Russell Tregonning finished his fifty-year career in medicine as one of New Zealand's leading orthopaedic surgeons and as a Senior Clinical Lecturer at the Otago School of Medicine.
This memoir takes the reader through his journey from medical student to orthopaedic surgeon – from introducing pioneering techniques in reconstructive surgery, to personal struggles with depression, medical mishaps, run-ins with senior surgeons, and sexism in the workplace. It is a fascinating look behind the façade of one of the most respected of professions.
"This is the best kind of memoir. It is very honest, including talking about mental health troubles. It doesn't skip the controversial bits, including outrageous bullying of women and junior staff by some senior surgeons. And it's interesting, taking readers into the operating theatre and describing the remarkable daily job of sawing and hammering people's bones." — Nicky Hager
"This book is a fascinating insight into a facet of life where very few venture. Russell lays bare his frailties, his fears, his triumphs and vision. He is gloriously self-effacing, happy to concede he didn't always get it right and fearlessly outlines his thoughts on the medical profession and medical politics. A great read." — Grant Nisbett
