What do you think?
Rate this book
Quacks
Quacks
delights readers with a series of hilarious and bizarre stories from Dr Ahmed Handy’s early years working in the NHS.
When British Arab and ‘Southerner’, Dr Ahmed Handy, suddenly found himself working as a junior doctor in the Midlands, a part of the country with which he was wholly unfamiliar… and which was equally unfamiliar with people like him, he was faced with something of a culture shock.
But that was only the beginning of his bizarre junior doctor experience.
Through this humorous and heartfelt memoir, Dr Handy imparts his extensive collection of bonkers stories about the various quirky doctors and nurses he worked alongside, ranging from the mildly eccentric to the overtly sociopathic.
From a Gynaecologist so petty he copyrighted his own consent forms, to an anally retentive Orthopaedic surgeon with practices so bewildering that the accompanying doctor simply wrote a question mark in the patient’s notes, Quacks is a memoir full of characters and experiences so outrageous they will make you gasp in shock and laugh out loud in equal measure.
When British Arab and ‘Southerner’, Dr Ahmed Handy, suddenly found himself working as a junior doctor in the Midlands, a part of the country with which he was wholly unfamiliar… and which was equally unfamiliar with people like him, he was faced with something of a culture shock.
But that was only the beginning of his bizarre junior doctor experience.
Through this humorous and heartfelt memoir, Dr Handy imparts his extensive collection of bonkers stories about the various quirky doctors and nurses he worked alongside, ranging from the mildly eccentric to the overtly sociopathic.
From a Gynaecologist so petty he copyrighted his own consent forms, to an anally retentive Orthopaedic surgeon with practices so bewildering that the accompanying doctor simply wrote a question mark in the patient’s notes, Quacks is a memoir full of characters and experiences so outrageous they will make you gasp in shock and laugh out loud in equal measure.
- GenresNonfiction
Kindle Edition
Published May 20, 2025
2 people are currently reading
23 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
May 13, 2025
I received a free copy of, Quacks, by Ahmed Handy, from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This book tells the story of Dr. Ahmed Handy, when he was a junior doctor. This was an informative and interesting read about a Dr. in the UK.
April 25, 2025
3.5 stars, rounding up to 4. I’m pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed this! This is the sort of book that feels like sitting down for coffee with the author, and I thoroughly enjoyed my time getting coffee with Dr. Handy.
The tone is informal and conversational while still maintaining the professionalism to uphold the privacy of patients and doctors alike — I have previously read a few medical memoirs/tell-alls that don’t do this, to the point where I once unintentionally discovered the real identity of a psychologist’s semi-famous patient she wrote about treating, and these books all made me feel extremely gross and apprehensive about picking up other titles in the genre despite how much I enjoy the subject matter of medicine overall —, and Quacks is exactly what I’m looking for when I pick up a book with a description like this. Like I said, this feels like my friend telling me stories about work, I find Dr. Handy very likable and humble; unlike a lot of Doctor Book Authors, and he doesn’t let the narrative get caught up with technical details. This is very easy for a layperson to pick up and understand, and it’s fun/fascinating to focus on the doctor side of things rather than the patient end.
While this book is infuriating at times simply due to subject matter, especially if you’ve had a significant bad experience with the medical system / a medical professional, the author is able to convey the underlying absurdity of every moment and keep things fun to read. I would’ve liked a little more depth, maybe a few more chapters, and a slight reduction of the amount of things in parentheses, but overall, I really enjoyed this and flew right through it. It took me maybe two and a half hours to read, held my attention the whole time, and I definitely recommend giving it a shot if it sounds interesting to you!
A sincere thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing an ARC in exchange for my honest review!
The tone is informal and conversational while still maintaining the professionalism to uphold the privacy of patients and doctors alike — I have previously read a few medical memoirs/tell-alls that don’t do this, to the point where I once unintentionally discovered the real identity of a psychologist’s semi-famous patient she wrote about treating, and these books all made me feel extremely gross and apprehensive about picking up other titles in the genre despite how much I enjoy the subject matter of medicine overall —, and Quacks is exactly what I’m looking for when I pick up a book with a description like this. Like I said, this feels like my friend telling me stories about work, I find Dr. Handy very likable and humble; unlike a lot of Doctor Book Authors, and he doesn’t let the narrative get caught up with technical details. This is very easy for a layperson to pick up and understand, and it’s fun/fascinating to focus on the doctor side of things rather than the patient end.
While this book is infuriating at times simply due to subject matter, especially if you’ve had a significant bad experience with the medical system / a medical professional, the author is able to convey the underlying absurdity of every moment and keep things fun to read. I would’ve liked a little more depth, maybe a few more chapters, and a slight reduction of the amount of things in parentheses, but overall, I really enjoyed this and flew right through it. It took me maybe two and a half hours to read, held my attention the whole time, and I definitely recommend giving it a shot if it sounds interesting to you!
A sincere thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing an ARC in exchange for my honest review!
April 20, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing this book in exchange for an honest review.
I like reading medical memoirs from a doctor's perspective. This one was a fast read with some funny parts. The use of parenthesis got annoying. Some of the coworkers he had were definitely cringe worthy.
I like reading medical memoirs from a doctor's perspective. This one was a fast read with some funny parts. The use of parenthesis got annoying. Some of the coworkers he had were definitely cringe worthy.
June 9, 2025
Not another junior doctor memoir - I laughed when I read this in Ahmed Handy/s foreword. Because there are so many, and I do worry I will grow tired of them (and maybe I am a little tired). Quacks is a little different in that it focusses on the author’s colleagues/fellow medical professionals, rather than on patients and clinical anecdotes. Which is all good and well if you’re okay with being horrified by the kind of people who work as doctors. Because, gee, they can be awful characters (and as a doctor myself, I can confirm).
It’s actually a little traumatising. If medical school traumatised you, maybe only read this when you have a therapy appointment coming up. Because it sure brings back the memories. I think non-medics will probably find it more darkly entertaining than those of us in the thick of it. At any rate, I really enjoyed the author’s humour. And the cover? Spot on!
Thank you to Netgalley and Cranthorpe Millner Publishers for providing an eARC.
It’s actually a little traumatising. If medical school traumatised you, maybe only read this when you have a therapy appointment coming up. Because it sure brings back the memories. I think non-medics will probably find it more darkly entertaining than those of us in the thick of it. At any rate, I really enjoyed the author’s humour. And the cover? Spot on!
Thank you to Netgalley and Cranthorpe Millner Publishers for providing an eARC.
April 15, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC!
Please note this a 3.5.
This was a really fun, fairly quick read, that gave an interesting insight into the world of the NHS and some of the fantastically wacky characters who live within it. There's been quite a few doctor-based memoirs written of late, but I cannot help but to imagine that this one would be a particular comfort to junior doctors or medical students who may feel more alone than not during their early years of study and work.
The doctors who are to be considered the 'experts' in this book are more than a little bit alarming. There's some who seem slightly nicer, but it does make you slightly uncomfortable to realise that these are the sorts of people who hold the lives of citizens in their hands (and no, I don't see that the American system of non-taxpayer subsidised healthcare would be any better - in fact, it would be all the worse). There's no comfort to be found here in twee, friendly doctors - but I think that adds all the more to the book!
Dr, Handy himself seems like a lovely bloke, and I have to admire the approach that he's taken with this book. While it could have been longer and some parts of it were a little bit repetitive, he had a friendliness about him that was hard to ignore. If you're going to pick up a doctor's memoir, this is definitely a solid one to start on!
Please note this a 3.5.
This was a really fun, fairly quick read, that gave an interesting insight into the world of the NHS and some of the fantastically wacky characters who live within it. There's been quite a few doctor-based memoirs written of late, but I cannot help but to imagine that this one would be a particular comfort to junior doctors or medical students who may feel more alone than not during their early years of study and work.
The doctors who are to be considered the 'experts' in this book are more than a little bit alarming. There's some who seem slightly nicer, but it does make you slightly uncomfortable to realise that these are the sorts of people who hold the lives of citizens in their hands (and no, I don't see that the American system of non-taxpayer subsidised healthcare would be any better - in fact, it would be all the worse). There's no comfort to be found here in twee, friendly doctors - but I think that adds all the more to the book!
Dr, Handy himself seems like a lovely bloke, and I have to admire the approach that he's taken with this book. While it could have been longer and some parts of it were a little bit repetitive, he had a friendliness about him that was hard to ignore. If you're going to pick up a doctor's memoir, this is definitely a solid one to start on!
June 10, 2025
A collection of reflections about Dr Handy's time working as a junior doctor, and the more unsavoury characters he has worked with.
I can recollect similar individuals, but there were also many who were very different and he does acknowledge this, just that they make for less interesting reading.
It would have been nice to get to know the author more and his own journey through medicine with more depth.
But if you're looking for amusing anecdotes about being a junior doctor, then you'll enjoy this collection.
I can recollect similar individuals, but there were also many who were very different and he does acknowledge this, just that they make for less interesting reading.
It would have been nice to get to know the author more and his own journey through medicine with more depth.
But if you're looking for amusing anecdotes about being a junior doctor, then you'll enjoy this collection.
May 8, 2025
**3.5 Stars**
Memoirs rarely fail me, and thankfully, this one allowed that streak to continue.
This book felt like a series of brief glimpses into Ahmed Handy’s life as a junior doctor. Although I don’t know much about the medical field, the book avoids an overuse of medical jargon, which made it much more enjoyable for me. It honestly felt less like a traditional memoir and more like a collection of short snippets, which I appreciated.
I will admit that one of the reasons I decided to pick up this book was because the author is Arab, but I didn’t realize that the book would focus less on the author himself, his experiences, or even his patients. Instead, it concentrates on the people Dr. Handy worked with and his experiences with them. I think I would have enjoyed it more if he had written more about himself, but that’s just a personal preference. Another thing I noticed was that the writing sometimes felt impersonal and occasionally redundant. Perhaps that’s due to the book’s focus, but I think it’s worth mentioning.
Still, I overall enjoyed the story and what the author had to say. If you enjoy memoirs and are curious about the doctor side of the doctor-patient relationship, I’d recommend giving this book a try; it’s quite eye-opening.
Thank you to Cranthorpe Millner Publishers for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
Memoirs rarely fail me, and thankfully, this one allowed that streak to continue.
This book felt like a series of brief glimpses into Ahmed Handy’s life as a junior doctor. Although I don’t know much about the medical field, the book avoids an overuse of medical jargon, which made it much more enjoyable for me. It honestly felt less like a traditional memoir and more like a collection of short snippets, which I appreciated.
I will admit that one of the reasons I decided to pick up this book was because the author is Arab, but I didn’t realize that the book would focus less on the author himself, his experiences, or even his patients. Instead, it concentrates on the people Dr. Handy worked with and his experiences with them. I think I would have enjoyed it more if he had written more about himself, but that’s just a personal preference. Another thing I noticed was that the writing sometimes felt impersonal and occasionally redundant. Perhaps that’s due to the book’s focus, but I think it’s worth mentioning.
Still, I overall enjoyed the story and what the author had to say. If you enjoy memoirs and are curious about the doctor side of the doctor-patient relationship, I’d recommend giving this book a try; it’s quite eye-opening.
Thank you to Cranthorpe Millner Publishers for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
April 17, 2025
This is a quick read written by a doctor who is now a GP about, mostly, his first two years after medical school (FY1 and FY2) and, very briefly, his time after he chose his specialism.
What is different is that, instead of patients, he looks at the consultants, registrars and other junior doctors he worked with. A lot of it does not make pleasant reading. The majority of the consultants he mentions come across as egotistical. Some as misogynistic whilst others have such a superiority complex with little thought as to the patients that it makes one wonder why they stayed in medicine. Although, it does seem to be those who were/are surgeons rather than those in A&E. Just as well really!
It is an interesting precis of the training that those who are newly qualified doctors go through. I would have liked more depth relating to his training but he does state this book is about some of the characters he came across rather than the doctor/patient dynamic.
Dr. Ahmed Handy comes across as a charming, down to earth person and I look forward to his adventures as he embarks on his general practice training.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGally for the ARC.
What is different is that, instead of patients, he looks at the consultants, registrars and other junior doctors he worked with. A lot of it does not make pleasant reading. The majority of the consultants he mentions come across as egotistical. Some as misogynistic whilst others have such a superiority complex with little thought as to the patients that it makes one wonder why they stayed in medicine. Although, it does seem to be those who were/are surgeons rather than those in A&E. Just as well really!
It is an interesting precis of the training that those who are newly qualified doctors go through. I would have liked more depth relating to his training but he does state this book is about some of the characters he came across rather than the doctor/patient dynamic.
Dr. Ahmed Handy comes across as a charming, down to earth person and I look forward to his adventures as he embarks on his general practice training.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGally for the ARC.
May 12, 2025
Since reading Adam Kay’s “This is Going to Hurt” I’ve been on the hunt for a similar book to get my teeth into, so when I spotted this book on NetGalley I quickly requested it and hoped I’d be approved.
We meet Ahmed, who has found himself in a new part of the UK, the West Midlands, (due to not getting his first choice) learn some new lingo , “alright duck?” (Realising that not everyone knew he was a doc) and start out his junior doctor career. We follow his rotations, meet his superiors and patiently wait for the drama to come.
Unfortunately it didn’t quite scratch my itch for medical biographies, but I guess Ahmed is a victim of someone else’s success. As he says “have all doctors become writers now!”
It was a true depiction of a junior doctors career, highlighting the vastness in the rotations and how one superior could derail a whole career and dream.
Thank you NetGalley and Cranthorpe Millner Publishers for this early release copy. It’s out on 20th May.
We meet Ahmed, who has found himself in a new part of the UK, the West Midlands, (due to not getting his first choice) learn some new lingo , “alright duck?” (Realising that not everyone knew he was a doc) and start out his junior doctor career. We follow his rotations, meet his superiors and patiently wait for the drama to come.
Unfortunately it didn’t quite scratch my itch for medical biographies, but I guess Ahmed is a victim of someone else’s success. As he says “have all doctors become writers now!”
It was a true depiction of a junior doctors career, highlighting the vastness in the rotations and how one superior could derail a whole career and dream.
Thank you NetGalley and Cranthorpe Millner Publishers for this early release copy. It’s out on 20th May.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 20, 2025
I love a book when it is written by a Dr, so you get the full experience of what it is like to be a Dr and get the behind the scenes too. Dr Ahmed Handy is very kind to relay his experiences as a Dr in the Midlands, he faces some very peculiar experiences from both patient and Dr. This is more about the behind the scenes of the Dr and Nurses that Dr Ahmed Handy has met along the way of his career, but some of the things he experiences was eye opening. There are also some funny parts to this story too, You would not believe some of the things you will read in this book they are just jaw dropping stuff. It would be good if Dr Ahmed Handy would write his next book about the different patients he has seen. It was a really interesting and gripping hands on experience for one Dr. A thoroughly enjoyable read.
April 10, 2025
***advance review copy received from NetGalley in return for an honest review***
A quick read, full of charm, humour and an interesting insight into both the life of a junior doctor and the NHS system as a whole. Handy ends the book at the end of his time in hospital, before moving onto GP medicine. Having enjoyed this book thoroughly I’d certainly be interested to hear more from him on that side, too.
A quick read, full of charm, humour and an interesting insight into both the life of a junior doctor and the NHS system as a whole. Handy ends the book at the end of his time in hospital, before moving onto GP medicine. Having enjoyed this book thoroughly I’d certainly be interested to hear more from him on that side, too.
May 2, 2025
Thank you to the author & publisher for an ARC of this book.
An easy read that follows a junior doctor through his experiences working in the NHS. Full of a wonderful host of characters that he has encountered during his time.
Well written and no nonsense.
He has a talent for writing and I would definitely pick up another book if he wants to write about his experiences in general practice too.
(Netgalley review)
An easy read that follows a junior doctor through his experiences working in the NHS. Full of a wonderful host of characters that he has encountered during his time.
Well written and no nonsense.
He has a talent for writing and I would definitely pick up another book if he wants to write about his experiences in general practice too.
(Netgalley review)
August 4, 2025
Thank you #Netgalley for the copy!
When this newly trained doctor gets hired in the midlands, he is quickly in culture shock. We follow his unique experiences as a doctor and the stories were both happy and sad. Many cringy co workers as with any job but Dr. Handy does a great job of mixing in humor to keep the reader engaged.
When this newly trained doctor gets hired in the midlands, he is quickly in culture shock. We follow his unique experiences as a doctor and the stories were both happy and sad. Many cringy co workers as with any job but Dr. Handy does a great job of mixing in humor to keep the reader engaged.
August 19, 2025
I really enjoyed this book. It shows the serious side and also the humorous side of the NHS. Different people and their Characters and the blood, sweat and tears that goes into training. I would have like to hear about your experience in placement at a GP surgery but hopefully you’ll already be writing another book with all the tales of a GP. Thanks for a great read.
June 24, 2025
I really don’t think that “Quacks” is a good title for this book because I initially thought it would be about doctors who shouldn’t be treating patients – though, in retrospect, given what the author has written about some of his fellow doctors, perhaps it is actually a good title.
“Quacks” is about a newly minted junior doctor in England working in the Midlands who is of Middle Eastern ethnicity. Rather than focusing on the patients, the author concentrates on his interactions with his superiors, and this makes for interesting reading. Readers, particularly those residing outside of England, are provided with an overview of the National Health Service and the hierarchical structure of its medical practitioners. It’s a bit different here in the United States and there were times when I did get lost and had to re-orient myself to the way they do it across the pond, but it didn’t diminish my enjoyment of the book.
This is a short book and an easy read. If you are looking for an in-depth exposé of the NHS, you would need to look to other books, but if you’re looking for one young physician’s view of the system, then you’ll enjoy “Quacks”
“Quacks” is about a newly minted junior doctor in England working in the Midlands who is of Middle Eastern ethnicity. Rather than focusing on the patients, the author concentrates on his interactions with his superiors, and this makes for interesting reading. Readers, particularly those residing outside of England, are provided with an overview of the National Health Service and the hierarchical structure of its medical practitioners. It’s a bit different here in the United States and there were times when I did get lost and had to re-orient myself to the way they do it across the pond, but it didn’t diminish my enjoyment of the book.
This is a short book and an easy read. If you are looking for an in-depth exposé of the NHS, you would need to look to other books, but if you’re looking for one young physician’s view of the system, then you’ll enjoy “Quacks”
November 17, 2025
Quacks is the story of a young doctor in the UK. I found it to be a quick, short read. It contains many humorous stories of his first years in practice. I enjoyed hearing his interactions with the older doctors, many who were very quirky. I was struck by the differences between medical care in United States vs the United Kingdom. This would be a good book to read if you just need some light, funny entertainment.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews