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25 Real Patient Stories: A Junior Doctor's Journey through the Highs and Lows of Medicine

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"25 Real Patient Stories" reveals the untold experiences that unfold within the walls of hospitals and outpatient clinics, offering a touching glimpse into the humanity that binds patients and medical professionals together. Join a junior doctor working in psychiatry, family medicine, internal medicine, surgery, and many more medical specialties.

Poisonous mushrooms, naked streakers and bodily waste on the walls - follow along 25 crazy, funny, and sometimes heartbreaking stories of real patients. Each story brings to life the raw emotions, tough decisions, and unexpected moments that shape the junior doctor's path through the diverse world of healthcare – and leaves out no details.

*Includes 25 stories and three short bonus stories*

150 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 1, 2024

249 people are currently reading
62 people want to read

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5 stars
103 (40%)
4 stars
76 (29%)
3 stars
57 (22%)
2 stars
17 (6%)
1 star
4 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
Profile Image for Lori.
380 reviews
October 20, 2024
Some Interesting Patient Stories

As stated, there were some interesting patient stories in this book. And I liked that the doctor seems to genuinely care not just for but ABOUT her patients. However, I am one who tends to notice mistakes in grammar, spelling or sentence structure. I'm not obsessive about it if it's just a once or twice occurrence but in this case, there were multiple -- and obvious mistakes indicating lack of professional editing, a poorly qualified editor, an exhausted or careless author or a combination of factors.
For instance, in one story, the author explains that she "deeply emphasizes" with the patient when the correct word she meant is "empathizes." In another example, the author mentions that something is "tabu" --which is an older perfume my mom used to wear, rather than "taboo."
In my opinion, if you care enough to write AND publish a book -- in addition to being a doctor, you should care enough to make sure it is the best it can be!
Profile Image for David Cameron.
Author 16 books22 followers
January 15, 2024
An excellent read, written with compassion and humour.

This book struck me as an updated version of The Man Who Mistook His Wife for a Hat and, like its predecessor, it recounts real-life fascinating tales of patients, their conditions and their treatments. Written from Dr Monika Schneider’s experience as a junior doctor, I was reminded of the complexity of the human body and the fragility of life. It also reminds the reader of the difficulties and life-saving decisions that doctors face on a regular basis.

This is an excellent read, written with compassion and humour, but one to venture into when feeling strong and well. I highly recommend it.


Profile Image for Mikki.
529 reviews4 followers
February 4, 2024
I always love to read factual, medicine-based books. This one informed me of info I actually wanted to know. Written simply, it was an enjoyable read. As the author said, "... being a doctor is the most rewarding job in the world. For me, it was never about money or prestige, I truly wanted to help people and serve a meaningful purpose in society. I didn’t just want to make a difference – I wanted to make a lasting, positive difference in the lives of people, directly and up-front. I can’t confirm that I will be working as a doctor forever, as I don’t want to end up like my patient. But I haven’t given up yet."
1 review
October 16, 2025
Interesting snippets of a doctor-in-training's life

If you like reading short notes about patients in magazines or other books, this book is enjoyable and a quick easy read! I've read plenty of other doctor themed books though, and although the cases are interesting, you don't get an in depth feel of the patients or the doctor's struggle. There are a few minor typos and grammatical errors, but none that are so rough that it takes you out of the book.
84 reviews4 followers
February 7, 2024
Not Fun to Read

This book was actually pretty depressing to me. The doctor got too deep into technical terms, almost like trying to teat, and less into the patients stories. I forced myself to finish it, but you couldn't pay me to read it again.... and I know the writer tried. Maybe she should stick with medicine and leave the writing for others.
Profile Image for Serena.
277 reviews4 followers
March 19, 2024
25 Real Patient Stories: A Junior Doctor's Journey

The writing style is simple to follow, and Dr. Schneider defines the medical terms as they are used. The author keeps the focus on the medicine instead of herself or the patients. This book is not for the squeamish as some chapters include a lot of procedural details.
Profile Image for Donna McDermott.
103 reviews1 follower
April 27, 2024
reasonable

Not at all what I expected. Not sure if English is the author’s first language but contains quite a few grammatical errors. More like a book informing potential doctors of their anticipated lifestyle whilst working in the field. Not really patient stories as stated. Bit boring in places so skimmed those areas.
33 reviews
September 10, 2024
Good book for understanding emergency services

I realky enjoyed this book.Here you learne to appreciate the doctors and other medical staff for their long hours forced to work due to staff shortage.
Profile Image for Elizabeth.
806 reviews4 followers
February 27, 2024
Easy read, stories those of us who are health care professionals could easily identify with. The author writes such that a lay person can understand the stories too.
47 reviews
June 3, 2024
Recommend

I liked the way things were explained and the stories were all interesting. She hit on a lot of things that, I think, a lot of us have experienced as patients.
5 reviews
February 24, 2025
never a dull moment

Very very interesting and could not put down as i love reading medical books like this with actual Dr experiences. Highly recommend! Fast enjoyable reading!
Profile Image for Vicky Peplow.
Author 68 books63 followers
May 26, 2025
A heartfelt read!

You could tell by the words in this book and the stories told that this doctor cared about the patients she spoke about. Great read.
1 review
September 10, 2025
A good review of psych

I would recommend this book to anyone. Who is interested in psych. Very confusing as to where in the world these episodes occurred. I don't
4 reviews
September 12, 2025
good book written as an easy read

Good book. I liked it for its matter of fact manner of writing and lack of sensationalism.
More should be written this way
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews

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