This Is Going to Hurt: Secret Diaries of a Young Doctor
4.5 | 106,082 ratings
Price: 17.32
Last update: 12-11-2025
Top reviews from the United States
- Brian BahnsenEqual Parts Comedy and TragedyI purchased this book as a juxtaposition to a very "deep" book illustrating a need to balance storylines and not get too high or low, but to have options to redirect my focus. Well, I had no idea this comedic writing would be so deeply moving and sad, and at times, simply tragic. I thoroughly enjoyed Mr. Kay's depiction of the daily grind, the unparalleled sacrifices made to a healthcare provider's personal life, and the perceived glamor of it all. It is often that those who don't experience it firsthand have a skewed view of the reality, and after reading this book, it feels as if I should go apologize and thank many healthcare personnel. I am very sorry that it ended this way for him but also thankful he's found an outlet to embrace the experience and educate the public. It is a very good book that's easy to read and difficult to put aside!
- Penny DreadfulWORTH READINGI enjoyed reading this recounting of what it’s like to be a Dr. I knew it was hard, but this book opened my eyes to a lot of things I never imagined. I loved the humor and sarcasm used since it so closely matches my own. Some of the stories were shocking in revealing what strange or awful things people will do to themselves. Be prepared for some off the wall, yet totally believable stories about patients. Several are pretty gross though fascinating nonetheless. The author was easy to relate to even though I gave no medical background whatsoever. The prose is well written in an every man’s voice. At least we see that America has no solitary ownership of mistreating the doctors that we depend on for our very lives. Sad state of affairs there. I do recommend the book though you might need a strong stomach to read several all too descriptive passages.
- Jeanfunny, sad, and trueWonderful book. Adam Kay is good writer, but sounds like an even better doctor. What a loss! My daughter is a pregnant Obstetrics resident. Not sure if this would make her even more proud of the profession she has chosen, or worry more about the difficulties of pregnancy. It would be nice if everyone knew how hard a profession this was. And that pregnancy is not easy for many women. But again, separate from those issues, it is a very well written book. And well worth the read.
- PM in SCEnjoyedA truly enjoyable, sometimes hilarious, and always informative read. One caveat, though, regarding the Kindle version: The book has dozens and dozens of footnotes, most explaining or further explaining medical terms and often adding importantly details to the story. But in the kindle version, they all are at the back of the book, making it somewhere between awkward and impossible to read them as you go along. Each footnote, no matter its length, takes up a whole page. That means that the actual book ended at 88 %, making it more than abrupt for anyone used to books going until around 98 or 99 %. I read some of the footnotes, but they were no longer attachable to the reference in the body of the book. So this does subtract from the enjoyment of this otherwise entertaining book. I didn't want to subtract a star based on this structural problem.
- Fabricio J. Zunigaseriously comicalLaughed with every turn of the page, but very realistic and accurate at times. Stark reminder of socialized medicine in other countries
- White RhinoAn hillarious must read for those who believe in Goverment health care.A laugh out loud book as well as a peek into the unusual private habits of the human race. I have seen similar things while working in Law Enforcement. 50% of people are just stupid or weird. This guy is a saint. A good read in any case. Government health care turns good doctors into slaves and allows bad ones to have job security. Do you want to have surgery from a person who has been awake for 30 hours straight? Not me.
This would have been a four star if it had not been for the medical jargon and British colloquial phrases. The Doctor included a lot of numbered notations that are in the back of the book. However, with an Kindle book you know how impossible that is to go back and forth without losing your place. - AnitainterestingAn interesting diary and recount of tough and happy times. A heartbreaking ending but a worth while read. As a mom that had a hard, high risk pregnancy, it was interesting to see the POV of a doctor
- jmpHeartbreaking, but excellent bookRetired RN, adults only. Due to awful peds experience in nursing school & in a community hospital ICU. So I understand completely how you felt and why you left. This was excellent, good explanations for non medical folks. Chapters flowed well & kept my interest.
We all have some form of PTSD. For me, the kids & some of the adults. I can still see all their faces and what was going on when they were in the hospital. Its like an old movie in my head. Some of this was up to 50 yrs ago. Don't think I could do it again in present circumstances. I had great docs, residents, and co workers in the 3 hospitals I worked at. Its not the same. anymore.