📖 Overview
Undoctored is Adam Kay's latest medical memoir, following his departure from the medical profession as chronicled in his previous book This Is Going To Hurt. The narrative picks up where the last book ended, tracking Kay's transition from doctor to comedy writer and beyond.
Kay recounts episodes from his personal life and career change with his trademark mix of humor and stark honesty. His storytelling includes both professional experiences and intimate moments, creating a complete picture of life after medicine.
The memoir details Kay's path into writing and entertainment, including his work in television and his evolution as a public figure. His relationship with medicine continues to influence his perspective, even as he builds a new identity outside the profession.
Through Kay's experience, the book explores themes of identity, career change, and the lasting impact of medical training on those who leave the field. The narrative raises questions about vocation, trauma, and finding purpose beyond conventional professional paths.
👀 Reviews
Readers note this memoir offers fewer laugh-out-loud moments than Kay's previous book "This is Going to Hurt," with a more serious and reflective tone focusing on his post-medical career.
Readers appreciated:
- Raw honesty about mental health struggles
- Behind-the-scenes look at comedy writing and TV production
- Insights into why he left medicine
- Personal growth journey
Common criticisms:
- Less humorous than expected
- Repetitive content from previous book
- Some sections drag, particularly TV industry details
- Too much focus on career success
Ratings:
Goodreads: 3.9/5 (4,000+ ratings)
Amazon UK: 4.3/5 (3,800+ ratings)
Waterstones: 4/5 (200+ ratings)
Sample reader comment: "More subdued than his first book but equally important" (Goodreads)
Critical review: "Feels like reading someone's CV with added commentary" (Amazon reviewer)
The book resonates most with readers familiar with Kay's previous work or those interested in career transitions.
📚 Similar books
This is Going to Hurt by Adam Kay
An NHS doctor's raw diary entries reveal the challenging realities of hospital life through dark humor and medical emergencies.
Do No Harm by Henry Marsh A neurosurgeon shares his experiences of life-and-death decisions in brain surgery and the medical system's complexities.
When Breath Becomes Air by Paul Kalanithi A neurosurgeon's memoir chronicles his transformation from doctor to terminal cancer patient while exploring medicine's human dimensions.
The House of God by Samuel Shem A medical intern's journey through his first year of residency exposes the harsh truths and absurdities of hospital training.
Trust Me, I'm a Junior Doctor by Max Pemberton A first-year doctor's account documents the steep learning curve and daily challenges faced in Britain's National Health Service.
Do No Harm by Henry Marsh A neurosurgeon shares his experiences of life-and-death decisions in brain surgery and the medical system's complexities.
When Breath Becomes Air by Paul Kalanithi A neurosurgeon's memoir chronicles his transformation from doctor to terminal cancer patient while exploring medicine's human dimensions.
The House of God by Samuel Shem A medical intern's journey through his first year of residency exposes the harsh truths and absurdities of hospital training.
Trust Me, I'm a Junior Doctor by Max Pemberton A first-year doctor's account documents the steep learning curve and daily challenges faced in Britain's National Health Service.
🤔 Interesting facts
🩺 Adam Kay worked for six years as a doctor in Britain's National Health Service before leaving medicine to pursue a career in comedy writing and performing.
📚 The book is a sequel to Kay's previous bestseller "This Is Going to Hurt," which was adapted into a critically acclaimed BBC television series starring Ben Whishaw.
💉 During his medical career, Kay specialized in obstetrics and gynecology, affectionately known in the UK medical community as "brats and twats."
✍️ Kay wrote much of his medical experiences in diary form, jotting down notes after shifts, which later formed the backbone of both his medical memoirs.
🎭 After leaving medicine, Kay became a successful comedy writer for TV shows including "Mitchell & Webb" and "Mrs. Brown's Boys," bringing his trademark dark humor to mainstream entertainment.