John Lawrence

Playing Doctor; Part One John Lawrence

This heartfelt, hilarious, self-deprecating and candid memoir of stumbling through medical school, takes readers along for the journey of medical school. John's transformation, from an uncertain liberal-arts student into a medical doctor, keeps the pages turning due to his entertaining, unique, and tongue-in cheek storytelling. From the challenge of being accepted into medical school; to memorizing human anatomy using ribald mnemonic devices; to delivering babies, John recounts what really goes on behind clinic doors.




As if medical school was not challenging enough, John survived two traumatic brain injuries right before medical school started, leaving him exhausted, and without much short term memory. Memory and an ability to stay awake are two qualities you might value in medical school. Anyone who has experienced imposter syndrome, the idea that you are a complete fish out a water, or who does not belong, will appreciate John's humor and vulnerability describing not fitting in too well to the academic and professional environment.



Pre-med students might wish an early look into what life might be like training to be a doctor. Anyone who has experienced being treated by a doctor will enjoy seeing the reality of the medical system and how medical professionals are educated.