Reading This Did Not Hurt: A Book Review

Through my extended stay in this “corona-cation”, I have found myself reading more and more books. Maybe to combat boredom, maybe to expand my knowledge, or maybe because reading is… enjoyable?

Though the handful of books that I have read have all been worthwhile, one stood out: This Is Going to Hurt: Secret Diaries of a Junior Doctor by Adam Kay. Comprised of diary entries written by Kay during his time as a junior doctor in the NHS from 2004 to 2010, This is Going to Hurt not only details the hilarious moments, but also the heartbreaking aspects that come with working in healthcare – from gory stories and the devastating loss of patients to the destruction of his personal relationships.

While it may sound like a nightmare, Kay approaches each entry with humor that is genuinely funny; I oftentimes found myself chuckling at the witty and hysterical anecdotes, such as accounts about the absurdities of select patients, and irreverent comments made by Kay. The sarcastic and self-deprecating humor is on display before the story even begins, saying:

“To James: for his wavering support.
And to me: without whom this book would not have been possible“.

Although it never loses sight of the importance of the NHS, the book also exposes flaws in the service. The trauma, near misses, and deaths that could have been prevented by a properly run, well-staffed, less overworked team of doctors, are all on display, reminding readers that the anecdotes are real. Included is the account of an operation that ultimately led to Kay deciding to leave the medicinal field. Finishing the book was a plea to the British government and us readers to treat NHS and healthcare workers with more respect.

Kay’s bittersweet memoir is well-written and entertaining, while also revealing important points concerning the current and future state of the NHS. I would recommend the short, hilarious, yet eye-opening story to anyone.