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Playing God: The Evolution of a Modern Surgeon
What does it mean to be a doctor?
“I am a doctor.”
Every year, thousands of medical school graduates utter these four simple words. But as you will see in Playing God , earning an M.D. is just the first step to becoming a real physician.
In this page-turning, thrilling, and moving memoir, Dr. Anthony Youn reveals that the true metamorphosis from student to doctor occurs not in medical school but in the formative years of residency training and early practice. It is only through actually saving and losing patients, taking on the medical establishment, wrestling with financial and emotional survival, and fighting for patients’ lives that a young doctor becomes a mature and competent physician.
Dr. Youn takes you from the operating rooms of a university surgery residency program to the gleaming offices of top Beverly Hills plastic surgeons to opening the doors of his empty clinic as a new doctor with no money, no patients, and mountains of debt. Playing God leaves you with an unexpected answer to that profound “What does it mean to be a doctor?”
In Playing God , you will take a journey through the world of surgery, hospitals, and the practice of medicine unlike any that you have traveled before.
“I am a doctor.”
Every year, thousands of medical school graduates utter these four simple words. But as you will see in Playing God , earning an M.D. is just the first step to becoming a real physician.
In this page-turning, thrilling, and moving memoir, Dr. Anthony Youn reveals that the true metamorphosis from student to doctor occurs not in medical school but in the formative years of residency training and early practice. It is only through actually saving and losing patients, taking on the medical establishment, wrestling with financial and emotional survival, and fighting for patients’ lives that a young doctor becomes a mature and competent physician.
Dr. Youn takes you from the operating rooms of a university surgery residency program to the gleaming offices of top Beverly Hills plastic surgeons to opening the doors of his empty clinic as a new doctor with no money, no patients, and mountains of debt. Playing God leaves you with an unexpected answer to that profound “What does it mean to be a doctor?”
In Playing God , you will take a journey through the world of surgery, hospitals, and the practice of medicine unlike any that you have traveled before.
320 pages, Hardcover
First published September 17, 2019
61 people are currently reading
2082 people want to read
About the author
Anthony Youn
5 books127 followersI am a plastic surgeon and anti-aging expert. I'm the author of the new memoir, "Playing God: The Evolution of a Modern Surgeon." My other published books include "In Stitches: A Memoir" and "The Age Fix: A Leading Plastic Surgeon Reveals How To Really Look Ten Years Younger."
I'm the host of the popular podcast "The Holistic Plastic Surgery Show" and a frequent guest on "The Rachael Ray Show," "The Doctor Oz Show," and "The Doctors."
For more information, please visit www.dryoun.com.
I'm the host of the popular podcast "The Holistic Plastic Surgery Show" and a frequent guest on "The Rachael Ray Show," "The Doctor Oz Show," and "The Doctors."
For more information, please visit www.dryoun.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
August 17, 2022
I admire his compassion.
June 1, 2024
Well I am still sifting through a big box of books that were given to me, so I picked this one, which I would not have chosen had I been browsing through my little library here in town. It is the story of Dr Youn, who is a plastic surgeon, and his life from residency through the first year of having his own practice. It is an interesting, sometimes humorous, sometimes poignant, story. He certainly has compassion, which is wonderful, but I sometimes thought he was not necessarily making the best choices in the particular field he has chosen. He spent several chapters talking about his loss of confidence in himself, after being almost sued-which is pretty common in medicine these days, especially for plastic surgeons. So he gets past that, and then operates on an older woman with multiple health problems-including diabetes-and on 20 different medications, including anticoagulants, just so he can repair a botched tummy tuck (by another surgeon). I mean, compassion is great, but….I would personally consider this a bit reckless.
All in all, this was a good read, though.
All in all, this was a good read, though.
July 5, 2025
Fun, quick read about a faithful man and his experiences in plastic surgery.
March 15, 2020
I’ve enjoyed all his books!!!
October 3, 2019
Disclaimer: I finally won a book!! But I should also tell you that I have had work done by the best plastic surgeon ever so Dr. Youn can't rank higher than #2. 😄
I've been putting off reviewing this book because, even though I enjoyed reading it, I am not feeling 5-stars because I have read some doctor memoirs that pulled me in harder.
What I did enjoy is all the "behind the scenes." We follow Dr. Youn through his residency training, on to his year as a fellow with a Beverly Hills plastic surgeon and then into the beginning of his own private practice. I'm always interested in why someone becomes a doctor and how they decide on their specialty. I have sometimes asked that question. One ophthalmologist told me that he didn't want to have a specialty where he was likely to kill his patients but he could handle them going blind. Plastic surgeons, on the other hand, can lose a patient, and it is interesting to know how Dr. Youn feels about that.
In chapter 4 we learn how not to bid on eBay (unless you have a scrip for metoprolol tartrate).
I can't take stars off the book for him stating a fact but he did lose my sympathy on one issue. Dr. Youn did his fellowship in California, where it seems like it would be paradise for plastic surgeons (they also have fresh avocados) but had promised his wife that, at the end of just one year there, he would take her back to Michigan. Moving to Michigan so that his wife could be close to Mommy and Daddy seems like a horrendously bad career move. In chapter 23 he says "I want to take Amy to Jamaica. Living with me this past year, she's definitely earned it." Uh, hold on a minute, she won, she's in Michigan right where she wants to be -- land of 33 inches of snow and nobody needs a plastic surgeon because everybody has big boobs in a down jacket. Later, when he whined about being in debt and not being able to afford a new car, I thought "Well, why do you think that is?"
I've been putting off reviewing this book because, even though I enjoyed reading it, I am not feeling 5-stars because I have read some doctor memoirs that pulled me in harder.
What I did enjoy is all the "behind the scenes." We follow Dr. Youn through his residency training, on to his year as a fellow with a Beverly Hills plastic surgeon and then into the beginning of his own private practice. I'm always interested in why someone becomes a doctor and how they decide on their specialty. I have sometimes asked that question. One ophthalmologist told me that he didn't want to have a specialty where he was likely to kill his patients but he could handle them going blind. Plastic surgeons, on the other hand, can lose a patient, and it is interesting to know how Dr. Youn feels about that.
In chapter 4 we learn how not to bid on eBay (unless you have a scrip for metoprolol tartrate).
I can't take stars off the book for him stating a fact but he did lose my sympathy on one issue. Dr. Youn did his fellowship in California, where it seems like it would be paradise for plastic surgeons (they also have fresh avocados) but had promised his wife that, at the end of just one year there, he would take her back to Michigan. Moving to Michigan so that his wife could be close to Mommy and Daddy seems like a horrendously bad career move. In chapter 23 he says "I want to take Amy to Jamaica. Living with me this past year, she's definitely earned it." Uh, hold on a minute, she won, she's in Michigan right where she wants to be -- land of 33 inches of snow and nobody needs a plastic surgeon because everybody has big boobs in a down jacket. Later, when he whined about being in debt and not being able to afford a new car, I thought "Well, why do you think that is?"
March 17, 2021
Great read. Kept me captivated throughout. Very interesting to get a look into the process of becoming a surgeon, and a cool revelation of how important plastic surgeons are, extending beyond elective, purely superficial procedures.
January 8, 2020
It is so refreshing to hear from a doctor who actually cares to spend more than 5-30 minutes with his patients and who will follow up even months later, to see how they are faring post surgery.
This memoir is about Dr. Youn's journey through med school, residency, fellowship, and into his own surgical practice. And although titled, Playing God, Dr. Youn learns throughout his experiences that there is a certain type of doctor he does not want to be. He sees others "playing God," essentially, and he vows to never become like them. Instead, through it all, he discovers that he yearns to work WITH God in order to deliver the best care he can to his patients.
I enjoyed Dr. Youn's candor and wit. There were some wild stories in this one! As somebody who works in the medical field, it was fun to hear about hospital life from the perspective of a resident. It was also very refreshing to hear from a doctor who would go above and beyond in his practice. For example, come every morning to visit a patient on a ventilator just to hold her hand.
This was a quick read and fast-paced. Thank you to Post Hill Press and Goodreads for a free copy!
This memoir is about Dr. Youn's journey through med school, residency, fellowship, and into his own surgical practice. And although titled, Playing God, Dr. Youn learns throughout his experiences that there is a certain type of doctor he does not want to be. He sees others "playing God," essentially, and he vows to never become like them. Instead, through it all, he discovers that he yearns to work WITH God in order to deliver the best care he can to his patients.
I enjoyed Dr. Youn's candor and wit. There were some wild stories in this one! As somebody who works in the medical field, it was fun to hear about hospital life from the perspective of a resident. It was also very refreshing to hear from a doctor who would go above and beyond in his practice. For example, come every morning to visit a patient on a ventilator just to hold her hand.
This was a quick read and fast-paced. Thank you to Post Hill Press and Goodreads for a free copy!
November 7, 2019
Such a great book here. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this giveaway and appreciated the nature of the book without the author having to launch into foul language to express his various mishaps and setbacks in the world of plastic surgery, and the anatomy of the body with its procedures. I found the author very refreshing and a sharp contrast with his altruistic, compassion for people compared to the typical plastic surgeon who is self-serving and prioritizes money over his patients. This book opened my eyes to the other procedures and reconstructive surgery they do to eliminate and bring healing to a person who has had a botched surgery or a physical problem causing much discomfort and pain. Anthony Youn did not play God like other surgeons do but allowed God to work through him to bring relief to others who desperately needed it. I can't say enough about Amy ,his wife , who supported him through every financial crisis and setback in his start up for his own business. Truly a valuable wife behind his success.
March 12, 2022
This book was SO GOOD!! I could absolutely relate to dealing with cuckoo patients and arrogant physicians. And the anxieties that come with starting a new profession. I laughed so much at some of the stories. Definitely recommend, especially if you’re a healthcare worker.
August 8, 2022
I have been watching Dr. Youn after watching a Dr. Mike video that he was in. Then I found out that he he wrote a book and I excited to read it. From the first few sentences I was hooked.
The amount of frustration and roadblock, Dr. Youn has overcome is inspiration itself. I understand why it is called Playing God since there are some doctors, who feel they can never be wrong but it is just the opposite. Doctors are knowledge when it come to medicine and the body but sometimes they can be wrong.
There were times he didn't know how he was going to get something done, but he tried anyway. I learned quite a lot about him and the ways that hospitals work. Some of the events were jaw dropping, funny, sad, relatable. I felt so many things while reading. I will have to read his other books.
The amount of frustration and roadblock, Dr. Youn has overcome is inspiration itself. I understand why it is called Playing God since there are some doctors, who feel they can never be wrong but it is just the opposite. Doctors are knowledge when it come to medicine and the body but sometimes they can be wrong.
There were times he didn't know how he was going to get something done, but he tried anyway. I learned quite a lot about him and the ways that hospitals work. Some of the events were jaw dropping, funny, sad, relatable. I felt so many things while reading. I will have to read his other books.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 2, 2019
I am happy to have read this book courtesy of a Goodreads Giveaway.
This is a realistic and enjoyable story of Dr. Tony Youn's life journey from medical school to the start of his own practice. He shares the trials and tribulations of his work as a plastic surgeon, emphasizing more reconstruction due to illness than cosmetic surgery. We learn of high student debt, the challenge of starting a practice, and his caring dedication to his patients. Along the way Dr. Youn shares tidbits of his personal life, as well as patient successes, failures, and challenges. There are both serious and humorous moments, and the book is an engaging easy read.
I plan to check out Dr. Youn's other books now that I am acquainted with his writing.
This is a realistic and enjoyable story of Dr. Tony Youn's life journey from medical school to the start of his own practice. He shares the trials and tribulations of his work as a plastic surgeon, emphasizing more reconstruction due to illness than cosmetic surgery. We learn of high student debt, the challenge of starting a practice, and his caring dedication to his patients. Along the way Dr. Youn shares tidbits of his personal life, as well as patient successes, failures, and challenges. There are both serious and humorous moments, and the book is an engaging easy read.
I plan to check out Dr. Youn's other books now that I am acquainted with his writing.
October 6, 2019
I didn't want the book to end! This was such an intriguing biography with an easy-to-read style and hilarious stories. The variety of patients and experiences were horrible and wonderful to read, and the last chapter...left me with even more respect for Dr. Youn's story. Thank you for sharing your story and for your humility and humor through it all. Blessings!
I received this book for free through a giveaway on Goodreads.
I received this book for free through a giveaway on Goodreads.
June 26, 2021
I found Dr Youn on YouTube and immediately liked his personality. He is a Christian and doesn’t shy away from him needing God in his life and in his practice.
I never really thought what goes into starting your own practice after the years and expense of med school. Never had a desire to be come a doctor, but I am glad for the ones I have had that they did.
I have met a couple doctors with “God Complex”. Never went back to them.
I never really thought what goes into starting your own practice after the years and expense of med school. Never had a desire to be come a doctor, but I am glad for the ones I have had that they did.
I have met a couple doctors with “God Complex”. Never went back to them.
December 31, 2021
I absolutely loved the narration, the story. This gave me so much inspiration as a younger person just entering the medical field. It gave me perspective and so many moment reading this book gave me chills. Youn has an amazing narrative voice what was so engaging throughout I could have flown through this book in a single sitting if I had the time. Will definitely reread and was seriously one of my favorite reads of the year and might have found a place on my favorites of all time list.
May 10, 2020
Dr. Tony is so easy to like! He has a great since of humor. His genuine car for patients is obvious. He is modest & self deprecating. His books read just like listening to his YouTube videos. I find myself wishing his office was within driving distance to me. I’d book a consultation real fast! All his books have been easy to read. I 100% recommend you read them.
May 11, 2021
I recently discovered Dr.Youn on YouTube. After watching a few of his videos reacting to Botched he plugged his book and I knew I had to read it. It did not disappoint. Such a great memoir! If you are a fan of the TV show Scrubs I would highly recommend it. It has the same feel but is even better because it's real.
April 6, 2022
A feel good book
This book confirmed my feelings of most, not all, surgeons, arrogant. This book is about the human condition. A doctor becoming a Doctor. This story shows the realistic side of a world we think we know. The struggle of medical school, massive debt, and the desire to succeed. An enlightening read
This book confirmed my feelings of most, not all, surgeons, arrogant. This book is about the human condition. A doctor becoming a Doctor. This story shows the realistic side of a world we think we know. The struggle of medical school, massive debt, and the desire to succeed. An enlightening read
January 24, 2023
I had high hopes for this book. The way he talked about patients sometimes seemed unsympathetic and arrogant. Coming from someone in healthcare, I’d be upset to know a doctor spoke that way about something traumatic a patient was going through. I think he was trying to be funny most of the time but it backfired in my opinion.
October 9, 2019
I was fortunate enough to have received this book in the free giveaway. Yippee!
Written by a young doctor about his trials and tribulations through his internship and 5th year of residency as a plastic surgeon. Starting in Michigan, he spends his 4 years as a university residency. Dr. Youn often describes his days as confident to self-questioning with moments of doubt. For his 5th year residency and fellowship, Dr. Youn moves to Beverly Hills and works for an extremely talented renown surgeon. Along the way he humorously talks about his crippling medical school debt, the ever-present fear of getting sued, and encounters with arrogant doctors “who think they’re God."
He shares stories of his patients that are truly heartfelt. Dr. Youn's writes his story with humor, wit, and laugh out loud moments. It is both moving and heartfelt.
In short, the book was well written, leaving you with an insider view as to what young doctors face in their education and career, some eye opening scenarios inside the operating room.
Written by a young doctor about his trials and tribulations through his internship and 5th year of residency as a plastic surgeon. Starting in Michigan, he spends his 4 years as a university residency. Dr. Youn often describes his days as confident to self-questioning with moments of doubt. For his 5th year residency and fellowship, Dr. Youn moves to Beverly Hills and works for an extremely talented renown surgeon. Along the way he humorously talks about his crippling medical school debt, the ever-present fear of getting sued, and encounters with arrogant doctors “who think they’re God."
He shares stories of his patients that are truly heartfelt. Dr. Youn's writes his story with humor, wit, and laugh out loud moments. It is both moving and heartfelt.
In short, the book was well written, leaving you with an insider view as to what young doctors face in their education and career, some eye opening scenarios inside the operating room.
October 5, 2019
Ton Youn takes you with him on his path to developing his career and current life. It is a profound look at what matters and what can set you adrift. Confident, self-questioning and everything in-between. He reminds us of our humanity - and of having balance in our lives.
October 6, 2019
This is a travelogue through the journey of becoming a surgeon. Dr Youn's sense of humor and irony is extraordinary. Perhaps now, I will appreciate my doctor a bit more! This book was received from Goodreads.
April 25, 2020
First of all, I want to thank Goodreads for this ARC. I really enjoyed this book! Dr Youn presents his life as a med student up until he has his own practice. The life of a Plastic Surgeon and all the up & downs. He shares some stories that are both funny and devastating..
January 13, 2021
The title is misleading. Youn never really goes deep into anything. He talks about doctors he meets who shouldn't be practicing medicine, but just shrugs. But then he'll spend an entire chapter on his Jimmy Buffet cover band??
March 11, 2021
Wow, what a great book.
I was drawn in to the book on the very first page. It is like reading a story and a wonderful one at that.
If Dr. Youn practiced in CA I might consider consulting him myself.
I was drawn in to the book on the very first page. It is like reading a story and a wonderful one at that.
If Dr. Youn practiced in CA I might consider consulting him myself.
March 7, 2023
Nice sequel. This one talked about his time post-college, learning to be a doctor.
Some great stories and good to see/insight in all that doctors go through as they learn to become a practicing doctor.
Some great stories and good to see/insight in all that doctors go through as they learn to become a practicing doctor.
September 23, 2019
It was a good read.
September 27, 2019
Received a copy in Goodreads giveaway. An interesting memoir of Anthony Youn's journey in becoming a doctor.
April 9, 2020
good story
May 15, 2021
An excellent story, recounting the early years of Dr. Youn's practice. Well written, we'll read, humble, and informative. A must read for anyone who loves autobiographical medical stories.
May 14, 2022
Autobiography of a plastic surgeon. It is amusing and it gives the inside story of the need for youth and beauty in the current time. No names of famous people though.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews