This Is Going to Hurt by Adam Kay offers a compelling, humorous, and often brutally honest look into the life of a junior doctor in the NHS. Reviewers praise its wit and raw authenticity but note it can be emotionally overwhelming. Some feel the humor occasionally undercuts the gravity of the stories. Overall, it’s a poignant, engaging read with a strong human touch.

Readers who relish medical memoirs with a blend of humor and heart will enjoy This Is Going to Hurt by Adam Kay. Fans of Paul Kalanithi’s When Breath Becomes Air and Atul Gawande’s Being Mortal will appreciate Kay’s candid, witty anecdotes as a former junior doctor in the NHS.

This Is Going to Hurt by Adam Kay recounts Kay's experiences as a junior doctor in the UK. Through diary entries, it offers insights into the challenges faced by healthcare professionals, highlighting their dedication, the emotional toll, and the systemic issues within the National Health Service (NHS).

- This is Going to Hurt was adapted into a BBC television series in 2022, with Ben Whishaw playing the role of Adam Kay.
- The book provides a candid look at the challenges faced by junior doctors in the UK's National Health Service, based on Adam Kay's real-life experiences during his medical career.
- Adam Kay, before becoming a bestselling author, was originally a writer and performer for a musical comedy group called Amateur Transplants.

Humorous / Informative / Emotional / Challenging / Bittersweet

**Adam Kay**  
The author and central figure of the memoir, a former junior doctor with the NHS, whose diary entries provide a candid and often humorous look at the challenges and sacrifices involved in practicing medicine.

**H**  
Kay’s partner, who is portrayed as supportive and understanding despite the strain that Kay’s medical career places on their relationship.

**Ron**  
Kay’s best friend, a non-medic whose life path contrasts with Kay’s demanding career, highlighting the different experiences and opportunities outside the medical field.

**Simon**  
The younger brother of one of Kay’s friends, who relies on Kay for informal counseling, illustrating the extension of Kay’s role as a doctor beyond the workplace.

**Prof. Carrow**  
A self-important consultant in the NHS, representing the hierarchy and inequalities within the medical system, often avoiding the day-to-day stresses faced by junior staff.

Adam Kay

Adult

Autobiography / Memoir

Nonfiction

Guide

Study Guide

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Overview

Get ready to explore This Is Going to Hurt and its meaning. Our full analysis and study guide provides an even deeper dive with character analysis and quotes explained to help you discover the complexity and beauty of this book.

This Is Going to Hurt Summary and Study Guide

Background

This Is Going to Hurt Background

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Introduction-Chapter 2

This Is Going to Hurt Introduction-Chapter 2 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 3-4

This Is Going to Hurt Chapters 3-4 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 5-6

This Is Going to Hurt Chapters 5-6 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 7-8

This Is Going to Hurt Chapters 7-8 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 9-10

This Is Going to Hurt Chapters 9-10 Summary & Analysis

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Key Figures

This Is Going to Hurt Key Figures

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Themes

This Is Going to Hurt Themes

Symbols & Motifs

This Is Going to Hurt Symbols & Motifs

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Important Quotes

This Is Going to Hurt Important Quotes

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Essay Topics

This Is Going to Hurt Essay Topics

This Is Going to Hurt: Secret Diaries of a Junior Doctor

Before You Read

Reviews & Readership

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Who Should Read This Is Going to Hurt?

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