Bitely

This is Going to Hurt

Adam Kay

Adam Kay’s journey through the NHS reveals the grueling realities of life as a junior doctor, marked by relentless hours, emotional tolls, and absurd yet unforgettable moments. From his early days navigating 90-hour weeks and chaotic night shifts to his eventual role as a registrar leading labor ward teams, Adam faced a constant barrage of challenges. These ranged from bizarre patient cases—like a woman proposing with a Kinder egg engagement ring—to heartbreaking tragedies, including stillbirths and fatal complications. The systemic flaws within the NHS, compounded by poor technological upgrades and insufficient support, pushed Adam to his limits. Despite nearing consultant status after 14 years of dedication, the mounting pressures and personal sacrifices led him to leave medicine for a career in comedy writing, while his former colleagues continued to endure worsening conditions.

9 min

6 Bite

Insight

What's it about?

Adam Kay’s memoir offers an unfiltered glimpse into the highs and lows of life as a junior doctor within the NHS. Through sharp wit and vivid storytelling, it explores the relentless demands, absurd encounters, and emotional toll of a profession where exhaustion and unpredictability are constant companions. Balancing humor with heartbreak, the book delves into the sacrifices, systemic challenges, and humanity behind the scrubs, painting a raw yet compelling portrait of modern medicine.

Book summary

A former doctor, Adam Kay is currently a British comedian and a writer for television shows such as Mitchell and Webb, Up the Women and Very British Problems. He also performs regularly sold-out shows at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe and his book, This is Going to Hurt, was named Non-Fiction Book of the Year by the UK’s National Book Awards.

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All Bites

6 Bites

Thrown Into Chaos: A Doctor’s Journey

When Medicine Meets the Unexpected

Life, Laughter, and Chaos in the NHS

Blood Clots, Kinder Eggs, and Chaos

NHS Chaos: A Junior Doctor’s Reality

When Healing Hurts: A Doctor's Breaking Point

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