Patricia Gussin, M.D., a 1971 graduate of the Wayne State University School of Medicine, has an alter ego. In addition to medicine, Dr. Gussin is a writer of thriller novels, and her third, "The Test," was published this month.

She will sign copies of her latest book Oct. 29, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Barnes & Noble store on the campus of Wayne State University.

"The Test" revolves around six siblings of the Parnell family. Determined to leave something more valuable than money to his children, philanthropist Paul Parnell stipulates a most unusual will. This book, like her previous two - "Shadow of Death" and "Twisted Justice" - reflect her passions for family and medicine, Dr. Gussin said.

"Shadow of Death, set in Detroit during the 1967 riots, was nominated for a Best First Novel award by the International Thriller Writers. The novel was also incorporated into a sociology course and a contemporary urban history course at two separate universities.

Born in Grand Rapids, Mich., Dr. Gussin is a graduate of Aquinas College. After receiving her medical degree from Wayne State University, she earned a master's degree in business administration from Columbia University. 

She is a Fellow of the American Academy of Family Physicians, a member of the American Academy of Family Medicine, former member of the American Pain Society, past president of the Drug Information Association, and a former officer of the American Society for Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics.

She and her husband, Dr. Robert Gussin, divide their time Florida, New York and their vineyards in New Zealand.