This is the first of two books I was given for Christmas, and once I started reading it, it was never far from my side. Adam Kay shares some of the notes that he wrote while working as a junior doctor in obstetrics and gynaecology (OB GYN), and his experiences range from slapstick comedy to heart-breaking stories when things go wrong.
Most men have a real aversion to anything to do with OB GYN, so it is all the more interesting to read how a male doctor coped in this field. The upside of the job is working on the maternity ward with the joy of delivering healthy babies to healthy mothers, but female anatomy does not always work in the ways we expect it to, and the OB GYN doctor may be called upon to save the day (and two lives), several times during one shift. The doctors also have to deal with all the problems that can occur in our plumbing when we are not giving birth, and many of these are not for the faint hearted. Some of the tools of the trade look as though they belong on a farm rather that a hospital ward but women have to grin and bear it, often without any form of pain relief.
The biggest take-away from the anecdotes is how hard the junior doctors are expected to work, with very little regard for meal breaks or sleep, and they are still paid less than a train driver. They live in fear of mistakes that can land them in court, while working with a level of tiredness that impairs their concentration and the ability to hold their hands steady. Adam Kay never loses his sense of humour but some patients would try the patience of a saint. I am full of admiration for anyone who can get through all the effort it takes to work their way up the promotion ladder and start making some decent money. This book has justifiably become a best seller.
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