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Everything But the Medicine

A doctor's tale
By Lucy O'Hagan
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Brief Description
Wise, candid, brave and moving, this superbly written memoir by a New Zealand GP is reminiscent of the warm wisdom and humanity of the American physician and writer Atul Gawande. Over her long career, Dr Lucy O’Hagan has developed deep insights into the profound but often... Read More
Format: Paperback / softback
$3199
Elsewhere:
$3999
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Candid insight into the life and work of a general practitioner

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

Wise, candid, brave and moving, this superbly written memoir by a New Zealand GP is reminiscent of the warm wisdom and humanity of the American physician and writer Atul Gawande.

Over her long career, Dr Lucy O’Hagan has developed deep insights into the profound but often complex relationship between patients and doctors. Reading about her own struggle with what it means to be a truly useful doctor is both fascinating and absorbing.

From working with people living on the margins and her own burnout to her efforts to better serve her Māori patients and the humour that’s sometimes needed to get through the day, she keeps her eye on one key question: What is it to be a good doctor in this place?

Everything But the Medicine explores these themes with empathy and authenticity, offering readers an intimate look into the world of medicine and the personal challenges faced by those who practise it.

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Memorable Memoirs of Kiwi Women

Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781991309075

Publisher: Massey University Press

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 11 September 2025

Country: New Zealand

Imprint: Massey University Press

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 21.0mm

Width: 138.0mm

Height: 210.0mm

Weight: 300g

Pages: 288

Collections

2026 Auckland Writers Festival Best Sellers at Book Hero Best Selling Books Biography & Memoir Education & Reference Festival New Zealand Writers Festival Non-Fiction In Stock Books Lucy O'Hagan New Zealand and Australia Published New Zealand Biographies New Zealand Non-Fiction New Zealand Published Non-Fiction The Ockham New Zealand Book Awards 2026

About the Author

Lucy O’Hagan entered Otago Medical School in the first class to be half female and graduated in the year of the Cartwright Inquiry. She has studied the sociology, anthropology and philosophy of medicine, as well as narrative practice. She has been a rata hauora/general practitioner for over 30 years and has worked in a huge range of contexts: rural tourist town, shearing gang clinics, urban iwi-run services and free clinics for the homeless. She currently works at Oratoa Cannons Creek in East Porirua in a predominantly Māori Pasifika practice owned by Ngāti Toa Rangatira. Lucy has been mentoring GP trainees for over 20 years, including teaching consultation skills and reflective practice. She is a well-known GP writer, speaker and performer who has written plays, given addresses and performances at conferences and written a monthly column for New Zealand Doctor Rata Aotearoa since 2017. In 2024 she recorded stories and reflections she had written during the pandemic. Waiting for Covid is available on podcast platforms.

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