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The Secret GP: What Really Goes On Inside Your Doctor's Surgery
A powerful first-hand account of working for the NHS, both before and during the COVID-19 epidemic.
We, as GPs, are just one cog in the NHS. Just one of many, many cogs, all with a shared vision of saving lives. A vision, I should add, that is shared in - and out - of any crisis.'
Here is an unbelievable journey to the truth of life as a GP, through spilt urine bottles, the patients who should have been in hospital months ago, existential crises, utterly unexplainable health problems and awkward silences.
Find out why you only get ten minutes with a GP, why you can never see the same doctor and why they are ALWAYS running late. This is what really goes on in your local doctor's surgery, through the tired yet tireless eyes of a doctor who, despite it all, really loves his job.
Thought you knew about the life of a GP? Think again.
We, as GPs, are just one cog in the NHS. Just one of many, many cogs, all with a shared vision of saving lives. A vision, I should add, that is shared in - and out - of any crisis.'
Here is an unbelievable journey to the truth of life as a GP, through spilt urine bottles, the patients who should have been in hospital months ago, existential crises, utterly unexplainable health problems and awkward silences.
Find out why you only get ten minutes with a GP, why you can never see the same doctor and why they are ALWAYS running late. This is what really goes on in your local doctor's surgery, through the tired yet tireless eyes of a doctor who, despite it all, really loves his job.
Thought you knew about the life of a GP? Think again.
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First published January 1, 2020
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 142 reviews
July 11, 2020
I thought this was going to be a 4 star read for the most part, until I became bogged down in Skittle's gross fatphobia. It stuck out like a sore thumb that I couldn't overlook. After describing a patient as the worst morbid obesity he's ever seen, contemplating cutting open her house to get her out, he then reveals her actual weight near the end of the book, and ... it's at least half what he made it sound like. Actually, it's the same weight as me, and it's pretty mortifying to think this is how a doctor thinks - I certainly fit through doorways and on plane seats and work full time on my feet so why does he write about this woman as though she needs special furniture and a crane to move? Disgusting attitude, and throughout the book he comes off as a rude, intolerant, arrogant prick.
October 14, 2020
I had several problems with this book, but here are some of my main ones:
1) Fatphobia- I spend my life arguing with people about how fatphobic GPs can be, but this guy made my experiences of fatphobic GPs and nurses seem tame. I won't go into too much detail, but in my opinion, if you find the thought of touching a fat patient's stomach more disgusting than the various bodily fluids you will inevitably come across as a registered doctor, then maybe becoming a health professional was not the best life choice (also, 22 stone isn't that fat, and the fact that Max Skittle imagined his 22 stone patient being lifted from her house by a crane is fucking disgusting).
2) Arrogance- by his own admission, Skittle seems entirely incapable of being told what to do, be given friendly advice, or receive constructive criticism. Simply being told that he perhaps needed to become a better team player sent him down a depressive, self-doubting thought spiral like a fucking drama queen. Honestly, I feel like this guy is a God Complex waiting to happen.
3) Tone- in short, I think this book has a tone problem. Skittle appears to be aiming for a mix of the humourous (a la This Is Going to Hurt by Adam Kay- a far superior book) and profound (a la When Breath Becomes Air by Paul Kalanithi) and in my opinion epically fails at both. This book was neither funny nor profound, and most of the time I felt myself cringing at the offhand and callous way Skittle referred to most of his patients. If you just want an excuse to whine about your patients, start a fucking diary or go see a therapist.
4) Personal details- yes Max, I know you love your wife, I assume that's why you married her. You don't need to remind me of that fact on every other page. Also, I know how much babies shit, and however much you may be interested in your baby's bowel movements, I can assure you that the audience categorically is not.
5) The Tory apologism- slightly less obvious, but the fact that Skittle failed to mention our government's shambolic handling of the pandemic in the end note, as well as the chronic underfunding of the NHS, screams 'Tory bastard' to me (but I may be a little biased here).
1) Fatphobia- I spend my life arguing with people about how fatphobic GPs can be, but this guy made my experiences of fatphobic GPs and nurses seem tame. I won't go into too much detail, but in my opinion, if you find the thought of touching a fat patient's stomach more disgusting than the various bodily fluids you will inevitably come across as a registered doctor, then maybe becoming a health professional was not the best life choice (also, 22 stone isn't that fat, and the fact that Max Skittle imagined his 22 stone patient being lifted from her house by a crane is fucking disgusting).
2) Arrogance- by his own admission, Skittle seems entirely incapable of being told what to do, be given friendly advice, or receive constructive criticism. Simply being told that he perhaps needed to become a better team player sent him down a depressive, self-doubting thought spiral like a fucking drama queen. Honestly, I feel like this guy is a God Complex waiting to happen.
3) Tone- in short, I think this book has a tone problem. Skittle appears to be aiming for a mix of the humourous (a la This Is Going to Hurt by Adam Kay- a far superior book) and profound (a la When Breath Becomes Air by Paul Kalanithi) and in my opinion epically fails at both. This book was neither funny nor profound, and most of the time I felt myself cringing at the offhand and callous way Skittle referred to most of his patients. If you just want an excuse to whine about your patients, start a fucking diary or go see a therapist.
4) Personal details- yes Max, I know you love your wife, I assume that's why you married her. You don't need to remind me of that fact on every other page. Also, I know how much babies shit, and however much you may be interested in your baby's bowel movements, I can assure you that the audience categorically is not.
5) The Tory apologism- slightly less obvious, but the fact that Skittle failed to mention our government's shambolic handling of the pandemic in the end note, as well as the chronic underfunding of the NHS, screams 'Tory bastard' to me (but I may be a little biased here).
October 16, 2020
If you’ve ever wondered what an arrogant, patronising, fatphobic Tory (who can’t tell a joke to save his life) thinks of the general public, you’ll enjoy this.
July 23, 2022
Really enjoyed and can relate to working in the NHS
February 14, 2021
This book was difficult to rate.
On the one hand this doctor clearly does care about their patients and wants to provide the best possible outcomes for them as they can.
However, that doesn't come across very often.
They spend longer talking about the patients they don't like or find annoying than the ones they like.
I suspect this was to make the book more interesting. It definitely felt like he was trying to be like Adam Kay at times in his writing.
This book heavily focused on him and his family, which I understand because it's a book about his experiences but it came across as heavily self centered and kind of annoying at times. I would have liked more focus on the stories.
The stories included were interesting and there was a good variety of the heart breaking to the amusing.
I just wish there was more of them and less about how tired he is. We got it, the second time you mentioned it.
There was also grammar and spelling errors in this book, which was a shame.
Overall, it was an interesting book but I wanted more patient stories than autobiographical details of his life and constant reminders he was tired. Although, he didn't bang on about politics which similar books have done, which was refreshing
TW: suicide, cancer, mental illness, domestic abuse nd infertility references
On the one hand this doctor clearly does care about their patients and wants to provide the best possible outcomes for them as they can.
However, that doesn't come across very often.
They spend longer talking about the patients they don't like or find annoying than the ones they like.
I suspect this was to make the book more interesting. It definitely felt like he was trying to be like Adam Kay at times in his writing.
This book heavily focused on him and his family, which I understand because it's a book about his experiences but it came across as heavily self centered and kind of annoying at times. I would have liked more focus on the stories.
The stories included were interesting and there was a good variety of the heart breaking to the amusing.
I just wish there was more of them and less about how tired he is. We got it, the second time you mentioned it.
There was also grammar and spelling errors in this book, which was a shame.
Overall, it was an interesting book but I wanted more patient stories than autobiographical details of his life and constant reminders he was tired. Although, he didn't bang on about politics which similar books have done, which was refreshing
TW: suicide, cancer, mental illness, domestic abuse nd infertility references
April 6, 2022
Fajnie napisana, szczerze, z humorem, choć dla mnie trochę za dużo osobistych wspomnień, za mało bycia lekarzem. Może wybrzydzam, ale przeczytałam już tyle reportaży tego typu, że ciężko mnie zaskoczyć, bo większość traktuje o tym samym, tylko innymi słowami. Mimo to naprawdę fajnie się słuchało, dr Skittle jest ciekawym człowiekiem, pełnym pasji i szacunku do własnej pracy, ale przy okazji szczerze wypowiada się na temat, jak bardzo praca lekarza koliduje z prywatnym życiem. Jedna z fajniejszych z gatunku.
August 14, 2020
This was okay. I felt like it was trying too hard to be like This is Going to Hurt. Also, sometimes the author’s thoughts did come across as arrogant.
November 28, 2020
What really goes on inside your doctor's surgery
Umm I hope not. And I truly hope this isn't what goes on inside my GP's head. I read medical memoirs as much for the people as the insight into healthcare. Unfortunately, Max Skittle is dismissive, rude, arrogant and often disrespectful to his patients. He complains about most of them, and mocks several others. And the fatphobia in this book is UNREAL, it was disgusting.
As a doctor, Max Skittle comes across as rude and incapable of taking criticism. (There's a defensive passage towards the end which basically says 'some people will hate this book and THAT'S OK', which seems ironic given the reviews). As a person, he sounds arrogant and self-absorbed.
While I did learn a few tidbits about the work that GPs do, there was far too much about his perfect wife and adorable new son, and how becoming a parent has apparently changed him as a GP (um, honestly, really?). One mention of a newborn's nappy is enough: I don't care about your baby son's shit, so please stop. I also don't care about his family's plans to ~escape to the country~ because, uh, good for you but that's again not why I read this book.
Essentially, this is trying too hard. Trying too hard to be funny (it's not). Trying too hard to be like This is Going to Hurt: Secret Diaries of a Junior Doctor (just read that book instead). Trying too hard to be deep (comes across as trite). Trying to be a personal memoir (see later comments about his goddamn family).
Overall, this was poorly written and edited, and the proofreading was hit and miss. There were rambles and - granted I skim read some diary entries - the overarching themes of some sections/entries were difficult to pinpoint. There's a ramble at the end as he documents his final day working in a city GP surgery (I skimmed it; I can only assume it was an attempt to boost wordcount?).
There's also an epilogue, written in April 2020, in the midst of the Coronavirus pandemic, which was patronising (actually, this was a lot of the book) and screamed 'Conservative' to me. That's fine, but don't shove it down my throat.
Ugh. Do yourself a favour and don't read this book. Read This is Going to Hurt , or maybe even an original medical memoir instead.
July 20, 2020
This is a truly interesting insight into the life of the GP Surgery. Dr Max Skittle gives us a really honest viewpoint of his life as a GP and how the responsibilities have to be balanced with family life.
At times, I questioned whether or not I was reading about a really arrogant person, but ultimately I have put these moments in the book to how the author has to deal with the ongoing pressures and emotionally draining responsibilities he holds
If you can get passed this tone (unless you disagree) the book is a great read and has really given me a different appreciation of what goes on in GP surgeries across the country.
The closing section, written at the peak of the COVID-19 crisis was a nice touch. I am glad I know of at least one person that agrees with me that, it would have been nice to hear at least ONE journalist just ONCE thank members of the cabinet for their hard work - politics and criticism aside.
At times, I questioned whether or not I was reading about a really arrogant person, but ultimately I have put these moments in the book to how the author has to deal with the ongoing pressures and emotionally draining responsibilities he holds
If you can get passed this tone (unless you disagree) the book is a great read and has really given me a different appreciation of what goes on in GP surgeries across the country.
The closing section, written at the peak of the COVID-19 crisis was a nice touch. I am glad I know of at least one person that agrees with me that, it would have been nice to hear at least ONE journalist just ONCE thank members of the cabinet for their hard work - politics and criticism aside.
January 9, 2021
Skittle opisuje realia pracy jako lekarz w przychodni. Choć autor pracuje w Wielkiej Brytanii, problemy ich NHS nie różnią się zbytnio od tych, które dotykają naszego ojczystego NFZ. Jak na mój gust pod koniec było odrobinę za dużo osobistych przemyśleń, ale bardzo spodobało mi się to brutalnie szczere przedstawienie problemu przepracowania i wypalenia zawodowego.
May 17, 2021
I enjoyed this book mainly because I could relate to the frustrations, patient conundrums and NHS work life he depicts faithfully. Like he says, they are his own experiences as a GP and his views on the process, along with his personal life. Therefore, get over the odes to Alice and William, he is infatuated with them and that is no blame.
Now, something I cannot get my head around are the people calling him a fatphobic. I mean, one of his favourite patients is obese and, although 22 stone might not sound like a lot, put it all in a 5 ft body and you have a morbidly obese person. Not ideal, is it? Besides, each one deals with it differently and has their own limitations, therefore do not judge a woman with 'only 22 stone' who can barely move and needs a hoist installed in her home. Regardless, being obese is unhealthy and proven to contribute to several diseases, so do not treat obesity as normality covering it up as body positivity, which is actually a good thing. Being overweight however, is not, and to be conniving with it he would just be a hypocritical doctor.
Now, something I cannot get my head around are the people calling him a fatphobic. I mean, one of his favourite patients is obese and, although 22 stone might not sound like a lot, put it all in a 5 ft body and you have a morbidly obese person. Not ideal, is it? Besides, each one deals with it differently and has their own limitations, therefore do not judge a woman with 'only 22 stone' who can barely move and needs a hoist installed in her home. Regardless, being obese is unhealthy and proven to contribute to several diseases, so do not treat obesity as normality covering it up as body positivity, which is actually a good thing. Being overweight however, is not, and to be conniving with it he would just be a hypocritical doctor.
December 6, 2020
Like others, I struggled with this book. I definitely feel that it came about due to the current popularity of medical memoirs, and that without that popularity, it wouldn’t have been published.
I struggled with the tone; there is a lot of subjective empathy, and that’s difficult to swallow, and probably says a lot about why people use their GP services in the way they do. A young girl who needs reassurance that she’s not pregnant? Brushed off as if she were being ridiculous. A grown woman who’s missed two periods and not realised she’s pregnant? All the empathy. How are laypeople supposed to be able to work out if their medical problems are worthy of attention when there’s so much inconsistency. Skittle also has no problem with appointments being taken up by patients who want to thank him, but is enraged by patients whose problems don’t meet his standards of acceptability.
There’s also a lot about Skittle’s home life, which never comes to a conclusion; Skittle spends a large proportion of the book deciding whether or not to leave the city and move to the countryside. He makes the decision, but the book ends with his final day in the city. It’s wasted potential.
There are many other books I’d recommend instead. Adam Kay’s are far superior. The Secret GP is only redeemed by its ease of reading.
I struggled with the tone; there is a lot of subjective empathy, and that’s difficult to swallow, and probably says a lot about why people use their GP services in the way they do. A young girl who needs reassurance that she’s not pregnant? Brushed off as if she were being ridiculous. A grown woman who’s missed two periods and not realised she’s pregnant? All the empathy. How are laypeople supposed to be able to work out if their medical problems are worthy of attention when there’s so much inconsistency. Skittle also has no problem with appointments being taken up by patients who want to thank him, but is enraged by patients whose problems don’t meet his standards of acceptability.
There’s also a lot about Skittle’s home life, which never comes to a conclusion; Skittle spends a large proportion of the book deciding whether or not to leave the city and move to the countryside. He makes the decision, but the book ends with his final day in the city. It’s wasted potential.
There are many other books I’d recommend instead. Adam Kay’s are far superior. The Secret GP is only redeemed by its ease of reading.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 5, 2021
I saw this book in The Works and decided to buy it, as I usually enjoy books of this kind. However, I just did not enjoy this at all. How this man ever became a GP is totally beyond me. He seems to have nothing but contempt for most of his patients, and he spent a good portion of the book moaning. The only things in his life that seemed to matter to him were his wife and his new baby. I found the book extremely tedious, but managed to finish it after several attempts to do so. I wish that I hadn't bothered, though.
I am sorry if you enjoyed this book, but I didn't. I simply cannot find it in my heart to recommend it to anyone. I just didn't enjoy it at all. If you see this book in a shop, my advice is to leave it on the shelf and keep walking. There is a very good reason why it is on sale in The Works for just a few pounds. Don't make the same mistake that I did. Save your money and your time. The author should be struck off and never be allowed to work in the medical profession again. I'm glad that he is not my GP.
An abomination of a book. Simply awful, in every way possible.
I am sorry if you enjoyed this book, but I didn't. I simply cannot find it in my heart to recommend it to anyone. I just didn't enjoy it at all. If you see this book in a shop, my advice is to leave it on the shelf and keep walking. There is a very good reason why it is on sale in The Works for just a few pounds. Don't make the same mistake that I did. Save your money and your time. The author should be struck off and never be allowed to work in the medical profession again. I'm glad that he is not my GP.
An abomination of a book. Simply awful, in every way possible.
October 4, 2020
Well, at least now I feel like I was right all those times I knew I was talking to some GP who didn't like me, they probably were thinking those things I thought they were thinking.
Thank you Dr Skittle for showing me that I need to keep looking and trust my gut until I find some doctor who is listening to me.
Or at least not feel guilty for being pushy and annoyed because I know the person on the phone (or in front of me) is not listening to me.
Thank you Dr Skittle for showing me that I need to keep looking and trust my gut until I find some doctor who is listening to me.
Or at least not feel guilty for being pushy and annoyed because I know the person on the phone (or in front of me) is not listening to me.
October 20, 2020
I didn’t think he was arrogant at all. I think he is doing a good job being a GP under a cash-starved NHS and mostly seems quite pleasant and at times almost humble. The guy suffers from imposter syndrome so the opposite of arrogant I would say!
October 25, 2020
Really enjoyed this true and honest account of what being a GP in London is like. It was sad, funny and heart warming and made me realise that professional people like doctors are human too and have their own lives going on in the background. Would recommend.
January 19, 2024
It’s giving This is Going to Hurt by Adam Kay. Some entertaining stories that’s for sure.
August 2, 2024
While the main point of the book is supposed to be all about his job. It isn't. Maybe that's the point to show us that our doctors are only human too. But probably not. It's a lot of "my wonderful wife" and "my most amazing son." I don't know Max real name, yet I know his sons bowel movements and accidents in excruciating detail. He talks about mutiple accidents his son has. I didn't want to know this. I don't even want to know about the people I love bowel movements, let alone some strangers baby repeatedly. I mean, it's a baby? They crap themselves and sometimes it goes everywhere. Its ew and it's gross, but it's life with a baby. But no one wants pages of descriptions of it. If I wanted books about babies and first time fatherhood, I wouldn't pick up this book. I would pick something that mentions first time fatherhood on the front. He also talks about how very little matters now that he has his son, which is fairs, but this is supposed to be more professional than personal. Being a GP is your USP. I mean, one whole diary entry is just a whole paragraph on how his 8 month old son shit is starting to look adult like. I mean, how did that entry make it through the editing process? I don't even want my own children, so being interested in a strangers child isn't my thing. Just boring.
Also, there is a moment where a woman has sex 3 weeks after the birth of her child and asks if she needs the morning after pill. Only to be told she will not be ovulating due fully breastfeeding. This isn't true. It can happen in some people, but should never be relied on 100%. I've known a few people to get pregnant quite quickly after birth. So not fool proof.
Also, he meets a woman who is in a domestic abusive relationship. And then has an appointment with her abuser and can't give the game away. He writes emotionally and you can tell that it mentally effects him. Then he makes jokes that he is surprised that his wife's wedding ring hasn't made an imprint in his forehead (by hitting him) because he left a bag that was needed in the UK when going on holiday. Time and place. This isn't it, especially when you're woving other peoples stories within your own that involve domestic abuse.
So yeah. It was alright. Not the best as I think it didn't quite grasp it's USP and needed editing. Glad I didn't have to waste a credit on this.
Also, there is a moment where a woman has sex 3 weeks after the birth of her child and asks if she needs the morning after pill. Only to be told she will not be ovulating due fully breastfeeding. This isn't true. It can happen in some people, but should never be relied on 100%. I've known a few people to get pregnant quite quickly after birth. So not fool proof.
Also, he meets a woman who is in a domestic abusive relationship. And then has an appointment with her abuser and can't give the game away. He writes emotionally and you can tell that it mentally effects him. Then he makes jokes that he is surprised that his wife's wedding ring hasn't made an imprint in his forehead (by hitting him) because he left a bag that was needed in the UK when going on holiday. Time and place. This isn't it, especially when you're woving other peoples stories within your own that involve domestic abuse.
So yeah. It was alright. Not the best as I think it didn't quite grasp it's USP and needed editing. Glad I didn't have to waste a credit on this.
May 27, 2021
I don't really have a lot to say about this book other than that the title and description are a little misleading.
This book isn't a friendly guide to what it's like to be a GP working in the NHS, nor is it a tell-all exposé about primary care. Quite frankly it's a diary at best. Nothing wrong with that in particular, it just makes me wonder why Dr. Skittle's experience as a GP is more special than any of his other (many are better) colleagues, especially since at the start of writing he had only been practicing as a GP for 3 years.
He did come off as a bit obnoxious, but I suppose his aim in writing this book was to share his daily unfiltered thoughts. On one hand, this means he's writing as honestly and authentically as he can. On the other, it doesn't paint him in the best light. Sometimes he dismisses patients with legitimate presenting complaints, he assumes that he's more intelligent than any patient that walks in, and doesn't really hold back on telling us how much he dislikes a patient.
That's not to say that he doesn't care about his patients, but he's not the most pleasant GP. That being said he does touch on the important subject of physician burnout, and he himself is a perfect example on how it can affect patient care.
Aside from that there are just too many details about his personal life with his wife and child. I'm happy that he loves his family, but I didn't pick this up to read about how many of his baby's diapers he's changed.
Honestly this book should have been called The Secret GP: What Really Goes On Inside Max Skittle's Head.
This book isn't a friendly guide to what it's like to be a GP working in the NHS, nor is it a tell-all exposé about primary care. Quite frankly it's a diary at best. Nothing wrong with that in particular, it just makes me wonder why Dr. Skittle's experience as a GP is more special than any of his other (many are better) colleagues, especially since at the start of writing he had only been practicing as a GP for 3 years.
He did come off as a bit obnoxious, but I suppose his aim in writing this book was to share his daily unfiltered thoughts. On one hand, this means he's writing as honestly and authentically as he can. On the other, it doesn't paint him in the best light. Sometimes he dismisses patients with legitimate presenting complaints, he assumes that he's more intelligent than any patient that walks in, and doesn't really hold back on telling us how much he dislikes a patient.
That's not to say that he doesn't care about his patients, but he's not the most pleasant GP. That being said he does touch on the important subject of physician burnout, and he himself is a perfect example on how it can affect patient care.
Aside from that there are just too many details about his personal life with his wife and child. I'm happy that he loves his family, but I didn't pick this up to read about how many of his baby's diapers he's changed.
Honestly this book should have been called The Secret GP: What Really Goes On Inside Max Skittle's Head.
November 28, 2020
This book was very problematic.
Max is clearly fatphobic, and that’s seriously saddening. Throughout the whole book he talks about his patents weights, and in reference to one, constantly makes her sound like someone on My 500 Pound Life yet, she’s twenty two stone. Sure, she’s obese, but checking (for his own curiosity) if the ambulance had to cut her out of her own house (which they didn’t) is very upsetting and clearly not needed.
He also constantly talks about his feisty (ew) wife and child, like cool and all but nobody cares about yours, or anyone’s life that much. Like congrats, you got a son. Now shut up. I’m here to read about your patents, not the endless baby poop talk, God.
Also, Max seemed so...what’s the word? Judgemental? Yeah. Like, I get you have to ask a bunch of questions, but dude, the attitude you have. Wow. Maybe the list of patents arriving with four or five things for you to look at isn’t because of the timing, but more because they don’t want to deal with your judgy ass and hold off as long as they can. Ugh.
I’d skip this book if I were you, I’m sure there’s better ones out there.
Max is clearly fatphobic, and that’s seriously saddening. Throughout the whole book he talks about his patents weights, and in reference to one, constantly makes her sound like someone on My 500 Pound Life yet, she’s twenty two stone. Sure, she’s obese, but checking (for his own curiosity) if the ambulance had to cut her out of her own house (which they didn’t) is very upsetting and clearly not needed.
He also constantly talks about his feisty (ew) wife and child, like cool and all but nobody cares about yours, or anyone’s life that much. Like congrats, you got a son. Now shut up. I’m here to read about your patents, not the endless baby poop talk, God.
Also, Max seemed so...what’s the word? Judgemental? Yeah. Like, I get you have to ask a bunch of questions, but dude, the attitude you have. Wow. Maybe the list of patents arriving with four or five things for you to look at isn’t because of the timing, but more because they don’t want to deal with your judgy ass and hold off as long as they can. Ugh.
I’d skip this book if I were you, I’m sure there’s better ones out there.
October 28, 2020
Absolutely loved this heart achingly honest book. We are all guilty of forgetting that our GPs are normal people who have a life/home/family/issues/insecurities outside of their job role.
I love how Max states his whole life & outlook changed after having a child. While also being unapologetic for having the same worries and fears about when his child was ill. We assume any medical people know everything.........
I hope some people can see themselves in some of his description of his more challenging patients and try to moderate their own behaviours.
Well written, open & honest (as well as personal) account showing how we all have doubts about our skills at times including medical staff
Great to see Max recognises that all NHS staff contribute hugely to people’s health - well done
I love how Max states his whole life & outlook changed after having a child. While also being unapologetic for having the same worries and fears about when his child was ill. We assume any medical people know everything.........
I hope some people can see themselves in some of his description of his more challenging patients and try to moderate their own behaviours.
Well written, open & honest (as well as personal) account showing how we all have doubts about our skills at times including medical staff
Great to see Max recognises that all NHS staff contribute hugely to people’s health - well done
October 15, 2020
A good listening experience, I enjoyed how the narrator read it out, and I liked the setting out if the dates as it was read from a diary.
I liked the candid way the GP spoke, no fluff just direct response but delivered with care. There were many laugh out loud moments.
I definitely recommend it.
I liked the candid way the GP spoke, no fluff just direct response but delivered with care. There were many laugh out loud moments.
I definitely recommend it.
January 1, 2021
I am sorry doc you’re in a wrong profession. Yes you’re human and have human emotions but one you lack is the key in this profession that’s empathy. I wouldn’t want you as my GP.
June 18, 2023
I do love a "true life" confessions book. This one seemed interesting and whilst titled The Secret GP, it is actually written by GP, Dr Max Skittle. The book covers not just Max's time as a GP, but also on his rotations in various hospital departments. I liked some of the stories he recounted about various patients, although he seemed to have more empathy with some and less with others. He did seem fairly judgemental as a GP, and I have to admit it got me wondering if that is what our own GPs really think when we go to see them!
Some of the stories were amusing, others were sad. I would have liked more amusing ones though. The author did talk about himself an awful lot, with lots of stories about his wife and son. I think a book which is about what really goes on inside your doctor's surgery didn't need a whole section devoted to his holiday with his family. I understand that it's good to see that doctors are human and need a life outside of the surgery walls, but I'm not sure that really worked in this book.
All in all, I enjoyed the stories with the patient but didn't enjoy as much the stories of his family life and sometimes condescending bedside manner.
Some of the stories were amusing, others were sad. I would have liked more amusing ones though. The author did talk about himself an awful lot, with lots of stories about his wife and son. I think a book which is about what really goes on inside your doctor's surgery didn't need a whole section devoted to his holiday with his family. I understand that it's good to see that doctors are human and need a life outside of the surgery walls, but I'm not sure that really worked in this book.
All in all, I enjoyed the stories with the patient but didn't enjoy as much the stories of his family life and sometimes condescending bedside manner.
September 10, 2025
This book was pretty good! Max is the kind of GP everyone hopes they would have - happy to listen, trys to find the best clinical option and make it clear for the patient what the outcomes are. The dated entries cover some spans of time of why Max went into medicine and why he remains a GP. I don't really understand the title of the book as the Secret GP, there aren't any secrets that I haven't heard before. I did enjoy the specific patient stories and it was fun seeing who were Max's top patients! I hope that for British readers this teaches them about how the NHS is failing it's GPs and medical staff by understaffing everything and making 10 minute consultations the norm. I always thought it was more efficient to save up a bunch of things for a single consult, but GPs don't see it that way with such short consultations. I'm no longer a bulk-billed patient so I can't afford to go six times for six different issues! My conclusion is once again that more doctors and medical staff need to be trained, and salary/working hours improved to make any difference to the medical wait list.
January 20, 2021
Sięgając po tę książkę czytelnik chciałby dowiedzieć się coś niecoś o medycynie i kulisach pracy lekarza pierwszego kontaktu. I to zawiera ta książka może w 20%. Cała reszta to narzekanie na niewyspanie z powodu noworodka, ciągle kupy, wymioty i trochę wspomnień pacjentów. Więcej dowiedziałam się jak to też autor ma problem z dzieckiem niż co robił w gabinecie. A chyba o tym miała być ta książka? Moje rozczarowanie i frustracja były naprawdę ogromne. Autor miał też taki trochę mocny styl - pisał prosto z mostu, nie dbając o konwenanse, ale to akurat nie było moim zdaniem przeszkodą. Gdyby wyłuskać z tej książki tylko medyczne przypadki i kulisty pracy lekarza internisty to (oprócz widocznego zmniejszenia objętości) byłaby to w miarę w porządku książka.
June 28, 2021
Mam wrażenie, że ta książka na siłę miała naśladować "Będzie bolało" i tak jak tamtą uwielbiam, tak ta mnie nie zachwyciła, nie rozbawiła i nie wciągnęła. Ale też nie mogę powiedzieć że byla totalnie zła. Czyli poprawne dwie gwiazdki.
September 7, 2023
I really enjoyed parts of this book and some of the text is really funny. Max is a GP and talks through some of his most memorable patients. My only criticism is that the way he speaks about some of them is a little derogatory!
September 13, 2024
Pros: funny parts, like the diary style entries, easy to picture the characters.
Cons: far too much talk about wife and child - we get it, you love them, they're amazing, but you don't need to tell us every 2 minutes. Very repetitive, ended up skimming the last few pages as I was bored
Cons: far too much talk about wife and child - we get it, you love them, they're amazing, but you don't need to tell us every 2 minutes. Very repetitive, ended up skimming the last few pages as I was bored
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