From pediatrician to pill mill: The shocking case of Dr. Volkman

Grieving Out Loud: A Mother Coping with Loss in the Opioid Epidemic

He’s one of the most notorious pill mill doctors: Dr. Paul Volkman. Sentenced to four consecutive life sentences for unlawfully prescribing pain medications that led to multiple deaths, his story is a shocking descent from a respected pediatrician and emergency room physician to a key figure in flooding southern Ohio with prescription drugs.

In this episode of Grieving Out Loud, we sit down with author Philip Eil, who spent nearly 15 years researching and writing about Volkman. His book, Prescription for Pain: How a Once-Promising Doctor Became the ‘Pill Mill Killer,' delves deep into Volkman’s transformation. Eil’s insights are drawn from interviews with Volkman himself, conversations with those affected by his crimes, and firsthand observations from Volkman’s courtroom sentencing. Tune in to hear his compelling perspective on the medical field’s role in the opioid epidemic.

The Emily’s Hope Substance Use Prevention Curriculum has been carefully designed to address growing concerns surrounding substance use and overdose in our communities. Our curriculum focuses on age-appropriate and evidence-based content that educates children about the risks of substance use while empowering them to make healthy choices.

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Wishing you faith, hope and courage!
Podcast producers:
Casey Wonnenberg & Michael Geheren