Melvin Kirschner, MD, explores the issues and controversies of medical practice in his new book, All Medicines are Poison. A retired family physician, Dr. Kirschner’s title is taken from his first medical school class in pharmacology. The professor said, “I am here to teach you how to poison people.” After a pause, he added, “without killing them, of course.” Any medicine has side effects and its benefits must be weighed against the risks.