Epic Measures book cover

Epic Measures by Jeremy N. Smith Summary

Epic Measures
Jeremy N. Smith
4.12 (809 Reviews)
Health
Economics
Biography
Overview
Key Takeaways
Author
FAQs

Overview of Epic Measures

How one doctor's obsessive quest to measure global health transformed medicine forever. "Epic Measures" reveals Christopher Murray's revolutionary data project that Bill Gates funded with $100 million, ranking healthcare systems worldwide and exposing a shocking truth: governments operate at just 30% efficiency in saving lives.

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Key Takeaways from Epic Measures

  1. Global Burden of Disease study redefined how we track health outcomes worldwide.
  2. Christopher Murray proved healthcare data gaps hurt prevention more than treatment.
  3. US healthcare system ranks 37th globally despite highest spending per capita.
  4. Big data exposes why 70% of health funding fails maximum impact.
  5. Bill Gates funded $100M moonshot to map every global death cause.
  6. Health metrics now prioritize "years lived well" over pure longevity.
  7. Mexico halved child mortality using burden-of-disease insights for policy overhaul.
  8. Controversial methods challenged WHO norms but created new public health standards.
  9. Personal costs of Murray's obsession show innovation's human toll in science.
  10. Real-time disease tracking enables nations to benchmark against global health leaders.
  11. Health democratization movement born from open-access global mortality databases.
  12. Life expectancy gains plateau without quality-of-life data driving interventions.

Overview of its author - Jeremy N. Smith

Jeremy N. Smith is an acclaimed journalist and the author of Epic Measures, specializing in narrative non-fiction that explores groundbreaking scientific and social initiatives. His work delves into data-driven solutions for global challenges, informed by his Harvard education and two decades of reporting for outlets like The New York Times, The Atlantic, and Wired.

Epic Measures chronicles a $100 million effort to quantify global health outcomes, reflecting Smith’s knack for translating complex scientific endeavors into compelling human stories. His other books, including the bestselling Breaking and Entering (a cybercrime thriller praised by Bill Gates) and Growing a Garden City (endorsed by Jane Goodall), further showcase his interdisciplinary approach.

A sought-after speaker, Smith has presented at Google, the National Academy of Sciences, and Harvard University, and hosts podcasts like The Hacker Next Door. His newsletter and investigative work amplify his authority on technology, health, and community-building. Epic Measures was hailed as a “fantastic read” by Gates and featured on NPR, CNN, and The Today Show.

Common FAQs of Epic Measures

What is Epic Measures by Jeremy N. Smith about?

Epic Measures chronicles Dr. Christopher Murray’s quest to revolutionize global health through the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) study, which tracks every major health issue worldwide. The book explores how his data-driven approach challenged institutions like the WHO, reshaped healthcare policies (e.g., Mexico’s 50% reduction in child mortality), and attracted support from figures like Bill Gates.

Who should read Epic Measures?

This book is ideal for public health professionals, policymakers, and data enthusiasts interested in how big data transforms healthcare. It appeals to readers seeking insights into global health inequities, statistical innovation, or stories of scientific perseverance.

What is the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) study?

The GBD is the largest-ever effort to quantify global health trends, analyzing causes of death, disability, and risk factors in over 180 countries. Initiated by Murray, it combines epidemiological data and computational models to inform policies, such as prioritizing neglected diseases or optimizing health funding.

How did Epic Measures impact global healthcare systems?

Murray’s work enabled countries like Mexico to overhaul healthcare access (insuring 52 million people) and refocus treatment priorities. The GBD’s rankings, such as the U.S. healthcare system at 37th globally, have driven reforms in funding and disease prevention.

What criticisms exist about the GBD study?

Critics argue its reliance on quantitative metrics may oversimplify cultural or socioeconomic health drivers. Anthropologists caution that data alone cannot address systemic inequities, emphasizing the need for ethnographic insights alongside statistical analysis.

How does Epic Measures compare to Moneyball?

Like Moneyball’s data-driven baseball revolution, Epic Measures showcases how Murray’s analytics transformed healthcare决策. Both highlight outsiders using statistics to challenge entrenched systems, though Murray’s focus spans global policy rather than sports.

What role did Bill Gates play in the GBD study?

The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation provided critical funding, including a $100 million grant, to expand the GBD’s scope. Gates praised Murray’s work for offering actionable insights to maximize the impact of health investments.

What personal sacrifices did Christopher Murray make?

Murray’s obsession with the GBD study strained his personal life, leading to divorce and loss of custody of his children. The book portrays his unwavering commitment as both inspirational and cautionary.

How does Epic Measures address healthcare funding inefficiencies?

The book reveals that governments often fund health initiatives at 30% of potential efficiency. Murray’s models identify high-impact interventions, such as prioritizing malaria prevention over less cost-effective treatments.

Why is Epic Measures relevant in 2025?

As AI and big data dominate healthcare innovation, Murray’s methodologies offer a blueprint for using analytics to address emerging challenges like pandemic preparedness and climate-related health risks.

What quotes define Epic Measures?

Key quotes include:

  • “To know anything, you have to study everything” – reflecting Murray’s comprehensive approach.
  • “What gets measured gets done” – underscoring data’s role in policy.
How does Jeremy N. Smith’s writing style enhance the story?

Smith blends rigorous journalism with narrative flair, turning complex data into a gripping underdog story. His portrayal of Murray’s triumphs and flaws humanizes the often-abstract world of global health statistics.

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