Huge thanks go out to the three medical students at Imperial College who took time out from their busy lives to read and write reviews for Under The Skin: Marianne Gazet, Chang Kim and Timothy Cheng. Read on to see what they thought. Additional thanks go to Prof. Jonathan Weber, Dean, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, for making this happen.
[1]
I really enjoyed reading Under the Skin, with all the different aspects of the book and the storytelling style of the author.
I really enjoyed following the author in his journey, as he takes us back to his youth- as a medical student myself it was fascinating to hear about how medical school was organised in the late 70s! The author goes on to describe his journey to finding the right specialty for him, like a search that leads him to finding the perfect mix of research and positive impact on patients with dermatology.
One of the most interesting aspects of the book for me was hearing the author’s analysis of the issues in the way the NHS services are organised and how he goes on to restructure dermatology services in North Wales. The observational and problem solving skills are really inspiring for me as a future young doctor.
I really enjoyed the different Dermatology cases spread out throughout the book like mini chapters- focusing on the people aspect not just treating the disease. Throughout the book the author also includes portraits and stories of different Doctors and Nurses who had a big impact on the history of medicine and the health system in the UK and how they inspired him and impacted his way of thinking and researching- I love learning about the history of medicine and so these were really great for me! These little asides gave much dynamism to the book and made it even more interesting and enjoyable to read!
- Marianne Gazet
[2]
I was delighted to have come across this elegantly written book by Dr Anstey, which had me enthralled until the very last page. The book has you going back and forth through different periods of time, each linking flawlessly with the previous, and he does a great job at encapsulating each and every case, creating a vivid image in your mind, with the words used to describe the scenes being easy to absorb and understand. His style of writing clearly highlights his insight and wisdom on the imperfections in our healthcare system, and “Under the Skin” was an honest piece of writing filled with inspirational anecdotes and excerpts which leave you longing and reflecting on each of the topics covered.
As a newly graduated doctor, this book has definitely changed the way that I think about the NHS, ac-centuating its current problems, and potential solutions, and how I should carry on my practice. This is easily one of the strongest book recommendations that I would make, regardless of whether you have a medical background or not, and I will for sure be reading through it many more times.
- Chang Kim
[3]
Alex Anstey’s “Under the Skin” is a deeply personal book detailing the struggles and triumphs of his work in the NHS. His own story is interspersed by accounts of past influential medical figures, such as Betsi Cadwaladr and Julian Tudor-Hart, describing how their values and methods have become foundational to modern healthcare. The result of this is an impactful and emotionally poignant read.
Dr. Anstey’s achievements not only as a clinician, but as a manager, writer, researcher and teacher are remarkable and his writing vividly describes the day-to-day experiences in these roles, from running clinics, leading multidisciplinary teams, to attending conferences and award ceremonies. The qualities required to excel in these duties shine through his writing but are all underpinned by a strong duty and empathy towards others, principally, patients and their experiences in the healthcare system. These considerations eventually led to a reorganisation of local dermatology services in North Wales, extraordinary in its transformation of patient care and its cost-neutral, practical and intuitive design. Furthermore, Dr. Anstey has also ventured out of his comfort zone, employing innovative computing-based models to simulate referral pathways and patient flow in clinics to great effect. Any professional will consider how much more they could accomplish within their own areas of expertise with a similar perspective and mindset.
Aside from narration, Dr. Anstey provides a valuable update on the state of the NHS, highlighting its diminishing performance and ability to care for the most socioeconomically vulnerable. The book highlights the need for prudent, strategic leadership and innovation, similar to what Dr. Anstey has achieved, in order to remain effective. Despite this, the NHS remains a unique and remarkable institution and the success of its recent COVID-19 vaccination programme prove its resilience.
This book will firstly be greatly enjoyed by medical students and junior doctors, who will no doubt find his own experiences and achievements in these stages immediately relatable and a source of valuable wisdom. It should also lead to more imaginative ambitions for future careers. However, anyone who is interested in becoming a better leader, teacher and communicator will also find this a source of inspiration. Finally, the book’s discussion of a large array of skin conditions, such as acne, vitiligo and porphyria will appeal to those with an interest in the medical sciences. Short clinical vignettes throughout the book remind the reader of the devastating personal impact of these conditions and what doctors can (and cannot) do to help.
- Timothy Cheng
Alex Anstey 