Whistleblower Doctor: The Politics and Economics of Pain and Dying

In Whistleblower Doctor, Dr. David K. Cundiff recounts his transformative yet turbulent experience at LAC+USC Medical Center, where he founded a pioneering Pain and Palliative Care Service. The program, praised for its compassionate, cost-effective care, clashed with the hospital's revenue-driven priorities by reducing patient stays—and profits. As tensions mounted, Dr. Cundiff’s ethical stance and advocacy for better patient care put him at odds with hospital leadership, culminating in his dismissal.

This gripping narrative explores the personal and professional fallout of challenging a financially motivated healthcare system. Through Dr. Cundiff’s journey, the book highlights the moral conflicts faced by physicians and the systemic resistance to reform—offering a powerful, real-world look at the price of medical integrity.