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Salvatore Iaquinta
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The Year THEY Tried to Kill Me: Surviving a surgical internship...even if the patients don't Kindle Edition

by Salvatore Iaquinta (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.5 out of 5 stars 1,395 ratings
"The only people who think you are a doctor are you and your mom.”

Not exactly the warm welcome naive Wisconsin med school graduate Sal Iaquinta is expecting after moving to urban Oakland, California, for his first year of surgical residency. Now all this new doctor has to look forward to is somehow surviving the next 365 days of drug-addicted patients, sleep deprivation, brutal work hours, and even more brutal staff surgeons while also trying desperately to hang onto his humanity...not to mention his girlfriend back home. But as hard as They try to kill him by crushing his spirit along with his compassion, the one thing his superiors can't do is stop the clock. And it's just started to tick.

For brand-new doctor Sal Iaquinta, the only way out of his intern year is the same way he gone in: one patient, one day at a time.
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  1. Print length
    415 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publication date
    September 29, 2012
  4. File size
    4.0 MB
  5. Page Flip
    Enabled
  6. Word Wise
    Enabled
  7. Enhanced typesetting
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Editorial Reviews

Review

"Iaquinta's book helped me relive my own surgical residency from 30 years ago, but this time I could laugh and smile about it because of the humorous self-deprecation he eloquently injects into the raw reality of universally intense, serious episodes of real-life surgical events. One need not be a physician or surgeon to enjoy his book. In fact, everyone can be thoroughly entertained by his true-life diary, in which he shares his experiences with circumspection and sensitivity, not typical of the public's perception of surgeons."
Peter Bretan, MD, FACS - Marin Medicine (Spring 2013)

About the Author

    Salvatore Iaquinta is a part-time author and full time surgeon in the San Francisco Bay Area. After spending years of his life looking for the ultimate joke, he discovered that the joke is life itself. He now lives by the motto "Laughter is the best medicine, but surgery is a close second." It's working; some of his patients will attest that his operative technique is laughable.     All right, I can't talk about myself in the third-person. I love making things. Anything. Whether it is creating a way to reconstruct a disfiguring wound, sewing a dog toy, or designing a puzzle, I am constantly making something. I wrote a daily comic strip for the University of Madison's "Badger Herald". I've had two excerpts of my book "The Year They Tried to Kill Me: Surviving a surgical internship even if the patient's don't" published. One of which, "What am I Doing Here?", won an award in a physician's writing contest. My original goal for "The Year They Tried to Kill Me" was to tell people what it takes to become a surgeon. The gritty stories would scare students from becoming surgeons. But somewhere along the way I realized I just wanted to write a story to amuse people; a glimpse behind the scenes that lets them know their stoic doctor is actually human...a fallible human.

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B009IS06YU
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ PCP - Purely Chaotic Publishing (September 29, 2012)
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ September 29, 2012
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 4.0 MB
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 415 pages
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.5 out of 5 stars 1,395 ratings

About the author

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Salvatore Iaquinta

Salvatore Iaquinta

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Salvatore Iaquinta is a part-time author and full time surgeon in the San Francisco Bay Area. After spending years of his life looking for the ultimate joke, he discovered that the joke is life itself. He now lives by the motto "Laughter is the best medicine, but surgery is a close second."

Alright, I can't talk about myself in the third-person.

I love making things. Anything. Whether it is creating a way to reconstruct a disfiguring wound, sewing a dog toy, or designing a puzzle, I am constantly making something. And for this moment in time it is books (yes, more on the way).

My original goal for "The Year They Tried to Kill Me" was to tell people what it takes to become a surgeon. The gritty stories would scare students from becoming surgeons. But somewhere along the way I realized I just wanted to write a story to amuse people; a glimpse behind the scenes that lets them know their stoic doctor is actually human...a fallible human.

Enjoy!

Customer reviews

4.5 out of 5 stars
1,395 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the book humorous, with stories that make them laugh out loud, and appreciate its fast-paced readability. Moreover, the writing style is clear and well-developed, and customers value its authenticity and factual nature. Additionally, the book provides insight into medical residency, with one customer noting it reveals how surgeons learn, while others praise its compassionate approach to patients.

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174 customers mention "Humor"174 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the book's humor, finding it an amusing read with stories that made them laugh out loud.

"...There's a good balance of humor, information and storytelling. None of the highhandedness or woe is me that is so common in similar books...." Read more

"44 year seasoned RN here. I thought the book was quite realistic and entertaining based on my experiences in the hospital back in the day...." Read more

"...Dr. Iaquinta's book was a great read, well written, and very engaging...." Read more

"...Written with both the cool honesty and subtle humor that characterize his bedside manner, Dr. Iaquinta does a great job in documenting the..." Read more

158 customers mention "Readability"158 positive0 negative

Customers find the book enjoyable and interesting to read, with one customer noting how it kept their interest throughout.

"...That's my definition of a very good book, one that you enjoyed while reading and that you continue to enjoy long after you've finished reading...." Read more

"...humor that characterize his bedside manner, Dr. Iaquinta does a great job in documenting the struggles of his internship year in general surgery at..." Read more

"...It was never uninteresting to me, not to mention it was quite funny at times, and the only reason I give it 4 out of 5 stars is because I don't feel..." Read more

"...All in all, this was a pretty good book. I could have given this four stars, but I went with three because there were a lot of editing problems." Read more

123 customers mention "Insight"123 positive0 negative

Customers find the book insightful, with one review describing it as an informative romp through intern year of medical residency that provides highly understandable medical information.

"...There's a good balance of humor, information and storytelling. None of the highhandedness or woe is me that is so common in similar books...." Read more

"...This is a must read for budding medical students as well as patients who want to have some insight into the day to day reality that is medical care..." Read more

"...to his life than his career choice, and that's what gives it depth and intrigue...." Read more

"...The author tells some funny stories, and many of his patient stories were quite interesting...." Read more

100 customers mention "Writing style"95 positive5 negative

Customers praise the book's writing style, noting its clarity and good grammar, with one customer highlighting the author's natural voice.

"...There's a good balance of humor, information and storytelling. None of the highhandedness or woe is me that is so common in similar books...." Read more

"44 year seasoned RN here. I thought the book was quite realistic and entertaining based on my experiences in the hospital back in the day...." Read more

"...Dr. Iaquinta's book was a great read, well written, and very engaging...." Read more

"...It's clear from his writing that he makes every effort to be compassionate even when he can barely put one foot in front of the other...." Read more

31 customers mention "Authenticity"31 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the authenticity of the book, describing it as truthful and bluntly honest.

"...Yes, but it was so much more than that. Written with both the cool honesty and subtle humor that characterize his bedside manner, Dr. Iaquinta..." Read more

"...I also enjoyed his apparent honesty, spare nothing for the truth, in situations that could be considered too gross to describe and/or not the most..." Read more

"...Bluntly honest, usually at the author's expense, it is a revealing and sometimes scary look at our strange medical system...." Read more

"...this book was less than a good story, well written, well edited, and honest. Keep writing , Sal, and I'll keep reading...." Read more

19 customers mention "Character development"19 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the character development in the book, noting the fascinating and compassionate portrayal of patients, with one review highlighting how the author's personality informs the storytelling.

"Written with humor and his patient good nature showing through, this is now the third book about medical training in my top three, along with House..." Read more

"...this is a fun read with a sense of honesty you seldom find in such a serious profession. I laughed, I cried and I enjoyed the ride...." Read more

"...He was very compassionate with most patients, but every once in a while he seemed less than sympathetic to certain kinds of patients...." Read more

"...The author seems like a kind and caring Doctor, though, and if he would write another book, I would certainly read it." Read more

18 customers mention "Look"18 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the book's honest and insightful approach, with one review noting how it provides a good picture of surgical residency, while another describes it as a brutally honest look at the medical field.

"...Not my usual genre, but a very interesting look inside a new doctor's internship...." Read more

"...Doctors earn every dime they make. Sacrifice, stamina, seeing awful things, delivering devastating news, working without sleep to save a life...." Read more

"...All told a frightening and at times a very funny look at what it takes to become a surgeon. By an observant and talented writer/doctor." Read more

"...It was a quick-read, humorous, informative, at times disgusting, but I couldn't put it down!!! Well done and cudos to you!!!" Read more

12 customers mention "Pacing"9 positive3 negative

Customers appreciate the book's pacing, describing it as fast-paced.

"...This is a quick, easy-to-read account of the difficulties of a first year resident, or intern, and gives a good picture of the long hours, and..." Read more

"...This book is a quick and entertaining read. Highly recommend :)" Read more

"...I whipped through it fast, as it held my attention throughout. There were some incredible episodes involving this young physician-in-training!..." Read more

"This is a fast paced book with a nice balance of humor and medical detail. It left me looking for other books by this author." Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • Thomas K. Parrent
    5.0 out of 5 stars One of the best of the doctor in training genre
    Reviewed in the United States on January 16, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    I've read quite a few of this type of book and this one did not disappoint. There's a good balance of humor, information and storytelling. None of the highhandedness or woe is me that is so common in similar books. I'll read another from Dr. Sal.
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  • Edwin Wickman
    4.0 out of 5 stars Good read made me smile many times
    Reviewed in the United States on August 22, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    44 year seasoned RN here. I thought the book was quite realistic and entertaining based on my experiences in the hospital back in the day. Sounds pretty accurate reminiscent of conversations with my surgeon and physician friends. Your tips on becoming a good surgeon number 19 – make friends with the nurses should be number one.
    No explanation needed with that one. Overall, it kept me up for 2 nights reading it till the end.
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  • Mari
    5.0 out of 5 stars KEEP WRITING, DR. SAL
    Reviewed in the United States on March 15, 2013
    Verified Purchase
    I have been meaning to review this outstanding book for some time and I now find that the book has stayed with me for a few months. That's my definition of a very good book, one that you enjoyed while reading and that you continue to enjoy long after you've finished reading. As one who fears hospitals and doctors, I began watching "Grey's Anatomy" to quell my "heebie-jeebies" about things medical. I became so addicted to the show that I no longer have to hide my eyes during (most of) the gory bits. Dr. Iaquinta's book was a great read, well written, and very engaging. Coming on top of my self-medication of "Grey's Anatomy", he has taken me to a never before level of curiosity about medicine and especially surgery. And, as curiosity conquers fear, thank you Dr. Iaquinta for helping to conquer mine. I'll think of you and your quirky sense of humor the next time I have to go to the hospital. Dr. Iaquinta clearly is a Renaissance man and if the medicine thing gets old, he definitely has a career in writing. It does boggle the mind, however, that he survived the struggles of internship, carried on a long-distance relationship, and wrote a book. Good on ye as the Irish say. I must confess that I have actually had the privilege of knowing Dr. Sal when he was but a boy and I'm delighted to read that he hasn't lost a bit of his off-center humor which always cracked me up. Yes, he's all that and now I see he's even more than all that! Keep cutting but don't stop writing!
    3 people found this helpful
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  • Ahmet A
    5.0 out of 5 stars The man behind the curtain...
    Reviewed in the United States on November 22, 2012
    Verified Purchase
    Salvatore Iaquinta, MD isn't just the author of this book. He's also one of the doctors who has been instrumental in saving my life. Did that make this book a must read? Yes, but it was so much more than that. Written with both the cool honesty and subtle humor that characterize his bedside manner, Dr. Iaquinta does a great job in documenting the struggles of his internship year in general surgery at a county hospital in Oakland, CA. Unlike so many other memoirs of this type, he doesn't pull any punches when talking about his tribulations or his triumphs. I have always appreciated his confident manner and great surgical skill. I've also been lucky enough to learn first hand a little bit about his interests outside of medicine. Now, I feel I've gotten a more complete picture of how he came to be the terrific doctor he is. This is a must read for budding medical students as well as patients who want to have some insight into the day to day reality that is medical care in the US. It's not "ER," "Scrubs," or "House." It's much more engaging and entertaining.
    One person found this helpful
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  • Freds Mom
    5.0 out of 5 stars One of the three best books about medicine I've ever read.
    Reviewed in the United States on July 5, 2020
    Verified Purchase
    Written with humor and his patient good nature showing through, this is now the third book about medical training in my top three, along with House of God by Samuel Shem and Critical Care by Richard Dooling. Dr. Iaquinta talks about the insane working hours he has to put in, but he never seems to lose his enthusiasm for medicine. It's clear from his writing that he makes every effort to be compassionate even when he can barely put one foot in front of the other. He manages to write about his experiences realistically and clearly. He never whines (at least in the book) about difficult patients or nurses or his lack of sleep. He writes about those things, but he never comes off as a slacker or a whiner. I hope to see this book much more widely distributed, and I'm waiting with bated breath for his next book!
    2 people found this helpful
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  • gigirl
    4.0 out of 5 stars Great book
    Reviewed in the United States on February 23, 2014
    Verified Purchase
    I almost skimmed past this book when looking for something new to read because I thought the cover was unappealing. However, the great reviews allowed me to pause and download the sample. Once I did, I was hooked and purchased it and have no regrets about that decision. I loved this book.

    I have to disagree with those who said he spent too much focus on his relationship with his girlfriend. It was a well-rounded story that showed us that there is more to his life than his career choice, and that's what gives it depth and intrigue. It was never uninteresting to me, not to mention it was quite funny at times, and the only reason I give it 4 out of 5 stars is because I don't feel it was properly edited. As one example, I'm pretty sure Ears, Nose, and Tennis (p. 205) isn't a real specialty. There were several other simple errors that any editor should have picked up on. But the story itself was definitely worth 5 stars.

    If he ever decides to write again, I'll be the first in line to read it. Thanks for a great read!
    4 people found this helpful
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  • Ja1
    5.0 out of 5 stars Brilliant
    Reviewed in the United States on March 16, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    Oh my:) this is a fun read with a sense of honesty you seldom find in such a serious profession. I laughed, I cried and I enjoyed the ride. I hope this review encourages more people to read this gem. God speed Dr. Iaquinta
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Top reviews from other countries

  • allllllie
    5.0 out of 5 stars A delight
    Reviewed in Australia on January 4, 2021
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    I devoured this in 24 hours. An enjoyable and entertaining read in the light of a heavy topic
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  • VINAY KULKARNI
    5.0 out of 5 stars SO GOOD! ENTIRELY RELATYABLE
    Reviewed in India on May 2, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    Amazing book, picked up my spirits. Very inspiring, the humour is damn good. Looking forward for my general surgery residency.
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  • Amazon Customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars Brilliant
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on December 10, 2014
    Verified Purchase
    Most of these books either try to focus on the funny or the tragic or the philosophical this book covers them all incredibly well written and balanced
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  • Caroline Duffy
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great read
    Reviewed in Canada on August 30, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    Really enjoyed this book. I enjoy reading the personal experiences of interns and their trials and tribulations. I liked the informality, made it kind of feel like I was talking with a friend.
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  • Amazon Customer
    4.0 out of 5 stars Great read.
    Reviewed in Australia on December 17, 2018
    Verified Purchase
    You don't have to be a medical person to enjoy the travails of a surgical intern. I'd love to know what happened next !
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