(CBS) Best-selling author and filmaker Michael Crichton died unexpectedly in Los Angeles Tuesday, after a courageous and private battle against cancer, according to a statement released by his family. He was 66.
Crichton is best known as the author of "Jurassic Park" and the creator of "ER." His most recent novel, "Next," about genetics and law, was published in December 2006.

What a terrific writer.  I got a lot of entertainment from his work, but his first book I read before I knew he was going to be a Big Deal: Five Patients, published in 1969; he assembled the stories while a 4th year medical student at MGH.  It’s a good read, and the lesson still applies.

He’ll be missed.