Doctor on Call

“Alla Shapiro took me along on her odyssey, from the Soviet Union to the streets of Washington, DC, from the Chernobyl nuclear disaster to the COVID-19 pandemic, all the while filling me with emotion and having me marvel at the human capacity to resettle and build a better life." —Boris Lushniak, MD, MPH Dean and Professor, University of Maryland School of Public Health, Former Acting US Surgeon General and Assistant Commissioner for Counterterrorism Policy, FDA

"This ground level, personal account of the Chernobyl catastrophe by a Ukrainian pediatrician is a riveting, fast read…the reader gains a keen understanding of the ethical dilemma of conscripted physicians who were forced to endure, as they worked tirelessly to understand and treat a unique spectrum of radiation-associated injuries that they had never before encountered. The relevance of Dr. Shapiro's story to today's COVID-19 pandemic and to potential future radiation accidents, malicious use of radioactive materials and nuclear war, is highlighted in the last chapters of the book…this is a must read.” —Nicholas Dainiak MD, FACP, Clinical Professor Department of Therapeutic Radiology, Yale University School of Medicine

“A wonderful story of human resilience in the face of tremendous adversity….In our current world of so much uncertainty this memoir gives strength to the human spirit and brings important lessons to keep in mind as we face potential untold consequences from other disasters to come.” —Nelson Chao, MD, MBA Donald D. and Elizabeth G. Cooke Professor, Duke University

“Dr. Shapiro’s firsthand experience caring for victims of the Chernobyl disaster to her distinguished academic and regulatory career in the USA gives her a truly unique perspective on the intersection between public health and politics. These lessons are as timely for us today America as they were in 1986 during the Chernobyl disaster.” —Chris H. Takimoto, MD, PHD, Senior Vice President, Gilead Sciences

“This story is an intimate, first-hand, personal account of Alla Shapiro, MD., Ph.D. as she endures the trials and tribulations caused by the lies, deceptions, and harsh policies of the socialist regime in the USSR before, during, and after the 1986 Chernobyl radiation disaster….Few would be able to endure the same hardships that Alla experienced along her journey, but her passion and love for medicine and family gave her the strength and persistence. I wonder what she will tackle next?” —Bert W. Maidment, PHD, Radiation Nuclear Countermeasures Program, National Institute for Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health USA

“Dr. Shapiro chronicles her life in a country that discriminated against women and Jews and yet rises above it to be a hero, a physician, a scientist and a wonderful mother. From the worst nuclear disaster to a pandemic, Dr. Shapiro reveals that governments that were not prepared and lessons were not learned. Her story is emotional, inspiring and thought provoking. It is a must read for everyone.” —Laurie E. Sower, PHD, Chrysalis BioTherapeutics, Inc

“There needs to be strong communication not only within the country, but amongst international communities. So much depends on our preparedness, and so many deaths could’ve been avoided at Chernobyl. And the same with Covid-19. The former Soviet Union didn’t know how to prepare for such a disaster. The United States did know how to prepare but failed to do it.” Jennifer Nalewicki, The Smithsonian Magazine, April 27, 2021

“Mikhail Gorbachev called the Chernobyl disaster the real cause of the collapse of the Soviet Union. The silence and secrecy from Soviet officials defined the aftermath of the explosion. Government officials, instead of scientists were providing the information. Shapiro says the government’s role in “downplaying disaster” and “telling lies

Ultimately propelled the tragedy--something many with lingering illnesses are still reeling today.” Peter O’Dowd and Serena McMahon, WBUR Here and Now

“Her experiences as an immigrant will resonate with readers and serve as a timely rejection of xenophobia. Those eager to learn more about life in the Soviet Union or the Chernobyl disaster will uncover many absorbing details in this book. Those looking for an inspirational read won’t be disappointed, either.” Anne Blankman, Jewish Book Council