Former Ohio Doctor’s Part In Opioid Epidemic Detailed In New Book

DO NO HARM INDEED –

Oct. 18, 2024 – Paul Volkman operated two pain clinics in southeastern Ohio and was eventually convicted of drug offenses and is currently in federal prison. His story is outlined in the book “Prescription for Pain: How a Once-Promising Doctor Became the ‘Pill Mill Killer’” by Philip Eil. In the book, Volkman denies causing any of his patients died as a result of medical treatment for pain.

Eventually his case went to trial with the jury ruling he was directly responsible for the deaths of four patients.

The author, Philip Eil, said Volkman simply prescribed too much pain medication.

“He prescribed opiate pain killers. sedatives like valium and muscle relaxers,” Eil said.”The opioid epidemic was a manmade crisis that began because of the things people did. It wasn’t just doctors. Lots of people had a hand in this crisis.”

It took 15 years for Eil to write the book. The author said he was fascinated with the story, partly because Volkman was medical school classmate of his father.

There are people that suffer with pain and legitimate doctors who help manage symptoms, but Eil uncovered early warning signs in his research.