Customer Reviews

Escape From The Pharma Cartel: My Life as a Member of the Pharmaceutical Drug Cartel

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I'm not quite sure what I expected when I first picked up this book. I was just interested in maybe entering the Pharma Industry. The story changed my interests and changed my opinions on the Pharmaceutical Industry as a whole. It was a wonderful quick, easy read and very enjoyable. I usually have two or three books going at the same time because I become distracted and don't have the time to finish anything. Not true for this story - finished in two nights and had my eyes opened to many new things to ponder on my next doctor's visit! Passed it along to my mom and sister to read as well.

When I came across Kimberly Cheryl's book, I was still grieving the loss of my mother, so the subject of health care in the US grabbed my attention. I also spent years working at a print center near Vanderbilt, during which time I encountered numerous pharmaceutical reps and saw firsthand the waste, fraud, and unethical aspects of their business.

Kimberly's book outlines an American "success" story, starting in the trenches of corporate job interviews and training, climbing the ladder of bonuses and awards, then plummeting from the pinnacle in the wake of changing ethics and medical issues. Along the way, Kimberly establishes her credibility as one who knows the ins and outs of Big Pharma, as she calls, lending more weight to her myth-busting list in the final chapters, as well as to her call to action and radical change. She doesn't gloss over her own "teeny, tiny mental breakdown" or the strains of the industry on families, physicians, and so on.

After my mother's recent passing in Germany, I was struck by the injustice of our own health system. She had no insurance in the US--due to persisting heart issues, no one would cover her. She was single and low-income. In other words, as she lay dying, she had no real means of being taken care of. Thankfully, due to Germany's system, she received quality care in those last few weeks, despite not even being a citizen. I doubt the same would've happened in her own country which she loved.

"Escape from the Pharma Cartel" is a vital wake-up call to legislators, regulators, and individuals. It peels back the veil and exposes the gross conflicts of interest within the FDA and the multi-billion dollar companies that comprise Big Pharma. This book needs to be read. I sure hope somebody's paying attention.

Fast and easy reading book about the drug industry as it relates to individuals in this country. This book is a must read for anyone with health problems and needing pharmacy drugs. The method your medicine is selected for you will surprise you. I had my Mother read this book to help understand why her doctor changed medicine she was taking.

America, despite having the best doctors in the world, is ranked very low in overall health care. "Escape from the Parma Drug Cartel" tells Kimberly Cheryl's story of dealing with the vicious and sadistic American health care system, which virtually tortures people at a time when they need the help the most. Dragged into the poor house after once being the spitting image of the American dream, Cheryl tells a story and offers ideas to help America revise its care for its own people. "Escape from the Pharma Drug Cartel" is saddening, yet thought provoking reading, recommended.

In Escape From The Pharma Drug Cartel, a former drug rep and industry cheerleader takes a hard look at the pharmaceutical sales field from the inside, starting with its middle heyday, all the way to near-recent practices. Readers witness the flourish and luxe of this bloated industry, and follow it to its downturn and likely demise through the eyes of Kimberly Cheryl.

Cheryl introduces herself as an industry insider, forsaken and given up on once her health takes a sudden downturn, an incident described in excruciating and astounding detail near the beginning of the book. Readers begin with a peek into the industry's training philosophies and management practices, including witnessing events and training programs described in such lavish and opulent detail as to be simultaneously inviting - yet strangely disturbing - definitely echoing the swollen wallets and bank accounts of this para-cartel. Cheryl then traces her path through the light days and watches for us as the industry seems to turn.

While giving eye-opening insight into both her personal and professional life, Escape From The Pharma Drug Cartel also augments Cheryl's experience with the perspectives of other pharma drug soldiers, provided through glimpses into conversations, online communities, and others' beliefs regarding the industry.

With great foreshadowing that hooks the reader, along with intimate details and incredible highlights, this book offers an insightful look into a roller coaster of a career.


Allena Tapia
Apex Reviews

Very interesting, quick and enjoyable read. Ms. Cheryl brings up some interesting points of discussion for anyone who has had dealings not only with the medical business but business practices overall. The touches of homelife she introduces make this appealing to a wide variety of readers. Would love to read more.

Top Award Finalist for Social Change in the 2008 USABookNews.com Best Book Awards - Order Your copy today and help make a change in the health care system