The Real Doctor Will See You Shortly

Nervously I approached this book. How many times have I been burned by my anticipated hopes for a memoir by someone with an intriguing point of view who turns out to have few storytelling skills?

Eagerly, let me assure you, Matt McCarthy can write. Whew. One hurdle. And he has a great story, that first year as a doctor. Whew. Second hurdle. And we're in the race.

I read on and on, watching from the sidelines as our doctor, who is expected to leave college and be ready to handle every health condition with speed and knowledge, fumbles the ball and punts the ball and throws incomplete passes. It's all so unexpected and, apparently, normal, that it leaves you wondering how anyone survives even a short stay in the hospital. It's so refreshingly frank, as well, that you know every day this young doctor is getting a college education in the care of patients, and you are glad.

Loved this read.