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The Next Patient: The Incredible World of Emergency Medicine
Extraordinary encounters. Life-threatening diseases. Heroic actions. Instantaneous decisions. Unimaginable joy. Crushing heartache. Unexpected humor. Endless challenges. Personal threats. Unthinkable trauma. Dedicated providers. Overpowering love.
In the emergency room, lives can be saved or lost. And people can be changed forever—including those dedicated to caring for their patients.
In the emergency room, lives can be saved or lost. And people can be changed forever—including those dedicated to caring for their patients.
363 pages, Paperback
First published May 28, 2023
1138 people are currently reading
3979 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 85 reviews
August 19, 2023
Interesting!
I have read quite a few books written by physicians but this was certainly one of the best. In reading this you will have a clear understanding of the thoughts and actions of Dr. Grant and other medical personnel in and out of the ER mostly in! Dr Grant writes in a way that is interesting and informative. The stories of some of his patients and even his wife, will take you in your mind to the ER with him. I hope he writes another book one day.
I have read quite a few books written by physicians but this was certainly one of the best. In reading this you will have a clear understanding of the thoughts and actions of Dr. Grant and other medical personnel in and out of the ER mostly in! Dr Grant writes in a way that is interesting and informative. The stories of some of his patients and even his wife, will take you in your mind to the ER with him. I hope he writes another book one day.
April 1, 2025
Happenings behind the curtain in the chaotic world of ER medicine are nothing too banal In The Next Patient by Thomas Grant, imparts a clear view into the pressures, stresses, and demands facing doctors who work in the ER.
“When I asked Sam one of the key headache questions, "Is this the worst headache you have ever had?" Sam paused for a moment... So, yeah, I guess this is the worst I have ever had."
---J. Thomas Grant
Grant provides a firsthand account of navigating urgent care's unpredictable environment. Many compelling cases are discussed. Grant explores the essential teamwork, lightning-quick decision-making, and unwavering composure required of physicians that live in this world and the emotional deficits commonly endured.
“When I asked Sam one of the key headache questions, "Is this the worst headache you have ever had?" Sam paused for a moment... So, yeah, I guess this is the worst I have ever had."
---J. Thomas Grant
Grant provides a firsthand account of navigating urgent care's unpredictable environment. Many compelling cases are discussed. Grant explores the essential teamwork, lightning-quick decision-making, and unwavering composure required of physicians that live in this world and the emotional deficits commonly endured.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 13, 2023
Well done Dr.! Stories were unique and entertaining. I read this type of book frequently, this is one of the higher quality ones.
January 10, 2025
What an amazing collection of short stories! This really could be for any reader wanting to dip their toes in the world of non fiction. Dr. Grant shares various cases and experiences from his time working in the emergency room at his local hospital. Some of them were very eye opening, some touched my heart, and others made me laugh hysterically. Throughly enjoyed from cover to cover and I'm inspired to look for more memoirs and short story collections like this one.
October 20, 2025
Fascinating from beginning to end. A set of episodes told memoir-style but not in any particular order that I could tell. Maybe that was explained early on and I missed it. Although each episode was mostly standalone, it wasn’t the sort of book I could leave in the bathroom and read a chapter at a time—because I couldn’t stop reading! Each one was better than the last—some touching, some scary and some absolutely maddening.
On finishing I immediately looked to see if he’d written another. Not yet.
On finishing I immediately looked to see if he’d written another. Not yet.
March 6, 2024
Heartfelt
This was a fun and surprisingly emotional book to read. Dr. Grants writing is expectedly technical and descriptive but with enough depth to pack a punch. I cried two or three times in chapters where he discussed the emotional impact patient care can have on a physician.
This was a fun and surprisingly emotional book to read. Dr. Grants writing is expectedly technical and descriptive but with enough depth to pack a punch. I cried two or three times in chapters where he discussed the emotional impact patient care can have on a physician.
September 9, 2023
Enjoyable
I love reading books like this. The stories can be humorous, heartbreaking, joyful, and inspiring. I admire all who work in the field of medicine and appreciate those who share their lives and experiences with us.
I love reading books like this. The stories can be humorous, heartbreaking, joyful, and inspiring. I admire all who work in the field of medicine and appreciate those who share their lives and experiences with us.
November 26, 2023
An interesting look at what goes on in the Emergency Department of a hospital, from the flippant to the fatal. One image will stay with me for a long time - a child on his own in a side room, unconscious, already brain dead. He was on a ventilator while the hospital tried to find relatives. I felt so sad. I wanted to be in that room, holding the child's hand, telling him he wasn't alone, that somebody cared. Of course, the hopsital staff cared, very much, but they had other patients to deal with and there was nothing more they could do for him....
January 8, 2024
I need to stop reading books about my own trauma LMAO
Reading about other people’s leitmotifs and experiences, when my memories are so vivid, feels so colloquial and diluted. Cool book for non-ED pals, though!
Reading about other people’s leitmotifs and experiences, when my memories are so vivid, feels so colloquial and diluted. Cool book for non-ED pals, though!
September 23, 2023
A medical memoir written in an easy-to-read prose style. The author is quite likable (not all doctor-authors are), and the cases he included are interesting and run the gamut of what is seen in a typical emergency room. If you're interested in emergency medicine or just like books about or written by doctors, I would recommend this book.
August 9, 2023
Amazing book
So well written by a doctor who is able to summarize the emotional and physical occurrences in so many different incidents. I was also able to gain some understanding of medical treatments. Its obvious he's a very caring, intelligent, and kind man.
So well written by a doctor who is able to summarize the emotional and physical occurrences in so many different incidents. I was also able to gain some understanding of medical treatments. Its obvious he's a very caring, intelligent, and kind man.
June 11, 2023
I just finished this book and really found it to be an interesting read. Although it is authored by a doctor, it doesn't come across in such a way that one needs a medical school education to read and understand it which, although I am a college grad and well educated, I appreciated the author's down to earth style of writing!
I found the patient stories did very well at capturing my attention and I also liked that the author physician wasn't afraid to show empathy, humor when appropriate and even shared some of his own weaknesses with us (worms come to mind for some reason but you'll have to read to find out lol). I would feel like I was in great hands as a patient if I had him as a doctor.
The book is well edited and gives the reader a behind the scenes look at the workings of an emergency department that appears to be very well staffed and run!
I found the patient stories did very well at capturing my attention and I also liked that the author physician wasn't afraid to show empathy, humor when appropriate and even shared some of his own weaknesses with us (worms come to mind for some reason but you'll have to read to find out lol). I would feel like I was in great hands as a patient if I had him as a doctor.
The book is well edited and gives the reader a behind the scenes look at the workings of an emergency department that appears to be very well staffed and run!
August 13, 2023
Very well written and intriguing
I myself have rarely had to present to an ER, thank the Lord. I also had an opportunity to take a 2 year practical nursing program, due to my inherent interest in medicine and caring for others in ill health. Alas, physical issues prevented me from pursuing a career as a nurse.
Even with my,somewhat, elevated knowledge of medical terms, the knowledge and terminology in this book is easily followed. It is written in such a way that the reader feels the intensity and speed with which this doctor forms his decisions of care for each patient.
What the author has clearly shown is that a practitioner of medicine, particularly Emergency Medicine, is someone fairly born to it. It takes a special set of skills and detective work and decision-making in a race against the clock.
I appreciate the author's insight into the profiteering, rather than the health care interests, of insurance companies. And the often similar aspects of plaintiffs lawyers. Both cause humans to be detrimentally affected.
The good doctor also points out so clearly the miracle of life by the Greatest of Designers, and how it informs his feelings of being blessed to give a continuation of life to his most critical patients. Even when the best of his skills, and that of surrounding ER staff fails to save a life, his insight into their profound sadness is one many never consider.
In all I found this time to be highly enjoyable and enlightening.
I myself have rarely had to present to an ER, thank the Lord. I also had an opportunity to take a 2 year practical nursing program, due to my inherent interest in medicine and caring for others in ill health. Alas, physical issues prevented me from pursuing a career as a nurse.
Even with my,somewhat, elevated knowledge of medical terms, the knowledge and terminology in this book is easily followed. It is written in such a way that the reader feels the intensity and speed with which this doctor forms his decisions of care for each patient.
What the author has clearly shown is that a practitioner of medicine, particularly Emergency Medicine, is someone fairly born to it. It takes a special set of skills and detective work and decision-making in a race against the clock.
I appreciate the author's insight into the profiteering, rather than the health care interests, of insurance companies. And the often similar aspects of plaintiffs lawyers. Both cause humans to be detrimentally affected.
The good doctor also points out so clearly the miracle of life by the Greatest of Designers, and how it informs his feelings of being blessed to give a continuation of life to his most critical patients. Even when the best of his skills, and that of surrounding ER staff fails to save a life, his insight into their profound sadness is one many never consider.
In all I found this time to be highly enjoyable and enlightening.
September 13, 2023
Buying this book for my premed granddaughter
I have read several books written by medical professionals but they have all consisted of short anecdotal stories. Not this one. Dr. Grant doesn't just convey a few lines, he explains what he is doing and - importantly - WHY. I thoroughly enjoyed traveling the world of emergency medicine with him. As my granddaughter enters medical school, she too is fascinated by the challenges of emergency care and I want to surprise her with Dr. Grant's perspective and his lessons.
That said, I have to wonder where he works. He apparently never worked in an ER with short tempered and outright uncaring nurses. I have never been in an ER without finding at least one. Dr. Grant himself ran into an extremely negligent situation - though in obstetrics and not the ER - where his wife could easily have died when he found NO ONE in the halls, no one monitoring the patients. And he had nothing to say on the matter. Instead he praised the nurses - yet again - for their quick actions. Uh....after he had to scream in the halls for help?
Aside from my disconnect from his absolutely perfect appraisal of ALL the nurses he worked with, each and every chapter in his book was a learning experience. Highly recommend.
I have read several books written by medical professionals but they have all consisted of short anecdotal stories. Not this one. Dr. Grant doesn't just convey a few lines, he explains what he is doing and - importantly - WHY. I thoroughly enjoyed traveling the world of emergency medicine with him. As my granddaughter enters medical school, she too is fascinated by the challenges of emergency care and I want to surprise her with Dr. Grant's perspective and his lessons.
That said, I have to wonder where he works. He apparently never worked in an ER with short tempered and outright uncaring nurses. I have never been in an ER without finding at least one. Dr. Grant himself ran into an extremely negligent situation - though in obstetrics and not the ER - where his wife could easily have died when he found NO ONE in the halls, no one monitoring the patients. And he had nothing to say on the matter. Instead he praised the nurses - yet again - for their quick actions. Uh....after he had to scream in the halls for help?
Aside from my disconnect from his absolutely perfect appraisal of ALL the nurses he worked with, each and every chapter in his book was a learning experience. Highly recommend.
July 23, 2025
Reading this book by Dr. Grant really opened the curtains to the world of emergency medicine. He highlights the struggles and stressors of being in the ER and how doctors and nurses have to immediately respond in order to save patients in critical conditions. Dr Grant describes it as “making life threatening decisions in a fast-paced environment.” As I was reading the book, I would notice how similar the environment was to being on a roller coaster. At the start it would be calm and collected, then it would go into a series of critical condition patients, the emotion of people unfortunately passing away, etc. One thing that did surprise me is how Dr. Grant had an experience that was not related to patient care at all. It was defending a nurse from a person with a knife that was seeking pain drugs, but the patient did not feel any pain. This made me realize that there are other aspects to an ER, other than patient care. So, all in all, this book from Dr. Grant really opened my eyes, from his first day on the job, to all the patients he has cured, on how the ER really is behind the scenes.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 21, 2023
Incredible book. Because I read medical books all the time, this was recommended to me. I was curious about what doctors see in the ER. Talk about high stress situations! The author seems to be not only a good doctor, but a very good person. Very calm under stress, but at the same time he gives his nurses and other doctors cudos for what they do and how well they work together. I really liked that, because when I was in med school for Neuroscience (PhD), I saw an awful lot of young doctors who were too tied up in themselves to do things like offer praise to others.
There are a lot of interesting cases in this book. Some unusual ones but also the regular run of the mill cases I'm sure every doctor in emergency care sees. I think the ones dealing with children were especially interesting, and it really depends upon the kindness and quiet care of the physicians and nurses to prevent a child from panicking unnecessarily.
Not only was this an interesting book, but it was written well. What do you want to make a bet this is one of the few doctors that has a legible script?!
There are a lot of interesting cases in this book. Some unusual ones but also the regular run of the mill cases I'm sure every doctor in emergency care sees. I think the ones dealing with children were especially interesting, and it really depends upon the kindness and quiet care of the physicians and nurses to prevent a child from panicking unnecessarily.
Not only was this an interesting book, but it was written well. What do you want to make a bet this is one of the few doctors that has a legible script?!
July 18, 2024
👍👍👍
This book is very heartfelt, informational, and inspiring.
Dr. Grant really expresses his care for his patients and his field in this book.
His mind is always working to try and save life’s, or just make someone’s day. He always think logically and follows his gut, leading to life saving care. In his book you learn all about the field of ER care, and basically all care. The way that he writes these stories makes you want to just keep reading. The only bad thing I could think of is that there’s not another book!
I would suggest this book to any med student, anyone who wants to study medicine, or anyone who needs some love and laughs.
(Dr. Grant, I just want to say thank you for being such a great person, you are an amazing physician with a giant heart. You are AWSOME!)
Highly recommend by,
Me
This book is very heartfelt, informational, and inspiring.
Dr. Grant really expresses his care for his patients and his field in this book.
His mind is always working to try and save life’s, or just make someone’s day. He always think logically and follows his gut, leading to life saving care. In his book you learn all about the field of ER care, and basically all care. The way that he writes these stories makes you want to just keep reading. The only bad thing I could think of is that there’s not another book!
I would suggest this book to any med student, anyone who wants to study medicine, or anyone who needs some love and laughs.
(Dr. Grant, I just want to say thank you for being such a great person, you are an amazing physician with a giant heart. You are AWSOME!)
Highly recommend by,
Me
October 5, 2023
Diagnosis, treatment and release.
I really liked this book. The descriptions of the exam rooms in ER along with the description of the patients injury were fascinating. Dr. Grant writes in a smooth, calm manner, explaining the situation in understandable words and then continuing with an explanation of the treatment given before the patient is released, or is admitted to the hospital for further care. I was fascinated at each scene described; I was impressed with the thought processes Dr. Grant described as he assessed the patient. This book gives the reader a comforting feeling about the staff that are available in an emergency room when a patient comes through the sliding doors in need of care. Read on, and be impressed.
I really liked this book. The descriptions of the exam rooms in ER along with the description of the patients injury were fascinating. Dr. Grant writes in a smooth, calm manner, explaining the situation in understandable words and then continuing with an explanation of the treatment given before the patient is released, or is admitted to the hospital for further care. I was fascinated at each scene described; I was impressed with the thought processes Dr. Grant described as he assessed the patient. This book gives the reader a comforting feeling about the staff that are available in an emergency room when a patient comes through the sliding doors in need of care. Read on, and be impressed.
March 28, 2025
Beautiful Story Telling at its Finest
You will laugh, cry, sit on the edge of your chair, experience joy, and feel the sorrow and frustration the patients and medical teams feel every day as they battle death on the front lines of the ER. The writer has a way of telling his stories with genuine empathy and emotion without being overly clinical or egotistical. He comes across as a regular guy you might have a beer with who also just happens to save lives every day for a living. A very good read and I highly recommend! Thank you for all you and your colleagues and teams do for those of us who turn to you in our hour of need and put the precious lives of our loved ones and ourselves in your competent hands. You are all truly heroes of the highest degree!
You will laugh, cry, sit on the edge of your chair, experience joy, and feel the sorrow and frustration the patients and medical teams feel every day as they battle death on the front lines of the ER. The writer has a way of telling his stories with genuine empathy and emotion without being overly clinical or egotistical. He comes across as a regular guy you might have a beer with who also just happens to save lives every day for a living. A very good read and I highly recommend! Thank you for all you and your colleagues and teams do for those of us who turn to you in our hour of need and put the precious lives of our loved ones and ourselves in your competent hands. You are all truly heroes of the highest degree!
May 2, 2025
What I loved most about this book was how it focused on the people behind the scrubs. It’s not just about the patients, but also the doctors, nurses, and staff who face the unthinkable every day. The author writes, “In the ER, you never know what’s next. You could go from saving a life to comforting someone through the worst day of their life in a matter of minutes.” That line stuck with me because it perfectly sums up the emotional whirlwind these medical professionals live in.
There’s a lot of drama, sometimes heart-stopping, sometimes heartbreaking but it never loses sight of the humanity in each story. It’s intense, emotional, and sometimes funny, but above all, it’s a reminder of how incredible and unpredictable life can be.
There’s a lot of drama, sometimes heart-stopping, sometimes heartbreaking but it never loses sight of the humanity in each story. It’s intense, emotional, and sometimes funny, but above all, it’s a reminder of how incredible and unpredictable life can be.
November 1, 2025
This was a good book of anecdotes and principles to be derived from Dr. Grant's years of practice as an ER physician. Some stories are from early in his career and others from his later years as a more experienced practitioner. I got the feeling that Grant is exactly the kind of doctor you would want if you ended up in the ER. Most comforting was the idea that ER doctors, at least the experienced ones, are not starting from scratch as they confront your emergency or problem--their years of training enable them to sort through the possibilities and act quickly. He gave a lot of credit to the great nurses and other staff who work in the ER and as paramedics and EMTs. I'm happy that they are all there when we need them.
April 15, 2024
I Want This Dr!
Dr. Grant sounds like the kind of caring, compassionate,.skilled and knowledgeable Dr that every person hopes to find when they have to be "the next patient" in the ER one day. Always thinking ahead, he gives every patient his very best he has to offer. If there is any possibility of a test being needed, he errs on the side of caution, and catches things other Drs may not.
His writing style is concise, believable, and easy to understand even for non-medical readers. As an RN for over 40 years, I found his book wonderfully entertaining and informative, bringing both smiles and tears. Write more, please!
Dr. Grant sounds like the kind of caring, compassionate,.skilled and knowledgeable Dr that every person hopes to find when they have to be "the next patient" in the ER one day. Always thinking ahead, he gives every patient his very best he has to offer. If there is any possibility of a test being needed, he errs on the side of caution, and catches things other Drs may not.
His writing style is concise, believable, and easy to understand even for non-medical readers. As an RN for over 40 years, I found his book wonderfully entertaining and informative, bringing both smiles and tears. Write more, please!
April 18, 2024
I was the next patient...
I have read quite a few physician authored books. However, this is the first time I responded with a review.
It was some fast acting Firemen and EMTs that responded to my 911 call, stated my lips were blue and transported me to the ER and the doctor who saved my life from blood clots in both lungs. Dr. Grant's stories gave me the missing part of my experience, the rapid processes and procedures my doctor was executing to save my life. Dr. Grant reveals the skills, focus, empathy and teamwork
In detail. Miracle Workers. Thank you, Dr. Grant for your selfless dedication. Well written.
I have read quite a few physician authored books. However, this is the first time I responded with a review.
It was some fast acting Firemen and EMTs that responded to my 911 call, stated my lips were blue and transported me to the ER and the doctor who saved my life from blood clots in both lungs. Dr. Grant's stories gave me the missing part of my experience, the rapid processes and procedures my doctor was executing to save my life. Dr. Grant reveals the skills, focus, empathy and teamwork
In detail. Miracle Workers. Thank you, Dr. Grant for your selfless dedication. Well written.
January 13, 2025
In The Next Patient, Dr. Grant takes readers through his time as an emergency room doctor and his many cases. As he writes about them, I fully appreciate each backstory and follow-through of the patients he worked on. However, some of the medical jargon went over my head, but I also learned a lot. I especially read this keeping my son in mind who is also a doctor.
I have read other medical memoirs, but this one is filled with compassion. Dr. Grant treats his patients with heart and soul and his experiences and those of his patients often brought tears to my eyes. Dr. Grant seems like a remarkable doctor and person. I thoroughly enjoyed his memoir.
I have read other medical memoirs, but this one is filled with compassion. Dr. Grant treats his patients with heart and soul and his experiences and those of his patients often brought tears to my eyes. Dr. Grant seems like a remarkable doctor and person. I thoroughly enjoyed his memoir.
September 25, 2023
This was a great, but very intense book. Not one I could read in just one sitting because of the intensity. The individual stories of each encounter with the patients are very well written. The medical terminology is explained so non-medical folks can understand. Enough is written about the patients to get a good grasp of their personalities. The emotional toll working in emergency medicine is also explored. Emergency medical workers truly are heroes and this book helps to explain why. I definitely recommend reading it. #GoodreadsGiveaways
May 15, 2024
Great book
Dr. Grant is the doctor most people dream of having or at least I do! Very caring man, medicine is perfect for him. I enjoyed the way his book just kind of flowed from chapter to chapter, I was caught off guard when I went for the next chapter and found I had already finished the book! I have not checked to see if Dr. Clark has more books, I'm doing that as soon as I'm done here, sure hope he does!
This book deserves the five star rating, Dr. Clark even took time to explain procedures for anyone who may not understand.
Check the book out, I bet you enjoy it!
Dr. Grant is the doctor most people dream of having or at least I do! Very caring man, medicine is perfect for him. I enjoyed the way his book just kind of flowed from chapter to chapter, I was caught off guard when I went for the next chapter and found I had already finished the book! I have not checked to see if Dr. Clark has more books, I'm doing that as soon as I'm done here, sure hope he does!
This book deserves the five star rating, Dr. Clark even took time to explain procedures for anyone who may not understand.
Check the book out, I bet you enjoy it!
Read
July 15, 2024Detailed, thoughtful book about emergency medicine
I worked as a healthcare IT support professional for many years. I've always enjoyed reading about medical practice because it helped me understand what my clinical customers needed. This is not a romantic tale of heroic doctors saving patients. Its much more valuable. Dr Grant describes his analytical processes in wonderful detail, explaining what information he needs at each step. If I was still teaching medical informatics, I would assign this book as mandatory reading. Thank you sir!
I worked as a healthcare IT support professional for many years. I've always enjoyed reading about medical practice because it helped me understand what my clinical customers needed. This is not a romantic tale of heroic doctors saving patients. Its much more valuable. Dr Grant describes his analytical processes in wonderful detail, explaining what information he needs at each step. If I was still teaching medical informatics, I would assign this book as mandatory reading. Thank you sir!
August 18, 2023
This was one of the enjoyable and thoughtful books I have read in quite a while. I worked for several years in the ED before going into specialized medicine and met and worked with all kinds of personalities and some amazing doctors. Dr. “Grant” is not only and amazing story teller, but he is humble and compassionate, brilliant and honest. I only hope that if me or a loved one ends up in the ED, we are lucky enough to be cared for by a physician like him.
March 3, 2024
I read a lot of true medical stories as they are some of my favorites. This book was ok. Not bad. Not good. For me, it was too basic and too light on medical details. More of a very brief and basic outline of a random hour or two in the ER. No specifics really. More of an outline. A quick synopsis of a few hours here and there regarding people and things. It was extremely light on the medical specifics or details in the ER. Not a bad book, just not what I prefer. In a medical setting book.
January 28, 2025
Phenomenal story-telling from Dr Grant. It was nice to see the stories of a clearly very compassionate, genuine and intelligent doctor who cares for his patients. There are a huge range of different patient stories, and I found myself learning things (both medical and moral) from each one. It's nice to know that there are kind people out there doing honest, selfless, yet probably quite often thankless work.
Will find myself searching my body for petechia probably every night now.
Will find myself searching my body for petechia probably every night now.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 85 reviews