Prescription: Ice Cream: A Doctor's Journey to Discover What Matters

by Alastair Mcalpine

In 2018, Alastair McAlpine, a palliative paediatrician in Cape Town, decided to share some inspiring thoughts from the children in his care. He ‘I asked some of my terminal paediatric palliative care patients what they had enjoyed in life, and what gave it meaning. Kids can be so wise, y’know. Here are some of the responses.’

Their simple yet profound answers went viral, found their way into homes across the world and touched the hearts of millions. Yet it was never McAlpine’s plan to find himself in this position. Challenged from all sides by crippling addiction, a brutal internship and a deadly HIV pandemic, McAlpine’s journey was very nearly derailed.

Ice Cream is his engaging memoir about the highs and lows of working as a medical doctor in South Africa and how, with a little help from metal music and ice cream, he was able to struggle on, find meaning in the chaos and inspire others.

Genres: Nonfiction, Memoir

324 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 19, 2024

Reviews

[Erica Smythe · Rating 4 out of 5]

A brave book written by a doctor not afraid to be honest in who he is and what it took for him to be where he is today, warts and all. Written in a way that you could feel the long days the doctors to be had to endure and visualise the patients and hospitals.
The Twitter post is inspirational and I'll be reading it a few more times.

[David Mcalpine · Rating 5 out of 5]

The medical profession has found its Tolstoy.

[Madhu Vijay · Rating 4 out of 5]

EMPERORRRRRRRRRR

[Gillian Nicholson · Rating 4 out of 5]

So interesting to read your story, Alistair.
One of the admirable fifteen percent that succeed after rehabilitation, and to then go on and qualify as a pediatrician is noteworthy.
Baragwanath Hospital, especially once you have been there, always makes for fascinating reading.

[Tyler Vivier · Rating 4 out of 5]

A roller-coaster glimpse into some of the most defining moments in Dr Alastair Mcalpine's life.

Thoroughly enjoyed. Struggled to put it down. Got very little sleep.

Worth it!

[Scott Enslin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Couldn't put it down

A very moving story about how much doctors have to go through training in SA. So proud of my sister for having survived such harrowing training herself, but sad I didn't know then what I know now and didn't offer her more support.

Equally an honest account of the terrible disease that is addiction.

Wish more doctors would speak about palliative care and allow patients to bow our gracefully instead of fighting to the bitter end. Wish you could have been my mom and dad's doctor

Thank you for this book

[Chané · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed the raw authenticity of this book. It’s well written, often funny, with that distinct South African humour where we can’t help but find lightness in tough situations. As South Africans, we have an incredible ability to face gruelling circumstances without taking ourselves too seriously.

The book also highlights the stark reality of the extreme poverty many in our nation endure, and while doctors may not always see the full impact of their work, the role they play in our clinics and public hospitals is both invaluable and essential.

[Laura Brummer · Rating 5 out of 5]

An incredible account of how courageous and valuable our South African junior doctors truly are, this stirred up quite a few surpressed memories about some of the similar trials I experienced as an intern in Mpumalanga.
I love this style of storytelling...brave and unashamed about his journey through rehab, Alastair reminds us all how to fight for yourself and what you believe in.
No notes, 10/10!

[Jane Turner · Rating 5 out of 5]

READ IT! I loved this book. Although for a large part of his youth and at the start of his alcohol addiction he was afraid to show any weakness and open up, his description of the addiction, his subsequent time at Baragwanath hospital (a medical baptism of fire) and his time as a palliative paediatric Dr was so honest, funny and sad.

[Sheri · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book took me back to my work in South Africa during the early 2000’s and awakened memories of the chaos we worked in, the lack of resources, and resourceful South Africans are in the face of unbelievable deprivation. Well written and interesting with three distinct stories, some of which I enjoyed reading more than others.

[Gareth · Rating 5 out of 5]

He writes as if he is observing his own life, in a factual way even when he is being extremely vulnerable or when he is doing what most people can’t imagine doing (being a palliative care pediatrician). It’s refreshing and commendable to read an autobiography that doesn’t celebrate nor deride the life lived, but rather observes.

[Jackie Yutar · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’d give it 6 stars if that were an option! Perhaps I’m biased having lived through Bara for my internship as well but he really encapsulated the experience fully. So real, so moving, wonderful memoir.

[Kerri Jacobsz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved this book.
It was real and fresh, and even got me to download a new album to listen to.
Grateful for its message.

Five stars all the way 🩷

[Esther · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved the way he writes!! I was completely absorbed. I could have kept reading... lt felt a little rushed in the final part, and I didn't want it to end!

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

An insightful glimpse into the life of a doctor. Vulnerable and honest account of overcoming addiction. Well-written and it feels like you are having a chat to Alistair.

[Diana Boynton · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. The author sounds the archetypical arrogant philandering UCT med student who reveals his vulnerability in this book making him so likeable and real, along with his humour that makes the book so readable. The insights into a doctor’s life at Bara, dealing with addictions and paediatric paleocare were fascinating.

[Sadna Balton · Rating 5 out of 5]

I work at the same hospital where this book is set so it was a surreal experience and felt so familiar . An honest and brave personal reflection of a doctors life as an intern and it’s unique challenges in the South African context . A very personal account of his fight against addiction which is shared with such honesty and integrity .

[Robyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent account of the trials of a young doctor as he pursues an extremely challenging career. He deals with his difficult time at Baragwanath hospital, his fierce battle with addiction and his enormous empathy with his patients, particularly children. This book made me laugh and it also made me cry! Alistair Mcalpine gives a very honest account of his life thus far and I wish him all the joy and success he deserves in the future.

[Sinds · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is a poignant read. You need to have some understanding of South African history and our vernacular to understand the slang.

I didn't expect the foray into addiction. An easy read, but with substance that leaves you with insights and food for thought.

[Sally Grice · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting insight into one of the biggest hospitals in the world, and a vulnerable and gritty account of addiction. I thought it would have more of a focus on palliative paediatric care but this was just a short couple of chapters at the end.

[Dean · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book if you want to get some insight of what it’s like to work as a doctor a public hospital in South Africa.

[karl kohne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well done Alistair! what an incredible book. Beautifully written, brutally honest! I loved it

[Caitlin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Superb. It made me laugh out loud and brought tears to my eyes. A brave and honest story that held me captive until the end.

[Donna Godwin · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you're interested in reading about real-life heroes; if you enjoy books on modern-day courage, self-sacrifice and unconditional compassionate service, then this book will take you on an unforgettable journey!
To track the day and night struggles of a young doctor working in the busiest hospitals in South Africa, enduring horrendously long hours, while trying to balance his personal life and maintain a semblance of sanity in this true-life account, made me laugh out loud one minute and struggle to hold back the tears in the next.
I'm not the fastest reader, and I devoured this book over a single weekend of new-found respect and admiration for these young people who are willing to sacrifice so much for total strangers who are reliant on them.
This book is well written in a manner that provides enough medical terminology and detail to allow us non-medical readers to appreciate the science, while keeping it interesting and personable.
Review by Kevin