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The Year They Tried to Kill Me : Surviving a Surgical Internship Even If the Patients Don't
"The only people who think you are a doctor are you and your mom.”
Not exactly the warm welcome I hoped for. But I was just a naive Wisconsin boy, fresh out of medical school and new to Oakland, California. I chose Highland Hospital for my surgical internship: an entire year filled with sick patients, brutal work hours, more brutal staff surgeons, and flawed attempts to maintain a long-distance relationship. Yet, somehow, it’s a work of nonfictional comedy.
I take on many roles throughout the story. I’m a kid who still plays Tetris, a guy who can’t commit to his girlfriend, an untrained doctor who finds himself cutting open people’s skulls, and a fish out of water who is called to the ER to drain the blood from a cocaine-engorged penis.
But this adventure isn’t just crazy hospital anecdotes or what it takes to become a surgeon. It's a coming of age tale about learning what it means to be a caregiver. Sure, I worked 40 hours without sleep, but that is only one of the ways They tried to kill me. Their real evil was crushing the enthusiasm and compassion of their trainees. I struggled to remain a “normal” human while joining a fraternity of holier-than-thou surgeons, and nothing grounded me more than trying to cope with the illnesses within my own family.
If this book proves anything, it's that "Laughter is the best medicine, but surgery is a close second."
Enjoy.
A dollar of every Kindle book sold will benefit the charity Operation Access.
Not exactly the warm welcome I hoped for. But I was just a naive Wisconsin boy, fresh out of medical school and new to Oakland, California. I chose Highland Hospital for my surgical internship: an entire year filled with sick patients, brutal work hours, more brutal staff surgeons, and flawed attempts to maintain a long-distance relationship. Yet, somehow, it’s a work of nonfictional comedy.
I take on many roles throughout the story. I’m a kid who still plays Tetris, a guy who can’t commit to his girlfriend, an untrained doctor who finds himself cutting open people’s skulls, and a fish out of water who is called to the ER to drain the blood from a cocaine-engorged penis.
But this adventure isn’t just crazy hospital anecdotes or what it takes to become a surgeon. It's a coming of age tale about learning what it means to be a caregiver. Sure, I worked 40 hours without sleep, but that is only one of the ways They tried to kill me. Their real evil was crushing the enthusiasm and compassion of their trainees. I struggled to remain a “normal” human while joining a fraternity of holier-than-thou surgeons, and nothing grounded me more than trying to cope with the illnesses within my own family.
If this book proves anything, it's that "Laughter is the best medicine, but surgery is a close second."
Enjoy.
A dollar of every Kindle book sold will benefit the charity Operation Access.
353 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2012
194 people are currently reading
459 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
December 23, 2018
3.5 stars
I have read my fair share of medical memoirs focusing on interns trying to survive their first year and I have learned the following:
1) Your relationship (if you are in one) will probably not survive the first year as an intern
2) Yes, you will be working really REALLY crazy hours
3) You will probably kill at least one patient (or think you did)
4) You will be expected to do everything but know nothing
5) If you have a sense of humour it helps but please don’t make too many poop jokes even if you
have to extract foreign objects from unmentionable places more often than you could ever
imagine
6) Make friends with the nurses or they will make your life hell
This memoir was a good balance between the author’s personal and professional life, the cases were as always fascinating, and it had all the elements that I love about a medical memoir.
I can also highly recommend The Real Doctor will see you Now and This is going to Hurt
I have read my fair share of medical memoirs focusing on interns trying to survive their first year and I have learned the following:
1) Your relationship (if you are in one) will probably not survive the first year as an intern
2) Yes, you will be working really REALLY crazy hours
3) You will probably kill at least one patient (or think you did)
4) You will be expected to do everything but know nothing
5) If you have a sense of humour it helps but please don’t make too many poop jokes even if you
have to extract foreign objects from unmentionable places more often than you could ever
imagine
6) Make friends with the nurses or they will make your life hell
This memoir was a good balance between the author’s personal and professional life, the cases were as always fascinating, and it had all the elements that I love about a medical memoir.
I can also highly recommend The Real Doctor will see you Now and This is going to Hurt
February 20, 2013
The Year They Tried to Kill Me is as funny as it is poignant, exploring a subject matter rarely shared with the general public outside the medical community. Eye-opening, entertaining and moving, don't pick it up unless you've got a clear schedule for a few hours. It's a page-turner. It's also one of the most unique books I've ever read. I can't think of anything else quite like it. Give it shot, you won't be sorry... whether you're a medical practitioner or someone who's never set foot in a hospital, the year they tried to kill me proves itself quite relevant to everyone.
October 24, 2018
I am guessing the title of this book peaked my interest because the thought of body fluids and anything medical make me nauseous. Like really sick, not just a little but lots! and the .99 price tag at the time didn't hurt.
This book was GREAT! I enjoyed the short story style of the book, I could pick it up and read a chapter and lay it down for a bit. My co-workers probably thought I was loosing my mind since I laughed out loud at most of it. I mean seriously, who does this kind of stuff!?! They would ask after I told them bits and pieces of what was going on "Did this stuff really happen?" and I was like yeah it really did!
I loved the personal details of the author, it completed the book well and really rounded his character. I am kinda curious to know how his life ended up after this first year of his internship.
So Dr. Salvatore Iaquinta if you happen to come across this small review, you should write a follow up and tell us all about where you are now. I am sure you have some interesting stories to tell and I will be happy to buy another book. I won't even wait till it goes on sale next time.
If i did not learn anything else while reading this book I learned to count everything that goes in and everything that comes out. *wink*wink*
This book was GREAT! I enjoyed the short story style of the book, I could pick it up and read a chapter and lay it down for a bit. My co-workers probably thought I was loosing my mind since I laughed out loud at most of it. I mean seriously, who does this kind of stuff!?! They would ask after I told them bits and pieces of what was going on "Did this stuff really happen?" and I was like yeah it really did!
I loved the personal details of the author, it completed the book well and really rounded his character. I am kinda curious to know how his life ended up after this first year of his internship.
So Dr. Salvatore Iaquinta if you happen to come across this small review, you should write a follow up and tell us all about where you are now. I am sure you have some interesting stories to tell and I will be happy to buy another book. I won't even wait till it goes on sale next time.
If i did not learn anything else while reading this book I learned to count everything that goes in and everything that comes out. *wink*wink*
January 7, 2017
This is a first-person amusing and thought-provoking look at surgical internship. Although the title suggests the book will be pure humor, and it certainly is lighthearted in places, the medicine is real and the author's compassion for his patients come through. It makes me glad I am not a surgeon, but also glad there are people willing to put up with the hazing and quasi-abusive training programs to do it. If you have interest in the field it is certainly worth reading.
February 7, 2017
This an entertaining, scary, sometimes gross look at a doctor's surgical internship. The author's voice is funny and his reflections on his first year are amusing. From a patient's perspective, it's pretty scary to see what goes on behind the scenes, and the attitudes of some of the doctors. His descriptions are pretty graphic. I couldn't read the chapter on his rotation in the children's burn unit. There is no way I could read about horribly burned children.
June 2, 2019
This was a great book. Not something I'd normally read...I'm more into fiction to escape the real world and expand my imagination. But I bought it on a whim and am very glad I did. Dr. Sal (and his patients!) really went through a lot during his internship, and his attitude the entire way was inspiring. I wish all doctors felt that way. The learning experience at the hospitals was a bit frightening brought to light and now KNOWING what goes on that first year of training and how little practical knowledge an intern starts out with. And how rude and inconsiderate so many doctors are that are there to TRAIN them are (SHAME on them!). But Dr. Sal's writing style and giving just a little "extra" to his patients was definitely worth sharing with the world. I highly recommend this book...and think it should be required reading during the first week or two of internship for future doctors!!!
June 19, 2019
Good Solid Read without wordiness
This is a memoir and should be required reading for idealistic people planning on a career in medicine. Doctors earn every dime they make. Sacrifice, stamina, seeing awful things, delivering devastating news, working without sleep to save a life. Accepting failure as part of the job, knowing how to compartmentalize, and being mentally strong enough to face a life and death battleground every day is the norm. The romantic mental picture and reality are 180 degrees opposite. The only difference between a soldier on the battlefield and a doctor is the doc battles for his whole career. A soldier can be discharged after 4 years.
This is a memoir and should be required reading for idealistic people planning on a career in medicine. Doctors earn every dime they make. Sacrifice, stamina, seeing awful things, delivering devastating news, working without sleep to save a life. Accepting failure as part of the job, knowing how to compartmentalize, and being mentally strong enough to face a life and death battleground every day is the norm. The romantic mental picture and reality are 180 degrees opposite. The only difference between a soldier on the battlefield and a doctor is the doc battles for his whole career. A soldier can be discharged after 4 years.
December 27, 2020
Detailed And humorous Account of a First Year Internship.
At first this book seemed boring but I soon got that knocked of me. Iaquinta's patient and detailed descriptions of his patients, his superiors and his fellow interns soon becomes strangely hypnotic as you wait for the next shoe to fall. Same thing with his distanced attempt to keep a romance alive with the girl he left behind in med school. All told a frightening and at times a very funny look at what it takes to become a surgeon. By an observant and talented writer/doctor.
At first this book seemed boring but I soon got that knocked of me. Iaquinta's patient and detailed descriptions of his patients, his superiors and his fellow interns soon becomes strangely hypnotic as you wait for the next shoe to fall. Same thing with his distanced attempt to keep a romance alive with the girl he left behind in med school. All told a frightening and at times a very funny look at what it takes to become a surgeon. By an observant and talented writer/doctor.
February 11, 2021
Light summary of a young doctor's first post-graduate year as as an intern in general surgery. Not much depth to presentation of patients or of his own reactions to shat he sees, does, or experiences, including his own superficial on and off relationship with his not quite serious (or is she?) girlfriend. This may be a result of the book being based on his diary of his long sleep-deprived year. The book would have been better had he leavened it with some of his later reflections n the experience
November 26, 2021
I am not a intern
This book is well written. It us the 2nd book I have read on this subject the first I read years ago "Intern by Doctor X" That being said it provides a view of the life on a intern, something us common folk would not know about. It gave me a a better appreciation for what it takes to become a doctor. I do not know what Foctor Laquinta is doing now but I suspect he is very successful at it. Maybe in my next life I will try doing what he has done. Looking forward to his next book.
This book is well written. It us the 2nd book I have read on this subject the first I read years ago "Intern by Doctor X" That being said it provides a view of the life on a intern, something us common folk would not know about. It gave me a a better appreciation for what it takes to become a doctor. I do not know what Foctor Laquinta is doing now but I suspect he is very successful at it. Maybe in my next life I will try doing what he has done. Looking forward to his next book.
April 19, 2018
A surgical interns experience
Don’t read this if you are aspiring to be a surgeon. You might opt out before you even start!
This is a warts and all account of 130 hour working weeks and being answerable to all those superior to you as you are the underling at everyone’s beck and call. It is at times amusing and at other times hideous but always entertaining. The surgical procedures descriptions I found fascinating.
Don’t read this if you are aspiring to be a surgeon. You might opt out before you even start!
This is a warts and all account of 130 hour working weeks and being answerable to all those superior to you as you are the underling at everyone’s beck and call. It is at times amusing and at other times hideous but always entertaining. The surgical procedures descriptions I found fascinating.
October 28, 2018
Reality very interesting
I thought Dr.Iaquinta's book was very interesting. I knew it was very hard to be a Resident, as he clearly described. His grammar is perfect the book is easy to read. My of my favorite doctors is a kind genius who fixed my deviated septum, I think the two doctors would be friends! Also thanks for mentioning Vivian. Will there be a book about your next year?
I thought Dr.Iaquinta's book was very interesting. I knew it was very hard to be a Resident, as he clearly described. His grammar is perfect the book is easy to read. My of my favorite doctors is a kind genius who fixed my deviated septum, I think the two doctors would be friends! Also thanks for mentioning Vivian. Will there be a book about your next year?
December 15, 2018
This book is humorously written, but the reader will feel the struggles and compassion of the author. The book describes the experiences of a year in surgical internship. The comment is made that the reason he becomes a surgeon is due to the fact he likes to cut, which is a bit scary. This is a book the reader will not want to put down.
March 30, 2023
8/10, very well written about a topic I find interesting but it was also very humorous and showed the human side of being a doctor, specifically being a surgical intern. I think this book taught me I dont want to be a surgeon but it made me appreciate the help I get along on my journey towards becoming a physician and to recognize the flaws in the a system as I navigate it.
May 27, 2018
Could not put this book down. Felt I was with the author during his time in the hospitals
I loved the sense of humour throughout
This book. The medical events,operations and general clinical descriptions were educational. Internship and residency is not for sissies.
I loved the sense of humour throughout
This book. The medical events,operations and general clinical descriptions were educational. Internship and residency is not for sissies.
December 27, 2018
The funniest book of 2018. High risk of choking, not safe for meal/drink. The romance bit is boring. The hero did not end up getting the girl. Very refreshing after many unnecessary neckbeard fantasy tropes out there on the market. Thank f**kin god of medicine.
April 27, 2019
Great read
Full disclosure, i am a physician myself. This book is a great read. I highly recommend it, especially to anyone in the medical profession. I can’t wait to read more from this author.
Full disclosure, i am a physician myself. This book is a great read. I highly recommend it, especially to anyone in the medical profession. I can’t wait to read more from this author.
June 3, 2020
Really enjoyed it!
This was a great read! Opens your eyes to how doctors think and feel about people they treat. And funny as hell, too! Author is just a little twisted! I like that! Recommended!
This was a great read! Opens your eyes to how doctors think and feel about people they treat. And funny as hell, too! Author is just a little twisted! I like that! Recommended!
September 25, 2017
Intern
The book seemed a little to tamed . Sure there is more to interning than Sal put out there. Aaargh
The book seemed a little to tamed . Sure there is more to interning than Sal put out there. Aaargh
October 17, 2017
It was okay... not a great look at the life of an intern, sometimes the 12 year old boy inside him was too present...
September 17, 2018
O laughed, I cried.
This book is so good and insightful. I bought my soon to be med student daughter a copy. Must read for anyone who wants to be a doctor when they grow up.
This book is so good and insightful. I bought my soon to be med student daughter a copy. Must read for anyone who wants to be a doctor when they grow up.
June 13, 2019
Hilarious, well written, recommended for anyone who endures hospital work.
December 4, 2019
Great read! So relatable
Great book! Very relatable. I would recommend all med students, new NP's and PA's that work in an ICU setting read this.
Great book! Very relatable. I would recommend all med students, new NP's and PA's that work in an ICU setting read this.
January 17, 2020
Really liked this, after having read Max Pembertons books, which are both interesting and funny, but this is funnier. Recommended.
March 6, 2020
Really good medical read hope he does another book
March 22, 2020
Entertaining
Well written memoir about the life of an intern. Hilarious stories about everyday goings on in a hospital. Enjoyed it from beginning to end.
Well written memoir about the life of an intern. Hilarious stories about everyday goings on in a hospital. Enjoyed it from beginning to end.
May 15, 2020
So good!!!
Incredibly interesting and hilarious!! Those stories will never get old could read this again and again:)) I needed 4 more words to publish
Incredibly interesting and hilarious!! Those stories will never get old could read this again and again:)) I needed 4 more words to publish
June 12, 2020
Hated to come to the end of this book!
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. At times I laughed out loud about the true events\people being described. To Sal...please write a sequel!
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. At times I laughed out loud about the true events\people being described. To Sal...please write a sequel!
March 7, 2021
A Down To Earth Surgeon's Life in Training
Having had a number of major surgeries I was interested in reading this book. It was very informative and surreal.
Having had a number of major surgeries I was interested in reading this book. It was very informative and surreal.
April 28, 2021
Emocionante
Es emocionante avanzar página tras página a través de un año ejerciendo la cirugía y los eventos extrahospitalarios que implica
Es emocionante avanzar página tras página a través de un año ejerciendo la cirugía y los eventos extrahospitalarios que implica
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews