Prevention saves lives, health, and money.
Barry R. Davis, MD, PhD, writes and speaks about prevention, leadership, and why societies so often ignore warning signs until the cost becomes far greater.
The Preventioneers
Diseases, Disasters, and the Discoveries That Changed Our World
We often say, “We saw this coming.” History shows someone usually did.
“Barry Davis speaks with authority about public health, bringing prevention to life.”
— Robert Califf, Former U.S. FDA Commissioner
“A riveting book that’s hard to put down.”
— Paul K. Whelton, MB, MD, MSc, Tulane University
“This is one timely book!”
— Bill McKibben
Featured in The Nation’s Health’s 2026 Summer Reads selection of new and noteworthy public health books.
Featured on NPR Texas Standard, NPR Houston Matters, NPR All Sides with Amy Juravich, Radio Health Journal, and Public Health Ideas with Sandro Galea.
Available Now
Johns Hopkins University Press
Amazon
Barnes & Noble
Why This Book Matters Now
Measles resurges. Climate disasters intensify. Chronic disease remains widespread. In many cases, the warning signs were visible years before harm became undeniable. Yet again and again, action lagged behind evidence.
The Preventioneers examines why that delay happens and what it takes to move from early signal to effective response. Drawing on historical narrative and decades of experience in clinical research, the book explores how prevention advances, why it stalls, and what determines whether societies act in time.
About the Author
Barry R. Davis, MD, PhD, is a physician-scientist and biostatistician whose career has centered on prevention. He led landmark cardiovascular trials, including ALLHAT and SHEP, that reshaped hypertension treatment guidelines and demonstrated the life-saving impact of acting before disease progresses. He also served in leadership roles in HDFP, contributed to the early development of the SPRINT trial, and later served on its Data and Safety Monitoring Committee.
In The Preventioneers, he turns from clinical trials to narrative history, examining the individuals who recognized danger early and worked to protect communities from disease, injury, and environmental risk.
Speaking & Media
Barry Davis speaks and writes about prevention, leadership, and the persistent gap between evidence and action.
Continue the Conversation
Prevention is rarely dramatic. When it succeeds, catastrophe never arrives. Subscribe for essays and commentary on public health, leadership, and acting before crisis.
Upcoming Events
Join Barry R. Davis, MD, PhD, for upcoming book signings, public conversations, and speaking engagements related to The Preventioneers.
September 11, 2026
Lifestyle Medicine & Community Health Grand Rounds
Baylor College of Medicine
School of Health Professions
Houston, TX
October 1, 2026
Lecture and Conversation with
Barry R. Davis, MD, PhD
UTHealth Houston School of Public Health
Houston, TX
October 7, 2026
12:00-1:00 PM ET
Department of Population Health
Grand Rounds
Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine
Florida Atlantic University
Boca Raton, FL