This is Going to Hurt

Secret Diaries of a Junior Doctor

by Adam Kay

No cover — Adam Kay: This is Going to Hurt (2017, Picador)

paperback, 288 pages

Published Sept. 7, 2017 by Picador.

ISBN:: 978-1-5098-5865-1

(32 reviews)

The story of an overworked, underpaid junior doctor in the employ of the UK's National Health System, as told through a series of diary entries.

5 editions

mondayxius reviewed This is Going to Hurt by Adam Kay (No)

Review of 'This is Going to Hurt' on 'Goodreads'

5 stars

"But promise me this: next time the government takes its pickaxe to the NHS, don't just accept what the politicians try to feed you. Think about the toll the job takes on every healthcare professional, at home and at work. Remember they do an absolutely impossible job, to the very best of their abilities. Your time in hospital may well hurt them a lot more than it hurts you."

I'd recommend this to anyone but especially people who belittle the hard work of NHS staff or are in favour of scrapping the NHS.

altlovesbooks reviewed This Is Going to Hurt by Adam Kay

Review of 'This Is Going to Hurt' on 'Goodreads'

4 stars

Equal parts funny, sad, and wtf (as in, "wtf were they thinking when they put < insert object > up their bum?!"). This was a diary in the life of an OB/GYN working with the NHS as he describes life on the hospital floor delivering babies, stitching up mothers, and regaling the reader with an endless litany of things found in places they shouldn't be. Doctors the world over are overworked, underpaid, and criminally underappreciated for the things they have to put up with. If you know a doctor, or anyone who works in the medical industry, I think the afterword sums it up best. Ask them how their day was, give them an avenue to vent, and let them know they always can. Because they sure as hell don't get the support they need from the people they work for.

Just as a minor note, this book was written from the point of view of someone in the UK, so a lot of specific NHS stuff that's described may be different in the states. I don't have a medical background beyond being able to point at a stethoscope if asked, but it may be jarring for someone in a different location. I imagine the woes are the same the world over, though.

A great book, a short book, a funny book, a sad book.

takky6445 reviewed This Is Going to Hurt by Adam Kay

Review of 'This Is Going to Hurt' on 'Goodreads'

5 stars

A very in depth and very sarcastic look at the life, highs and the despairs of a junior doctor in the NHS.

Very funny as well as heartbreaking at some points. It really made me feel for what doctors have to put with when trying to make us better.

Definitely worth a read.

patchworkbunny reviewed This Is Going to Hurt by Adam Kay

Review of 'This Is Going to Hurt' on 'Goodreads'

4 stars

Adam Kay's book is an eye-opening look into the world of NHS junior doctors. I knew they were overworked but Adam's account shines a light on just how much. It's funny, tragic and terrifying in equal measures. I'm glad this is getting read widely, although I'd suggest not reading it if you're pregnant as most of his experience was in obstetrics.