Playing Doctor; Part One

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.

John Lawrence was born in New York, grew up England, and attended Georgetown University where he did not take a single pre-med class; in fact, he told his career advisor that the only thing he did not want to be was a doctor. He subsequently survived medical school and residency training at the University of Utah. John was not the typical medical student, sneaking out of the hospital whilst on-call to audition for television shows in order to pay the rent; writing film scripts, and overcoming a nagging imposter syndrome. John has been a river rafting guide, ski race coach, bagel baker, screenwriter, film director, expedition doctor climbing Kilimanjaro with his close friend, Olympic Hall of Fame athlete, Chris Waddell, (when Chris became the first paraplegic to summit Kilimanjaro un-assisted). John worked as a doctor for 20 years in both traditional western medicine and functional medicine. He enjoys biking, skiing, cooking and watching films with friends and family.