Inspired by ten giants of healthcare and social policy, consultant dermatologist Alex Anstey tells how he and his team transformed NHS dermatology services. In Under the Skin, Anstey explains why these ten individuals are so important, highlighting how their mammoth contributions still resonate in the post-Covid era. And ultimately, how these ten forbearers helped to create an institution which defines Britain to this day. This insider’s story of the realities of front-line NHS clinical services during ten years of underfunding takes the reader on a fast-moving and emotional journey of discovery; from despondency to hope and towards a better understanding of the NHS, and emphasises the need to nurture and support those who dedicate their lives to this great institution.
This is an outstanding reflection on prevailing attitudes and possible solutions to the systemic failures of the NHS. It is also a great read: engaging, fast paced and based around multiple short true-life stories.
from the Foreword, by Dr Julia Schofield and Professor Andrew Finlay
Case Studies
In more than 30 short case studies, one at the top of each chapter, I try to give an impression of (a) development as a medic over the years, and (b) a glimpse at the context for how the health care terrain has changed over this period.
Influencers
Becoming a doctor
“Two key groups for whom this book is intended is secondary school students thinking of a career in medicine, and also for medical students. The numbers are huge. 36 medical schools in the UK, with up to 300 students in each year. Only about 1 in 6 of 6th formers thinking about medicine end up with a place at medical school. Many end up doing a science or pharmacy or humanities degree first, and then try again for graduate entry. There are lots of books which tell them how to get into medical school, but very few that describe what a career in medicine is really like.
Adam Kaye’s book and TV series “This is going to hurt” has been an amazing success. It describes events from 2006, but is sufficiently contemporary too have captured the public’s imagination. It is a profoundly sad story, brilliantly told. The other book I love is Rachel Clarke’s Breath Taking. Another profoundly sad book, but a brilliant snap shot of the NHS during the pandemic. Neither of these two books cover a whole career in medicine.
It feels like the debate about the NHS is hotting up. I hope that my book is well-timed to be part of this on-going discussion. From within the NHS I never hear anything complimentary about the government and the way that they are dealing with healthcare. This is sure to be one of the main topics of debate at the next election.”
‘I’ve got you under my skin. I’ve got you deep in the heart of me. So deep in my heart that you’re really a part of me. I’ve got you under my skin’
Cole Porter, as sung by Frank Sinatra
Alex Anstey 