Confessions of a GP and Further Confessions of a GP together in one volume.Benjamin Daniels is angry. He is frustrated, confused, baffled and, quite frequently, very funny. He is also a GP. These are his confessions.
Both books give a fascinating insight in to the work fo a GP and also details many of it's sometimes difficult ethical challenges. I enjoyed both books, though i confess to skipping over the chapters where the authors gives his opinion on the NHS and the politics which affects it (though I understand it was good for him to express his opinion about it and I hope it was noted by policitians!).
However I preferred the stories about patients - some of whom I found quite irritating ! Such as the likes of Mrs Patrick - I read these books during the Lockdown, and I had to have a bit of a smile in that it has put paid to the weekly visits she would make for her imaginary ailments. Let's hope the NHS saves thousands of £££ now during the lockdown as this kind of patient must surely not be able to waste the time of our GPs.
The author had an interesting manner of ending a chapter leaving the reader feeling his pain and annoyance at situations beyond his control (such as the patient who faked a fit just get attention and the patient who for some reason enjoys a weekly trip to A&E for apparently no reason at all).
A heart-warming read that despite awkward and time-wasting patients who will not listen or refuse to take control of their lives, it demonstrates the patience, devotion, and dedication of GPs treating all of them with respect, dignity and care, yet without being an easy pushover.
This book was not just poorly written, the GP from whose perspective we were reading was arrogant and belittling. I didn't wholeheartedly disagree with some of the issues that he raised, but his tone lacked compassion frequently and I am so glad this is not my GP. I just hope as he goes through his career he quickly gains empathy and loses what appears to be his mission to make his work all about being seen as a hero, whilst Secretly judging people who he seems to think he is superior to. I so hope anyone reading this isn't put off going to the GP because his attitude isn't representative of several GPs/Dr's I've encountered or know as friends.
It was interesting reading stories about patients. It was also nice to see a doctor who loves his job and doesn't complain about the pay, or apparent lack of, after seeing so much about doctors complaining they don't get paid enough and seeming to hate their jobs.
Very enjoyable memoir of a British GP through training, hospital stints and eventually to his life as a GP. Interesting stories about patients, illnesses, love and loss. Candid and entertaining.