modalities referred to as "Complimentary and Alternative Medicine (CAM). He discusses the numerous failings and backroom dealings in the pharmaceutical and insurance industries, and highlights possible solutions to many of these current concerns. Dr. Kirschner has had an extensive career in the healthcare field. He has championed patient's rights throughout his career. As one of the key physicians instrumental in the enactment of the first biomedical ethical guidelines in the world, he has always strived for close doctor/patient relationships where the patient's concerns always come first.

After medical training at the University of Southern California and the Los Angeles County General Hospital, Dr. Kirschner entered medical practice in the San Fernando Valley as a family physician. In 1961 there were very few doctors with his pubic health experience. This soon led to volunteering in various health related programs, such as the Regional Medical Disaster Program, the Red Cross Disaster and Blood program, the Home Health Association, Visiting Nurse Association, Hospice, several committees on biomedical issues, adviser to the California Health Law Revision Committee, Single Payer Health Care for All, Physicians for a National Health Plan, California Physicians Alliance and other health-related activities. He has also written numerous articles, letters and Op Ed pieces and appeared on radio, television and lectured on health care issues at many venues. Recently retired from medical practice, he continues to volunteer for many health oriented community programs. This book is a collection of essays by Dr. Kirschner, regarding some of the many unresolved health care, pharmaceutical and insurance issues that his patients have shared with him during his forty-seven years of family medical practice.