Hip: A Novel

Andrei Kovalov has created a biolayer coating that provides amazing results in dog hip replacements. This super-B.I.G. implant with the biolayer has been approved for human use, and investors will pay Kovalov more than $25 million for his invention. However, Kovalov has destroyed evidence showing that several dogs treated with the super-B.I.G. developed bone cancer from his biolayer. Patrick Maloney, a lowly surgical fellow, has observed cancer in a super-B.I.G. specimen and is concerned when the evidence of cancer disappears after he reports his findings. Since international leaders in the famed Boston hospital where he works will benefit from the super-B.I.G., Patrick is told to curb his suspicions. With his career on the line, Patrick must choose whether or not to ignore his misgivings-and risk hurting the woman he loves. This cautionary tale describes the conflict between profitable surgical innovation and the weak approval processes for surgical devices. Patrick knows he must uphold the oath to protect patients from harm. With extremely powerful forces aligned against him, will Dr. Maloney be able to honor his oath? Will his promising career be destroyed? Surprising answers follow.