Uncontrolled Spread
A system-wide failure across government institutions left the nation blind to the threat, and unable to mount an effective response. Uncontrolled Spread shows how COVID-19 was able to trounce America’s pandemic preparations and outlines the steps that must be taken to protect against the next outbreak. It argues we must fix our systems and prepare for a deadlier coronavirus variant, a flu pandemic, or whatever else nature may threaten us with. This book outlines policies and investments that are essential to prepare the United States and the world for future threats.
Praise for Uncontrolled Spread
“Through his medical acumen, decades of experience, and insider access as former FDA commissioner, Scott Gottlieb was able to paint a clear portrait of what was happening, even as it was still blurry to everyone else. Uncontrolled Spread will make you anxious, and it should. It is an intense ride through the pandemic with chilling details of what really happened. It is also sprinkled with notes of true wisdom that may help all of us better prepare for the future.”
— Sanjay Gupta, M.D., Chief Medical Correspondent, CNN
“Throughout the pandemic, no one has provided a clearer and more correct picture of what was happening to our country than Dr. Gottlieb. All the while he was sought out to provide more advice to decision-makers on all sides of the aisle than anyone. In Uncontrolled Spread, he is doing perhaps the ultimate service in telling the story to us in a gripping, no holds barred, yet highly constructive fashion. This book will be one of the bibles of this era.”
— Andy Slavitt, former White House senior advisor for the COVID-19 response
“This is the book for anyone who wants to really understand the true story of how the COVID-19 pandemic unfolded in our country. In Uncontrolled Spread, Dr. Scott Gottlieb provides a gripping and rich narrative of the worst public health and economic crisis of our lifetime. His book is extremely well-researched and enriched by firsthand exchanges with key leaders in government, academia, and the private sector. It offers unique perspectives from the vantage point of one of the most experienced public health leaders in America. Importantly, it provides a lucid assessment of what we need to do to avert a repeat catastrophe.”
— Luciana Borio, MD, Former Director for Medical and Biodefense Preparedness, National Security Council
“Dr. Gottlieb not only served as a trusted advisor to the NYSE and many of the companies listed on our Exchange throughout the pandemic but also consistently delivered expert analysis and pragmatic advice to all Americans. Now, with Uncontrolled Spread, he is stepping up again to share the many lessons learned from this challenging chapter in our country’s history.”
— Stacey Cunningham, President, New York Stock Exchange
“Gottlieb has written a contemporary tragedy in multiple parts. Decision-making should be based on the data, but we did not muster the forces to obtain the data. Nor did we coordinate a response. Instead of ‘never again’ it will be ‘again and again,’ until we learn from our failures, and promote our successes. This thoughtful and detailed account of how the United States dealt with the pandemic has so much to teach us, from ordinary citizens to policymakers at the highest levels. When will we ever learn?”
— Francis Arnold, PhD, inventor, bioengineer, Nobel Laureate