Picture a physician weaving tales of life, death, and mystery with the finesse of a master storyteller—meet David Casarett! A palliative care expert and professor at Duke University’s School of Medicine, Casarett blends his medical expertise with a knack for narrative, crafting non-fiction that probes the edges of human existence and mystery novels that pulse with Thai intrigue.
From exploring the science of resuscitation to unraveling the truths behind medical marijuana, Casarett’s work invites readers into worlds where medicine meets humanity. His Ethical Chiang Mai Detective Agency series adds a playful twist, starring a nurse ethicist turned sleuth. Ready to dive into his unique blend of fact and fiction?
The Making of David Casarett
Born with a curiosity for life’s big questions, David Casarett carved a path through medicine and storytelling. Trained at Case Western Reserve University, he earned an M.D. and a Master’s in medical anthropology, later completing fellowships in ethics and palliative care. His academic journey took him from the University of Pennsylvania to Duke, where he now leads as chief of palliative care. Early on, Casarett’s fascination with end-of-life care and human resilience shaped his research and writing, earning him the prestigious Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers.
His transition to authorship felt natural. Inspired by real-world medical mysteries and the stories of his patients, Casarett began penning non-fiction that made complex science accessible and gripping. His love for narrative led him to fiction, where he found a new canvas in the vibrant streets of Thailand.
David Casarett’s Unforgettable Stories
Casarett’s bibliography is a testament to his versatility. In Shocked: Adventures in Bringing Back the Recently Dead, he explores the science of resuscitation, sparked by the miraculous recovery of a drowned toddler. With wit and wonder, he delves into cryonics and suspended animation, making readers ponder the line between life and death.
Stoned: A Doctor’s Case for Medical Marijuana sees Casarett dive into cannabis’s medical potential, blending personal experiments—like smearing pot paste on his legs—with global research. His light, investigative tone demystifies a controversial topic. On the fiction front, Murder at the House of Rooster Happiness, the first in his Ethical Chiang Mai Detective Agency series, introduces Ladarat Patalung, a nurse ethicist solving hospital mysteries in Thailand. Its sequel, The Missing Guests of the Magic Grove Hotel, deepens the intrigue with missing tourists and clever sleuthing.
His style is conversational yet profound, weaving humor and empathy into explorations of mortality, ethics, and culture. Whether unraveling medical debates or crafting cozy mysteries, Casarett’s work feels like a chat with a wise, witty friend.
Why David Casarett Matters
Casarett’s impact lies in his ability to humanize medicine. His non-fiction bridges the gap between clinical research and everyday readers, offering clarity on topics like palliative care and marijuana’s therapeutic potential. His novels, meanwhile, bring Thai culture to life, earning comparisons to Alexander McCall Smith’s gentle mysteries. By blending rigor with storytelling, Casarett inspires readers to reflect on life’s fragility and resilience.
As a researcher, his 100+ articles in journals like JAMA and The New England Journal of Medicine have shaped palliative care practices, advocating for dignity in end-of-life care. His dual role as physician and author makes him a unique voice, resonating with readers and patients alike.
- Born: Unknown (active in academia since 1990s)
- Key Works: Shocked, Stoned, Murder at the House of Rooster Happiness, The Missing Guests of the Magic Grove Hotel
- Awards: Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers
- Fun Fact: Casarett once backpacked through Southeast Asia, inspiring his Thai-set novels!
Snag Stoned or Murder at the House of Rooster Happiness and dive into David Casarett’s captivating blend of science and mystery!