Mike was a psychiatrist. He stepped away from patient care in the late ‘90s to write a book about the opioid problem. It was called Doctor's Orders – thoroughly researched, accurate, scientific – and way ahead of its time. 

He saw OxyContin and Soma ravaging Appalachia while drug sales reps dangled trips and rewards for heavy prescribers. 

Bookstore and library shelves today are stacked with volumes about drug addiction, non-fiction and fiction. Mike’s ultimate goal was to help lawmakers see that addiction was a healthcare issue, and that treatment  – not punishment – was the answer. 

We’re still waiting for that light to dawn.