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Playing Doctor; Part Three: Chief Resident: Fumbling Towards Medical Practice
READY TO FINALLY BE A DOCTOR? WELL, JOHN STILL WASN’T EITHER…
John's medical (and personal) adventures continue with this insightful, often hilarious, self-deprecating memoir of fumbling through the final year of residency training as the reality of working as a doctor rapidly approaches. This third part in the Playing Doctor series brings John's unique and candid storytelling to his year as senior resident and into the first months of his medical practice.
Initially, John penned email blasts while being held captive on call nights. His descriptions of the escapades, mishaps, disorder, and terror that surrounded his training, led several friends to enquire if he has broken into the hospital pharmacy. Eventually, someone asked to publish the stories, so John replied that he'd write down the whole adventure of becoming a doctor from medical school through residency.
John's medical (and personal) adventures continue with this insightful, often hilarious, self-deprecating memoir of fumbling through the final year of residency training as the reality of working as a doctor rapidly approaches. This third part in the Playing Doctor series brings John's unique and candid storytelling to his year as senior resident and into the first months of his medical practice.
Initially, John penned email blasts while being held captive on call nights. His descriptions of the escapades, mishaps, disorder, and terror that surrounded his training, led several friends to enquire if he has broken into the hospital pharmacy. Eventually, someone asked to publish the stories, so John replied that he'd write down the whole adventure of becoming a doctor from medical school through residency.
252 pages, Paperback
Published August 2, 2022
251 people are currently reading
916 people want to read
About the author
John Lawrence
3 books48 followersJohn Lawrence was born in New York, grew up England, and attended Georgetown University where he told his career advisor that the only thing he did not want to be was a doctor. He subsequently survived medical school and residency training in Utah.
This is his first book, a candid memoir of transforming from an uncertain, head injured, liberal-arts student, into a medical doctor. The follow up books in the series cover residency training with both increasing responsibility and accompanying fear.
John was not the typical medical student, sneaking out of the hospital whilst on-call to audition for television shows in order to pay the rent; writing film scripts (one of which is available here on Amazon) and overcoming a nagging imposter syndrome.
John has been a river rafting guide, ski race coach, bagel baker, screenwriter, film director, expedition doctor climbing Kilimanjaro with his close friend, Olympic Hall of Fame athlete, Chris Waddell, (Chris is the first paraplegic to summit Kilimanjaro un-assisted).
John worked as a doctor for 20 years in both traditional western medicine and functional medicine. He enjoys biking, skiing, cooking and watching films with friends and family.
This is his first book, a candid memoir of transforming from an uncertain, head injured, liberal-arts student, into a medical doctor. The follow up books in the series cover residency training with both increasing responsibility and accompanying fear.
John was not the typical medical student, sneaking out of the hospital whilst on-call to audition for television shows in order to pay the rent; writing film scripts (one of which is available here on Amazon) and overcoming a nagging imposter syndrome.
John has been a river rafting guide, ski race coach, bagel baker, screenwriter, film director, expedition doctor climbing Kilimanjaro with his close friend, Olympic Hall of Fame athlete, Chris Waddell, (Chris is the first paraplegic to summit Kilimanjaro un-assisted).
John worked as a doctor for 20 years in both traditional western medicine and functional medicine. He enjoys biking, skiing, cooking and watching films with friends and family.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
August 28, 2022
This book is far more about the doctor than his patients. I was disappointed.
August 6, 2022
everytime I review a medical read, I talk about how much I love reading medical stories. I supposed that's why I read so many of these types of books, ahah.
Playing Doctor is book 3 in John's medical career/journey. In this specific book, we follow John through his chief residency. We hear some interesting patient stories and learn more about his personal life. If I"m being honest, the personal life stories aren't very interesting for me in any medical books. i feel like that sounds a little harsh, but I'm mostly reading this genre of books for the patient and medical stories.
With all of that said, the book was just.. okay for me. If it had more stories about his patient interactions, i likely would have rated it higher. That's just me and my opinions I suppose.
Playing Doctor is book 3 in John's medical career/journey. In this specific book, we follow John through his chief residency. We hear some interesting patient stories and learn more about his personal life. If I"m being honest, the personal life stories aren't very interesting for me in any medical books. i feel like that sounds a little harsh, but I'm mostly reading this genre of books for the patient and medical stories.
With all of that said, the book was just.. okay for me. If it had more stories about his patient interactions, i likely would have rated it higher. That's just me and my opinions I suppose.
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July 11, 2022Thank you #Netgalley for this advanced copy!
I have read the first two of the series playing doctor and loved it! Was happy to get an early copy of this latest and possible last section of this series. We of course follow John during his final years of schooling, many stories around his realm of being chief resident. In part three we also learn more about John's personal life, his interest in acting and film making as well as his participation in athletic events. I appreciated the flashbacks throughout that reflect back to previous situations he described in the other books and how they relate to his experiences now. I do hope that John continues to write more books in addition to films. I would love to hear about his progression after school and how he ties his medical background into his interest of entertainment.
I have read the first two of the series playing doctor and loved it! Was happy to get an early copy of this latest and possible last section of this series. We of course follow John during his final years of schooling, many stories around his realm of being chief resident. In part three we also learn more about John's personal life, his interest in acting and film making as well as his participation in athletic events. I appreciated the flashbacks throughout that reflect back to previous situations he described in the other books and how they relate to his experiences now. I do hope that John continues to write more books in addition to films. I would love to hear about his progression after school and how he ties his medical background into his interest of entertainment.
October 24, 2025
A doctor who wants to be an actor
This was a rather odd book. I had not read the previous two books in the series but this one seems a bit all over the place. I don't think I'll be searching out his earlier books, but wonder if he's still practicing medicine.
This was a rather odd book. I had not read the previous two books in the series but this one seems a bit all over the place. I don't think I'll be searching out his earlier books, but wonder if he's still practicing medicine.
November 11, 2022
The Worst Part of This Book is...
...that it ended, as all good things must. John Lawrence, M.D. has given us yet another spectacular wild ride through his own unique process of becoming. From student to independent professional, the reader is welcomed into Dr. Lawrence's journey on a path toward finding his relationship to and place in the world of patient care and all it takes to get there. A repeating theme through all three of his books is the questioning of who he is, where does he fit in, how did he get there, and where is he going from each milestone he achieves. His personality shines throughout as does his thought provoking honesty that requires a great deal of courage to share with us. Many of his extrinsic experiences not related to his doctoring involve risk taking as he continues to challenge himself in a variety of areas that also applies to the writing of these books. He puts himself out there and THAT is what separates the best from the mediocre. If a doc, nurse or clinician of any kind isn't honest with themselves, how can patients expect them to be honest with them? He recognizes areas where he needs to refer out to others who he determines may be more competent in a specific skill or field and the ethics involved in that kind of decision making are about as high as it gets. There's an ongoing struggle of trying to achieve a balance between the practice of medicine that required one type of investment and his strong, creative artistic nature, and that's never an easy thing; but arriving at a point of understanding that all those moving parts are the essence of the "art," whether it be expressed through medicine, acting, running marathons, writing plays or developing the self is what he does. The irony in it all is that while John describes himself as practicing within the imposter syndrome, what he reveals is an authentic, exceptionally talented, genuine and highly intelligent person who sees deeply into those who seek his care. His wit and humor are sublime, he hits his targets with absolute precision and at times I'd laugh so much with his imagery that I'd have to put the book down. I hope we have not heard the last from him; his kind of gifts scream to be shared. One more thing...as a psychiatric nurse, I'd LOVE to read about his psych experiences...one can only hope he'll cover those in the future. Don't miss this trilogy. We need more docs like him.
...that it ended, as all good things must. John Lawrence, M.D. has given us yet another spectacular wild ride through his own unique process of becoming. From student to independent professional, the reader is welcomed into Dr. Lawrence's journey on a path toward finding his relationship to and place in the world of patient care and all it takes to get there. A repeating theme through all three of his books is the questioning of who he is, where does he fit in, how did he get there, and where is he going from each milestone he achieves. His personality shines throughout as does his thought provoking honesty that requires a great deal of courage to share with us. Many of his extrinsic experiences not related to his doctoring involve risk taking as he continues to challenge himself in a variety of areas that also applies to the writing of these books. He puts himself out there and THAT is what separates the best from the mediocre. If a doc, nurse or clinician of any kind isn't honest with themselves, how can patients expect them to be honest with them? He recognizes areas where he needs to refer out to others who he determines may be more competent in a specific skill or field and the ethics involved in that kind of decision making are about as high as it gets. There's an ongoing struggle of trying to achieve a balance between the practice of medicine that required one type of investment and his strong, creative artistic nature, and that's never an easy thing; but arriving at a point of understanding that all those moving parts are the essence of the "art," whether it be expressed through medicine, acting, running marathons, writing plays or developing the self is what he does. The irony in it all is that while John describes himself as practicing within the imposter syndrome, what he reveals is an authentic, exceptionally talented, genuine and highly intelligent person who sees deeply into those who seek his care. His wit and humor are sublime, he hits his targets with absolute precision and at times I'd laugh so much with his imagery that I'd have to put the book down. I hope we have not heard the last from him; his kind of gifts scream to be shared. One more thing...as a psychiatric nurse, I'd LOVE to read about his psych experiences...one can only hope he'll cover those in the future. Don't miss this trilogy. We need more docs like him.
September 20, 2022
Thankyou NET Galley for this ARC
I really enjoyed John Lawrence's voice in this novel, I went in to this not reading any of his previous work and had a great time. I related to his anxieties of work and it really opened up my view on working in healthcare. I couldn't imagine being a doctor as he really made me feel his anxiety and all the pressure that was put on him.
If I was so describe this book I would say it's like if you did a character study on a Grey's Anatomy character but it was all true.
I really enjoyed John Lawrence's voice in this novel, I went in to this not reading any of his previous work and had a great time. I related to his anxieties of work and it really opened up my view on working in healthcare. I couldn't imagine being a doctor as he really made me feel his anxiety and all the pressure that was put on him.
If I was so describe this book I would say it's like if you did a character study on a Grey's Anatomy character but it was all true.
July 30, 2022
3/5 stars!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
This book is funny at times and I loved reading the different situations and shenanigans Dr. Lawrence experienced as a chief and senior resident. But, there are things in here that made me uncomfortable though, specifically how he described some of the women in here. In Exhibit A, he described an 18-year old as very sexy and I know 18 is a legal age for most countries including the US, but it just icks me reading a perspective of an older man describing a recently-just-turned-adult woman (actually, it's worse because in that same sentence he also called her a girl which pertains to a much younger person, and he still described her as "very sexy"?) about her sexiness or how sexy she is. And the reason why this icks me out is because this is not the first time he looked/described a woman with how sexy she is in his perspective (and obviously because how young girls/young adults are being sexualized in this day and age). Exhibit B, though it is not stated directly, implied how he initially assumed his co-worker was "sexy" and then concluding afterwards that she is not what he expected and it just gives me very weird vibes. Add it to the fact that he is in a professional setting and these women are his patient and his co-worker. As a woman, it's very uncomfortable to read and I know not everyone will have the same feelings as I had with the direct quotes I included in this review from the book and I understand that, but I am just being honest and saying that those parts affected my enjoyment while reading the book.
Exhibit A:
"The next morning in clinic, having not slept in quite a long time and feeling extremely slaphappy, I met my most interesting patient of the day by far, and was willing to bet my tightest skivvies that nobody else had a similar conversation that day. She was a very genial eighteen-year-old, very sexy, Mormon girl with her CTR ring in place (“ Choose the Right,” a sign of right-wing Christian conservatism)." - Chapter 16
Exhibit B:
"But we dredged several from the streets, which should have been warning enough, and one night I had the absolute cultural joy of working with a new Russian female resident. I was shocked to discover she bore absolutely no resemblance whatsoever to the sexy Russian spy in the James Bond film, The Spy Who Loved Me." - Chapter 16
Overall, I think the idea of this book is good. We were able to have a peek at a life of a resident, specifically a chief resident, and see their humanity. They may be perceived as superheroes with their healing, but they are also humans who get tired and have a fucked up sleep schedule and has a lot of things to juggle alongside making sure that they are there for their patients. This book just made me feel more compassion towards our healthcare professionals and makes me understand them more. Another thing is that, this book made me think about whether I would want to pursue medicine and I thank Dr. Lawrence for showing us both the fun and not-fun part of a practicing doctor. The first half of this book was fun and then chapter 16 happened. Nonetheless, if the premise and my review of this intrigues you or interesting for you, and if my thoughts regarding the exhibits I included in this review doesn't deter you or did not affect your desire to read this book, then I recommend this book to you.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
This book is funny at times and I loved reading the different situations and shenanigans Dr. Lawrence experienced as a chief and senior resident. But, there are things in here that made me uncomfortable though, specifically how he described some of the women in here. In Exhibit A, he described an 18-year old as very sexy and I know 18 is a legal age for most countries including the US, but it just icks me reading a perspective of an older man describing a recently-just-turned-adult woman (actually, it's worse because in that same sentence he also called her a girl which pertains to a much younger person, and he still described her as "very sexy"?) about her sexiness or how sexy she is. And the reason why this icks me out is because this is not the first time he looked/described a woman with how sexy she is in his perspective (and obviously because how young girls/young adults are being sexualized in this day and age). Exhibit B, though it is not stated directly, implied how he initially assumed his co-worker was "sexy" and then concluding afterwards that she is not what he expected and it just gives me very weird vibes. Add it to the fact that he is in a professional setting and these women are his patient and his co-worker. As a woman, it's very uncomfortable to read and I know not everyone will have the same feelings as I had with the direct quotes I included in this review from the book and I understand that, but I am just being honest and saying that those parts affected my enjoyment while reading the book.
Exhibit A:
"The next morning in clinic, having not slept in quite a long time and feeling extremely slaphappy, I met my most interesting patient of the day by far, and was willing to bet my tightest skivvies that nobody else had a similar conversation that day. She was a very genial eighteen-year-old, very sexy, Mormon girl with her CTR ring in place (“ Choose the Right,” a sign of right-wing Christian conservatism)." - Chapter 16
Exhibit B:
"But we dredged several from the streets, which should have been warning enough, and one night I had the absolute cultural joy of working with a new Russian female resident. I was shocked to discover she bore absolutely no resemblance whatsoever to the sexy Russian spy in the James Bond film, The Spy Who Loved Me." - Chapter 16
Overall, I think the idea of this book is good. We were able to have a peek at a life of a resident, specifically a chief resident, and see their humanity. They may be perceived as superheroes with their healing, but they are also humans who get tired and have a fucked up sleep schedule and has a lot of things to juggle alongside making sure that they are there for their patients. This book just made me feel more compassion towards our healthcare professionals and makes me understand them more. Another thing is that, this book made me think about whether I would want to pursue medicine and I thank Dr. Lawrence for showing us both the fun and not-fun part of a practicing doctor. The first half of this book was fun and then chapter 16 happened. Nonetheless, if the premise and my review of this intrigues you or interesting for you, and if my thoughts regarding the exhibits I included in this review doesn't deter you or did not affect your desire to read this book, then I recommend this book to you.
August 9, 2022
I was definitely very excited when I saw this book was coming out. After hearing all about John's experiences in the first two years of residency, I couldn't wait to find out how things ended off in his final year!
If you haven't read the first two books, I highly recommend reading them in order, even though John does a wonderful job catching readers up on things they might have missed or forgotten from the tales earlier in the series. It is definitely possible to read them out of order (I did) but I think reading them in order would have been a nice way to enjoy the journey the way he did; over the course of 7 years and 3 books! Similar to the first two books, this book is divided into months or rotations. Each chapter covers a different medical theme, usually related to a section of medicine, for example: obstetrics, family practice or emergency medicine. I love this set up because it is both theme based and also chronological. It is easy to navigate and feels like you are following the calendar year along with him. Also like the first two books, John uses his sense of humour and his strong teaching skills to write in a way that is both entertaining and informative. You will learn lots about the ins and outs of medicine (and what you do that drives your doctors crazy) while also hearing about the craziest situations and the silliest outcomes. He makes a connection with his readers and reminds them that even some of the most brilliant minds in medicine have no clue what is going on sometimes (though they might not admit it). This book was slightly more repetitive than the other two, mainly because it is the conclusion of the story and he reflects on the journey as a whole. Even with a bit more repetition, I still really enjoyed it and am glad I got to finish off the series.
I would highly recommend this book and the entire 3-part series to anyone who enjoys memoirs and medical stories. John is a hilarious writer who does not take himself too seriously and shares his experiences in a way that is down to earth, self-deprecating, and easy to understand. I'm so glad I got the chance to read this third book and would like to thank NetGalley and the publisher for giving me the chance to read and review it!
If you haven't read the first two books, I highly recommend reading them in order, even though John does a wonderful job catching readers up on things they might have missed or forgotten from the tales earlier in the series. It is definitely possible to read them out of order (I did) but I think reading them in order would have been a nice way to enjoy the journey the way he did; over the course of 7 years and 3 books! Similar to the first two books, this book is divided into months or rotations. Each chapter covers a different medical theme, usually related to a section of medicine, for example: obstetrics, family practice or emergency medicine. I love this set up because it is both theme based and also chronological. It is easy to navigate and feels like you are following the calendar year along with him. Also like the first two books, John uses his sense of humour and his strong teaching skills to write in a way that is both entertaining and informative. You will learn lots about the ins and outs of medicine (and what you do that drives your doctors crazy) while also hearing about the craziest situations and the silliest outcomes. He makes a connection with his readers and reminds them that even some of the most brilliant minds in medicine have no clue what is going on sometimes (though they might not admit it). This book was slightly more repetitive than the other two, mainly because it is the conclusion of the story and he reflects on the journey as a whole. Even with a bit more repetition, I still really enjoyed it and am glad I got to finish off the series.
I would highly recommend this book and the entire 3-part series to anyone who enjoys memoirs and medical stories. John is a hilarious writer who does not take himself too seriously and shares his experiences in a way that is down to earth, self-deprecating, and easy to understand. I'm so glad I got the chance to read this third book and would like to thank NetGalley and the publisher for giving me the chance to read and review it!
May 13, 2024
Lawrence gives us a hilarious memoir, one that rips the bandaid off the mystery of the medical profession (am I punny, or what?) Playing the Doctor Part 3 highlights how human our medical professionals are. Their trials and insecurities are no more tragic or exotic than our own (non-medical professional here). Lawrence’s prose and smooth sense of phrase is a large part of its success; brevity and levity are promised and delivered.
I won this book on Goodreads giveaways, which is why I don’t have Part 1 and 2; but, I did consider buying Parts 1 and 2 before reading this one. I didn’t, but Lawrence’s humor and wit made me think about it. As a reader of only one part of this series, I can say that readers will find it possible to dip into it without needing the previous parts; Part three stood on its own. That said, there are references to events from Parts 1 and 2, which may have added to the joy of reading this memoir.
The ability of Part 3 to function well as a standalone is, unfortunately, also one of the books detractions. There is no overarching single narrative or story arc, but rather a series of chapters which could be discrete works on their own (except for the references to past events). The result is that Playing Doctor reads more like the Diary of a Doctor, rather than as a novel. Readers might find they could put down the book and not return to it, as there’s no inherent incentive to “know what happens next.” This is, sadly, what happened with my reading of it; I think I finally completed it reading it on the third attempt, with several months lapse in between.
Overall, however, it is an entertaining read, one which is likely to make you smile and grimace simultaneously.
I won this book on Goodreads giveaways, which is why I don’t have Part 1 and 2; but, I did consider buying Parts 1 and 2 before reading this one. I didn’t, but Lawrence’s humor and wit made me think about it. As a reader of only one part of this series, I can say that readers will find it possible to dip into it without needing the previous parts; Part three stood on its own. That said, there are references to events from Parts 1 and 2, which may have added to the joy of reading this memoir.
The ability of Part 3 to function well as a standalone is, unfortunately, also one of the books detractions. There is no overarching single narrative or story arc, but rather a series of chapters which could be discrete works on their own (except for the references to past events). The result is that Playing Doctor reads more like the Diary of a Doctor, rather than as a novel. Readers might find they could put down the book and not return to it, as there’s no inherent incentive to “know what happens next.” This is, sadly, what happened with my reading of it; I think I finally completed it reading it on the third attempt, with several months lapse in between.
Overall, however, it is an entertaining read, one which is likely to make you smile and grimace simultaneously.
August 25, 2022
John Lawrence takes the reader through his required number of days in each area of medicine and the events he experiences. Some are funny; some are aggravating for him; and some are quite enlightening and educational for the reader.
As I did not read the first two Parts of this series, it’s difficult for me to truly compare them all and give a true review. Therefore, I can say that I found many of these vignettes to be clever, humorous, and informative.
The “Viagra Blue Crayon” is a funny little story as is the “Door Handle Technique.” Don’t miss reading these for sure.
It is amazing how little consideration some patients have for their doctor’s time and patience. So, next time you visit your doctor, keep this in mind and get right to the real reason for your visit. Oh, and don’t give him/her a call at 3 a.m. to say you can’t have a bowel movement. Good grief!
All in all, I enjoyed this book and wish the good doctor the best of luck in his triple career of caring for his patients as he writes screenplays and pursuing acting. Thank you for the entertainment.
Copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.
As I did not read the first two Parts of this series, it’s difficult for me to truly compare them all and give a true review. Therefore, I can say that I found many of these vignettes to be clever, humorous, and informative.
The “Viagra Blue Crayon” is a funny little story as is the “Door Handle Technique.” Don’t miss reading these for sure.
It is amazing how little consideration some patients have for their doctor’s time and patience. So, next time you visit your doctor, keep this in mind and get right to the real reason for your visit. Oh, and don’t give him/her a call at 3 a.m. to say you can’t have a bowel movement. Good grief!
All in all, I enjoyed this book and wish the good doctor the best of luck in his triple career of caring for his patients as he writes screenplays and pursuing acting. Thank you for the entertainment.
Copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.
August 15, 2022
Since this is part three of a series, I felt it was necessary to go back and read the first two parts to have a better frame of reference. I thoroughly enjoy reading medical thrillers and stories. However, this book does not necessarily fall under that genre to me which in this case was not a bad thing. It was interesting to have a look into John’s mind as he worked his way through school and his residency. The flashbacks were appreciated since I read the prior books, and it brought everything together. There were some funny moments involving John personally, but some of the stories of the patients were hilarious. One part that I found interesting was the lengths that people will go to obtain pain medication. Addiction is real. However, because of this, it makes it harder for those who do suffer chronic pain. All in all it was a good read, and I hope there will be more in the series. Thank you to NetGalley, the author and publisher for the opportunity to review this book.
July 18, 2022
Excellent, really enjoyed it, his best yet!
I’ve read this author’s previous two ‘doc memoirs’ and really enjoyed them, so couldn’t wait to get cracking on this. Book 3 concerns his final year of residency training.
This contains so many adventures and diverse cases as he goes through the various rotations: Obstetrics, Urology, Emergency Room, Outpatient Paediatrics, Newborn Nursery, Cardiology, and Ear, Nose and Throat.
Often tongue in cheek, humorous, but not always; there’s also some serious stuff in here e.g. the ER chapter; some dramas in there, and he rightly doesn't make light when lives are in the balance.
Lots of different cases and scenarios to other doctor memoirs I've read. It was fresh, fun, informative; yet never insensitive, not silly, no uncomfortable bits.
Is this his best book? Does it deserve 5 stars this time? Yes, definitely.
I’ve read this author’s previous two ‘doc memoirs’ and really enjoyed them, so couldn’t wait to get cracking on this. Book 3 concerns his final year of residency training.
This contains so many adventures and diverse cases as he goes through the various rotations: Obstetrics, Urology, Emergency Room, Outpatient Paediatrics, Newborn Nursery, Cardiology, and Ear, Nose and Throat.
Often tongue in cheek, humorous, but not always; there’s also some serious stuff in here e.g. the ER chapter; some dramas in there, and he rightly doesn't make light when lives are in the balance.
Lots of different cases and scenarios to other doctor memoirs I've read. It was fresh, fun, informative; yet never insensitive, not silly, no uncomfortable bits.
Is this his best book? Does it deserve 5 stars this time? Yes, definitely.
July 27, 2023
Great insights into a Doctor’s journey and the humor is great!
The series of these books 1-3 has helped me understand patient care better and how to manage myself too. Being in healthcare can be difficult, frustrating, and depressing. I am compassionate to my patients but also dealing with dozens upon dozens everyday you need to let some humor distract you from the difficulties of it. The humor may sometimes be inappropriate but we’re also just humans trying to get through the day without breaking down and that same humor helps us, which also allows for better patient care.
I really enjoyed these books and hope to find more like it.
The series of these books 1-3 has helped me understand patient care better and how to manage myself too. Being in healthcare can be difficult, frustrating, and depressing. I am compassionate to my patients but also dealing with dozens upon dozens everyday you need to let some humor distract you from the difficulties of it. The humor may sometimes be inappropriate but we’re also just humans trying to get through the day without breaking down and that same humor helps us, which also allows for better patient care.
I really enjoyed these books and hope to find more like it.
July 26, 2022
I enjoyed this book. The pacing is very good and once I started the book, I found it difficult to put down. I enjoyed the use of sarcasm as it provided more insight into Dr. Lawrence’s personality, but I didn’t find this book as humorous as the previous one, with the later book providing no laugh-out-loud moments (disclosure: I received an advance reader copy of the previous book) Nonetheless, this latest book is an enjoyable read and is well worthwhile. Thank you to Netgalley and BooksGoSocial for the advance reader copy.
August 30, 2022
I absolutely LOVED this book! I read this without having read his previous two books and didn't feel that I had missed anything by reading them out of order. In fact, I enjoyed this book so much that I went and got books 1 and 2 as well.
This is a candidly honest look at what it takes to become a doctor, the doubts and trials, the mistakes and triumphs. It was written in such a way as to make the reader feel like they were part of a conversation with a friend, instead of a third party.
This is a candidly honest look at what it takes to become a doctor, the doubts and trials, the mistakes and triumphs. It was written in such a way as to make the reader feel like they were part of a conversation with a friend, instead of a third party.
July 12, 2022
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing this book in exchange for an honest review.
This is the 3rd book in the series by John Lawrence. I e enjoyed all 3 as he has a great sense of humor and does t hold back with his honesty about his struggles. Some of the stories were really funny, some sad. But most of the book is humorous.
If you like medical memoirs, I recommend this series.
This is the 3rd book in the series by John Lawrence. I e enjoyed all 3 as he has a great sense of humor and does t hold back with his honesty about his struggles. Some of the stories were really funny, some sad. But most of the book is humorous.
If you like medical memoirs, I recommend this series.
March 16, 2025
How it feels to be a doctor.
I will never look at my GP the same way after
Reading yourbooks. I never imagined the excessive work obtained in learning and treating all manners of Mankind. Thank you for your help in realizing how utterly stressful it must be for doctors to treat all sorts of people and their issues. I enjoyed reading all of your books.
I will never look at my GP the same way after
Reading yourbooks. I never imagined the excessive work obtained in learning and treating all manners of Mankind. Thank you for your help in realizing how utterly stressful it must be for doctors to treat all sorts of people and their issues. I enjoyed reading all of your books.
February 11, 2023
Funny doctor
I loved this book and the previous two. I liked that at times he wasn’t confident about his decision to become a doctor, but most of all his sense of humor. Hope he writes another!
I loved this book and the previous two. I liked that at times he wasn’t confident about his decision to become a doctor, but most of all his sense of humor. Hope he writes another!
April 30, 2023
Third book in a series by Dr. John Lawrence. Enjoyed it almost as much as the previous books, not as exciting. I thought he'd have a much easier time learning to be a doctor if he'd give up on his attempts at acting during his medical training!
March 1, 2025
Finshed this three book series on the education and beginning practice of a doctor.
Lawrence is a great writer and the books move quickly with his witty and self deprecating writing style. The series was very informative.
I highly recommend.
Lawrence is a great writer and the books move quickly with his witty and self deprecating writing style. The series was very informative.
I highly recommend.
July 29, 2025
Playing Doctor
A humorous look at being a doctor in training.
How John coped with trying to diagnose after not sleeping for 36 hours is beyond me.
Loved the funny complaints people come in with.
A humorous look at being a doctor in training.
How John coped with trying to diagnose after not sleeping for 36 hours is beyond me.
Loved the funny complaints people come in with.
July 13, 2022
Another good and solid instalment of DR John! Nice and simple with good themed chapters! Good links back to the first one which job your memory! Thanks to NetGalley for the chance to read this!
September 12, 2022
I enjoyed this author's stories of life as a doctor. His glimpses into how doctors manage their time, how they deal with patients of all sorts and how they juggle the long hours intrigue me. He pulls back the curtain on his own questionable career path. I liked having a front row seat into the goings-on in the emergency room, having been a patient there myself several times. Now I understand how the process works and I'm left with empathy and appreciation for hard-working medical professionals. I won a kindle copy of this book through goodreads giveaways.
October 1, 2022
Last One?
An interesting journey into the field of medicine. This is the part where John's knowledge and experience give him confidence to be a good doctor.
An interesting journey into the field of medicine. This is the part where John's knowledge and experience give him confidence to be a good doctor.
October 13, 2022
Loved the Whole Series!
I love the honesty & humor John uses in his writing! Highly recommend to anyone looking into Medicine as a career.
I love the honesty & humor John uses in his writing! Highly recommend to anyone looking into Medicine as a career.
March 25, 2024
Fun. Worth reading.
July 14, 2024
Sad for the series to end! I learned a lot and laughed while doing so.
December 3, 2024
He writes well.... don't know about the screen plays or acting but his books are pretty well laid out and entertaining to read. Plus I learned a thing or two.
May 4, 2025
Another quick and easy read. This one felt a bit flimsy but still interesting.
June 10, 2025
Great Medical Read
Kept me in stitches most of the time. You’ll love this factual, yet tongue in cheek account of John Lawrence becoming a doctor.
Kept me in stitches most of the time. You’ll love this factual, yet tongue in cheek account of John Lawrence becoming a doctor.
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