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How not to be a Doctor and other essays
How Not to be a Doctor and Other Essays offers a collection of entertaining and often poignant essays published originally for the CODA column in QMJ . Author, John Launer writes in an amusing style presenting some of his personal experiences and observations of the medical world. Including
essays such as 'The Wrong Trousers' and 'The Professor of Cheese' these essays will be a delight to read for the medical professional and the lay reader alike.
essays such as 'The Wrong Trousers' and 'The Professor of Cheese' these essays will be a delight to read for the medical professional and the lay reader alike.
112 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2007
80 people are currently reading
380 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
February 6, 2019
This collection of essays discusses the art and skills of being a doctor, particularly with reference to the doctor patient relationship. The essays are thoughtfully written and certainly inspired me to think. Mind you, I'm a patient, not a doctor, but I would certainly appreciate it if all my doctors were as thoughtful to and about their patients!
August 14, 2023
In How Not to Be a Doctor by John Launer, this adage takes on a whole new dimension. As I turned the pages of this collection of essays, I embarked on a thought-provoking yet delightfully humorous exploration of the medical world, and perhaps more importantly, of our own humanity.
Launer's essays serve as a window into the life and mind of a doctor. From poignant patient interactions to introspective musings on the art of medicine, this collection covers a vast range of subjects. Launer's ability to seamlessly blend medical insights with personal anecdotes and witty observations creates a tapestry that is as informative as it is entertaining.
Launer's writing style is akin to a conversation with a wise and witty friend. He effortlessly takes complex medical scenarios and distills them into relatable narratives. The essays are a testament to his mastery of language, engaging the reader from the very first sentence.
Launer's strength lies in his ability to humanize the medical profession. His essays offer a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the challenges and triumphs that doctors face, while simultaneously reminding us of our shared vulnerabilities. The balance between humor and insight is truly commendable.
If you're seeking a book that combines medical wisdom with wit, How Not to Be a Doctor is a must-read. Launer's essays resonate long after the last page is turned, inviting us to view the medical world through a compassionate and empathetic lens. So, whether you're a fellow medical professional or simply curious about the intricacies of the doctor-patient dynamic, prepare to be enlightened and entertained.
Rana Dil Nawaz.
Karachi, Pakistan.
https://ocdil.blog
Launer's essays serve as a window into the life and mind of a doctor. From poignant patient interactions to introspective musings on the art of medicine, this collection covers a vast range of subjects. Launer's ability to seamlessly blend medical insights with personal anecdotes and witty observations creates a tapestry that is as informative as it is entertaining.
Launer's writing style is akin to a conversation with a wise and witty friend. He effortlessly takes complex medical scenarios and distills them into relatable narratives. The essays are a testament to his mastery of language, engaging the reader from the very first sentence.
Launer's strength lies in his ability to humanize the medical profession. His essays offer a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the challenges and triumphs that doctors face, while simultaneously reminding us of our shared vulnerabilities. The balance between humor and insight is truly commendable.
If you're seeking a book that combines medical wisdom with wit, How Not to Be a Doctor is a must-read. Launer's essays resonate long after the last page is turned, inviting us to view the medical world through a compassionate and empathetic lens. So, whether you're a fellow medical professional or simply curious about the intricacies of the doctor-patient dynamic, prepare to be enlightened and entertained.
Rana Dil Nawaz.
Karachi, Pakistan.
https://ocdil.blog
February 5, 2025
Excellent collection of patient stories by an experienced GP; his fresh and somewhat dry writing style lends a good deal of humanity to the individual vignets; in addition the introductory remarks alone are worth your time and attention, making the book into one of my favorites:
"In a world where medicine has become mass-produced and superficial, dictated by target-driven cookbooks, pigeon-hole labels and profit, we need a healthy dose of humanity and wisdom, and a questioning of received opinion."
"Of all professions, doctors are almost invariably the most proficient at not listening."
"Lois Shawver, a Californian therapist and teacher whom I much respect, has come up with a wonderful distinction between ‘listening in order to speak’ and ‘speaking in order to listen’. When you listen in order to speak, you merely scan the words that patients are saying, looking for opportunities to dive in and tell them what is ‘really’ going on. When you speak in order to listen, you do the opposite: speaking only in order to give them more opportunities to explain their own view of the world."
"The experience that most patients have of doctors is a sensual, affective and aesthetic one. Moral and cognitive judgements may sometimes displace their consciousness of this, but they cannot obliterate it."
"Time and again, doctors have to re-learn that what patients seem to value in us is not usually technical expertise and certainly not charm. It may be the thing that we try our hardest to avoid: being ourselves."
"Like the bewildering range of produce in the supermarket, vast amounts of information may offer our patients a superficial illusion of perfect control and contentment, but in reality it signifies turning care into commodities, and communities into consumers."
"The tests were normal, there were no physical signs of anything, and the message was one of unconcerned uncertainty."
"At medical school, we are taught meticulously about the importance of asking the right questions. Yet in our subsequent careers we often forget two of the most crucial ones: ‘What do you think you’ve got?’ and ‘What would you like me to do?’ As my physician demonstrated, the art of questioning clearly needs to go beyond the dry litany of formal history-taking and should embrace the patient’s view as well. When we remember this, we nearly always save our patients many sleepless nights, and sometimes we save their lives too."
"When seeking opinions from patients for appraisal purposes, as we often do nowadays, it might be possible to include the simple question, ‘How far were you treated with wisdom, and with kindness?’"
"
"In a world where medicine has become mass-produced and superficial, dictated by target-driven cookbooks, pigeon-hole labels and profit, we need a healthy dose of humanity and wisdom, and a questioning of received opinion."
"Of all professions, doctors are almost invariably the most proficient at not listening."
"Lois Shawver, a Californian therapist and teacher whom I much respect, has come up with a wonderful distinction between ‘listening in order to speak’ and ‘speaking in order to listen’. When you listen in order to speak, you merely scan the words that patients are saying, looking for opportunities to dive in and tell them what is ‘really’ going on. When you speak in order to listen, you do the opposite: speaking only in order to give them more opportunities to explain their own view of the world."
"The experience that most patients have of doctors is a sensual, affective and aesthetic one. Moral and cognitive judgements may sometimes displace their consciousness of this, but they cannot obliterate it."
"Time and again, doctors have to re-learn that what patients seem to value in us is not usually technical expertise and certainly not charm. It may be the thing that we try our hardest to avoid: being ourselves."
"Like the bewildering range of produce in the supermarket, vast amounts of information may offer our patients a superficial illusion of perfect control and contentment, but in reality it signifies turning care into commodities, and communities into consumers."
"The tests were normal, there were no physical signs of anything, and the message was one of unconcerned uncertainty."
"At medical school, we are taught meticulously about the importance of asking the right questions. Yet in our subsequent careers we often forget two of the most crucial ones: ‘What do you think you’ve got?’ and ‘What would you like me to do?’ As my physician demonstrated, the art of questioning clearly needs to go beyond the dry litany of formal history-taking and should embrace the patient’s view as well. When we remember this, we nearly always save our patients many sleepless nights, and sometimes we save their lives too."
"When seeking opinions from patients for appraisal purposes, as we often do nowadays, it might be possible to include the simple question, ‘How far were you treated with wisdom, and with kindness?’"
"
December 11, 2020
In kurzen Aufsätzen werden Dialoge zwischen Patient und Arzt aufgeführt. Und jeder dieser Gespräche soll zeigen was man hätte besser machen können.
Manchmal vergisst man das Ärzte auch nur Menschen sind.
Einige dieser Essays waren sehr aufschlussreich, andere hingegen gar nicht und zum Teil habe ich dann die Pointe nicht verstanden.
3 Sterne.
Manchmal vergisst man das Ärzte auch nur Menschen sind.
Einige dieser Essays waren sehr aufschlussreich, andere hingegen gar nicht und zum Teil habe ich dann die Pointe nicht verstanden.
3 Sterne.
February 4, 2018
In this collection of fifty four essays John Launer explores a wide range of topics, and dilemmas, which confront doctors, and their patients, during the practice of medicine. A central theme is that doctors need to find ways of being more authentic in their interactions, to discover how to step outside the sometimes too narrow constraints of their professional personas and to learn to truly listen to what their patients are trying to communicate. His experiences, both as a GP and as a medical educator, enable him to write with authority about the complexities of what is involved in becoming a good doctor, one who listens to and respects his patients, sees them in a holistic way and involves them in the search for a diagnosis and in any subsequent treatment plans.
Whilst able to be constructively critical and challenging of the behaviour of some of his colleagues it became clear that the author fully recognises some of the pitfalls he and they face when trying to do their best in the huge, often unwieldy and increasingly bureaucratic, NHS. His reflections always felt very balanced and his respect for most of his colleagues, as well as patients, underpinned all his writing. He writes with eloquent passion, gentle humour and occasional rage, managing to combine a degree of entertainment with his role as an educator in a way which is both impressive and for me, as a former psychotherapeutic counsellor and lecturer, enviable!
In essay 42, entitled “Close Readings” he drew on his English studies, at school and university, which required students to concentrate closely on just a few lines of poetry, or a paragraph from a novel. The aim of this close and critical scrutiny was to attempt to understand not only what it was that the author was trying to communicate, but also what could be learnt from this to gain insights into life and the human condition. His belief that this approach should be an integral part of the training of medical students, and of ongoing training, is one which would surely reap dividends – for doctors and patients alike! I think that just one of the many reasons that this book has made such a profound impact on me is because each one of his essays seems to encapsulate this approach.
In his essay on “Taking Risks Seriously” he explores how occasional “courageous and effective risk-taking” with their own emotional reactions can enable doctors to engage more effectively with their patients. He believes that this used to happen more in the past, when GPs often got to know their patients over many years. However, they have become increasingly risk-averse because they are now more fearful of “lawyers, managers, commissioners and regulators” and are therefore more inclined to “follow orders”, to take refuge within strict boundaries. Through reading this collection of essays it became clear to me that John Launer is someone who is prepared to take emotional risks in his interactions because he believes passionately that relationships matter between doctors and patients and can often be an essential tool in the diagnostic process.
It is impossible to really do justice to this book without taking each and every essay and subjecting it to the “close reading” recommended by the author. However, if I were to do that I would be writing a review which would be almost as long as the book! As this isn’t possible, all I can do is implore you to get a copy and discover its powerful reflections for yourself. I know that it is one to which I will return because there is such depth in these essays, none of which is longer than four pages but each of which is thought-provoking and wise.
I also find myself wanting to suggest that, not only should it be essential reading for every single medical student, but that every qualified doctor should be required to re-read it every year in order to reflect on the wisdom, caring and respect for patients which are contained within it – and then to ensure that they incorporate these same qualities into their ongoing practice!
Whilst able to be constructively critical and challenging of the behaviour of some of his colleagues it became clear that the author fully recognises some of the pitfalls he and they face when trying to do their best in the huge, often unwieldy and increasingly bureaucratic, NHS. His reflections always felt very balanced and his respect for most of his colleagues, as well as patients, underpinned all his writing. He writes with eloquent passion, gentle humour and occasional rage, managing to combine a degree of entertainment with his role as an educator in a way which is both impressive and for me, as a former psychotherapeutic counsellor and lecturer, enviable!
In essay 42, entitled “Close Readings” he drew on his English studies, at school and university, which required students to concentrate closely on just a few lines of poetry, or a paragraph from a novel. The aim of this close and critical scrutiny was to attempt to understand not only what it was that the author was trying to communicate, but also what could be learnt from this to gain insights into life and the human condition. His belief that this approach should be an integral part of the training of medical students, and of ongoing training, is one which would surely reap dividends – for doctors and patients alike! I think that just one of the many reasons that this book has made such a profound impact on me is because each one of his essays seems to encapsulate this approach.
In his essay on “Taking Risks Seriously” he explores how occasional “courageous and effective risk-taking” with their own emotional reactions can enable doctors to engage more effectively with their patients. He believes that this used to happen more in the past, when GPs often got to know their patients over many years. However, they have become increasingly risk-averse because they are now more fearful of “lawyers, managers, commissioners and regulators” and are therefore more inclined to “follow orders”, to take refuge within strict boundaries. Through reading this collection of essays it became clear to me that John Launer is someone who is prepared to take emotional risks in his interactions because he believes passionately that relationships matter between doctors and patients and can often be an essential tool in the diagnostic process.
It is impossible to really do justice to this book without taking each and every essay and subjecting it to the “close reading” recommended by the author. However, if I were to do that I would be writing a review which would be almost as long as the book! As this isn’t possible, all I can do is implore you to get a copy and discover its powerful reflections for yourself. I know that it is one to which I will return because there is such depth in these essays, none of which is longer than four pages but each of which is thought-provoking and wise.
I also find myself wanting to suggest that, not only should it be essential reading for every single medical student, but that every qualified doctor should be required to re-read it every year in order to reflect on the wisdom, caring and respect for patients which are contained within it – and then to ensure that they incorporate these same qualities into their ongoing practice!
December 9, 2012
A good reminder for every clinician about the person as well as the client sitting across from them.
December 1, 2023
Self centred and does the one thing no good writer should do, ie does not give specific examples to back himself up. Got boring.
November 10, 2018
I believe, as Dr. Launer has demonstrated in his collection of essays and short stories, how best to perform one’s role by writing how NOT to do it rather than mere rules or recommendations of how to do it. He also did this with amazing humility and humour as a physician and educator himself.
Many times his ironic and sardonic humour contained much truth behind it - both sad and hopeful for change at the same time. It is only in recognition of the truth that we can hope to bring about change.
I also appreciated how the author demonstrated the evolution and importance of ‘Narrative Medicine’. The use of literature and listening to stories in training new physicians is shown to be critical in terms of their communication with and empathy towards patients and people in general.
An excellent read for not just physicians or future medical professionals, but for all of us as humans where communication and connection to others is vital to our survival.
Many times his ironic and sardonic humour contained much truth behind it - both sad and hopeful for change at the same time. It is only in recognition of the truth that we can hope to bring about change.
I also appreciated how the author demonstrated the evolution and importance of ‘Narrative Medicine’. The use of literature and listening to stories in training new physicians is shown to be critical in terms of their communication with and empathy towards patients and people in general.
An excellent read for not just physicians or future medical professionals, but for all of us as humans where communication and connection to others is vital to our survival.
November 21, 2025
"I'm not a clever doctor but I am a kind one."
In an industry built on human care, John Launer reminds us how easily humanity slips away when compassion becomes routine. He exposes the emotional dissonance that can emerge from hospital systems and the pressures of capitalism, when the main drivers are efficiency and output. And how TO be a good doctor, is to know when to step off the script, because no patient is ever the same and real care demands thought, presence, and compassion.
It took a while for me to adjust to the brevity of each chapter (only 5-10 pages), and although they each land on a clear takeaway, I would have rather had fewer chapters but with more development and depth.
In an industry built on human care, John Launer reminds us how easily humanity slips away when compassion becomes routine. He exposes the emotional dissonance that can emerge from hospital systems and the pressures of capitalism, when the main drivers are efficiency and output. And how TO be a good doctor, is to know when to step off the script, because no patient is ever the same and real care demands thought, presence, and compassion.
It took a while for me to adjust to the brevity of each chapter (only 5-10 pages), and although they each land on a clear takeaway, I would have rather had fewer chapters but with more development and depth.
February 10, 2019
How Not To Be A Doctor is a collection of essays by doctor, medical educator and columnist John Launer. These short reflective pieces cover an interesting range of topics from aspects of general practice, medicine, history, literature, biology and the psychology of evolution. They are thoughtful, relatable and accessible, even for non-medical readers like myself. I'd like to think my doctor and all the other clinicians I have encountered will read this and use it as a tool to guide their own reflective practice. It has certainly given me some ideas and strategies that I can apply to my own work as an educator.
November 10, 2022
I came across this book during my city exploration and browsing of a nearby bookstore - I thought what a timely encounter since I had just finished my exams for my final year of medical school!
The book is composed of several essays that covered a range of topics about medicine, not really the science but the art of this. This book made me more conscious about what happens around me during my time in placement, and to be more mindful during my time as an intern onwards.
It also encouraged me to form my own opinions on various topics, which I hope I will be able to express just as well in words.
The book is composed of several essays that covered a range of topics about medicine, not really the science but the art of this. This book made me more conscious about what happens around me during my time in placement, and to be more mindful during my time as an intern onwards.
It also encouraged me to form my own opinions on various topics, which I hope I will be able to express just as well in words.
December 29, 2024
As a non-chronological collection of essays, I think I did not do this book justice when I attempted to read it in one sitting. That being said, I thoroughly enjoyed the topics, insights, and perspective from a GP physician who has a previous experience with literature and psychology. When I set aside the time to treat this book the way I should, I intend to ask myself how I can best incorporate his lessons and strategies to become a well-rounded, personable physician (as a current medical student myself).
September 18, 2018
Meditative and enlightening
Essays of diverse topics around health, disease, medical care, health systems, mumanity, fragility, vulnerability, strenght, cognition, metacognition, self awareness. Very profound thoughts on medicine and life. I would recommend this book to every doctor and every patient.
Essays of diverse topics around health, disease, medical care, health systems, mumanity, fragility, vulnerability, strenght, cognition, metacognition, self awareness. Very profound thoughts on medicine and life. I would recommend this book to every doctor and every patient.
January 9, 2019
"Reader, I lost it." - probably my favourite quote from this book. It sums up the collective emotions/thoughts/helplessness that underline so many of my patient encounters. Several essays stood out to me simply because of how relatable they are. Thoroughly enjoyed the range of topics discussed here.
May 6, 2018
Short essays originally published in medical journals that raise questions for thought, provide guidance but not necessarily answers.
July 31, 2018
ehhhh....interesting but his tone is incredibly boring and preachy at times.
July 1, 2020
A collection of short "quippy" essays exploring the different aspects involved in the practice of medicine in modern times. It offers broad food for thought, but only enough as snacks.
March 16, 2022
I’m be sure to share with people taking this as medical pathway.
July 2, 2024
Enjoyed the stories about patient encounters. Very easy read and well written - finished the book in a day which isn’t very common for me.
Would have preferred if the stories were more related to each other (I know this isn’t necessarily the idea with a collection of short stories) and more about the author’s experience in clinical medicine.
Would have preferred if the stories were more related to each other (I know this isn’t necessarily the idea with a collection of short stories) and more about the author’s experience in clinical medicine.
July 9, 2023
***
a collection of short stories that explores the attributes that a doctor should have, particularly with their patient. He delves into what it means to be a doctor and questions the traditional way of doing things. The main theme is to encourage doctors to listen more- being authentic and respectful will help provide a more holistic care. He reflects on potential problems within NHS ( for example, the importance of having a good layout and clearly signed hospitals and the impact this has on patients visiting)
Recommendations:
+ good if you want a short book that looks at a variety of topics
+ good for personal reflections
- nature of short essays means that it doesn’t delve deep into any particular/ specific topic
***
a collection of short stories that explores the attributes that a doctor should have, particularly with their patient. He delves into what it means to be a doctor and questions the traditional way of doing things. The main theme is to encourage doctors to listen more- being authentic and respectful will help provide a more holistic care. He reflects on potential problems within NHS ( for example, the importance of having a good layout and clearly signed hospitals and the impact this has on patients visiting)
Recommendations:
+ good if you want a short book that looks at a variety of topics
+ good for personal reflections
- nature of short essays means that it doesn’t delve deep into any particular/ specific topic
***
March 23, 2019
If you want help to understand why your medic is like they are and thus get insight into handling them either when you are a patient, a friend or work with them to try and get others to improve services (That 3rd is a bit niche and may just be me) this is the book for you. Well written, easy length essays on a great range of topics.
September 2, 2019
An exquisite smorgasbord of essays, reflections and musings drawing on decades of clinical encounters and erudition. Each essay captures part of the often intangible art of practising medicine and the vocational fulfillment (and healing) that lies ahead for physicians willing to embrace their own and their patients' narratives.
July 21, 2019
Spoiled by an obsessive adherence to evolutionary ideas
There was much food for thought here, but he spoiled it with the constant references to evolution, and the myth that we come from monkeys.
There was much food for thought here, but he spoiled it with the constant references to evolution, and the myth that we come from monkeys.
Read
June 14, 2018Short interesting reads
A series of short essays written by the author over many years, some humorous, some serious, all thought provoking.
This is a great book to dip into, with essay titles that are inviting and varied. The essays are about 3 pages long, which make them perfect bedtime, or commuter, reading. Each essay gives plenty to think about, and are very readable by those with no medical training. Some of the essays have laugh out loud content, some are satirical, and some are just plain worrying about how the medical profession survive each day. All are interesting.
There are 54 chapters/essays, all clearly written, easy to read and containing a mass of thought provoking information. The author does not appear to be pushing his opinions, but rather looking to open up thought and discussion. With approximately 54 different subjects covered I am loathe to list any of the themes (a glance at the Contents Page will give you that information), but many areas of everyday life are in this book, from the choices we make to our pre-formed judgements, from difficult patients to attractive patients, from the economics of patient care to the need for kindness.
5*s from me, as there are so many thought provoking essays in here, plus humour and fun. A book to be dipped into and thought about, rather than read in one sitting. Definitely a book that I will re-read, and talk about with others.
A series of short essays written by the author over many years, some humorous, some serious, all thought provoking.
This is a great book to dip into, with essay titles that are inviting and varied. The essays are about 3 pages long, which make them perfect bedtime, or commuter, reading. Each essay gives plenty to think about, and are very readable by those with no medical training. Some of the essays have laugh out loud content, some are satirical, and some are just plain worrying about how the medical profession survive each day. All are interesting.
There are 54 chapters/essays, all clearly written, easy to read and containing a mass of thought provoking information. The author does not appear to be pushing his opinions, but rather looking to open up thought and discussion. With approximately 54 different subjects covered I am loathe to list any of the themes (a glance at the Contents Page will give you that information), but many areas of everyday life are in this book, from the choices we make to our pre-formed judgements, from difficult patients to attractive patients, from the economics of patient care to the need for kindness.
5*s from me, as there are so many thought provoking essays in here, plus humour and fun. A book to be dipped into and thought about, rather than read in one sitting. Definitely a book that I will re-read, and talk about with others.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews