And others online at booktv. Org. The book is called engine nicker. The author is dr. Jeremy greene professor of medicine here at Johns Hopkins university. Dr. Greene, whats the definition of a generic medicine . Guest generic medicine is supposed to the the in medicine, we think of them as identicals. They are the same molecule. Theyre supposed to perform in exactly the same way except theyre not exactly the same elm want them to be cheaper. We look at a generic drug as a way of gaining more access at affordable price to medicines which, when they were previously available only by brand number under a monopoly theyre much more expensive. A generic drug is a concept. A very contested object. Its a very recent object over the last 50 years. Its become a key point in attempts to try and help American Health care be more affordable at the same quality. Remarkably successful set of policies. 2014, more than 84 of all drugs filled prescriptions filled were filled generically trillions of do