On Call

On Call by Ineke Meredith delves deep into the life and challenges faced by a Kiwi female general surgeon. This captivating memoir brings to light the stark realities of the operating theatre and the profound personal sacrifices demanded by a career in medicine.

The world of surgery is strange, messy, and intense. Meredith's candid narrative takes readers through her extraordinary encounters, from a man presenting with fishhooks in his stomach to the harrowing experience of being punched by a patient. With emergency operations occurring in the early hours of the morning and the frustrating reality of being mistaken for a nurse, Meredith's determination and resilience shine through. Yet, amidst the chaos, there are moments of laughter, camaraderie, and deep tenderness.

As her parents in Samoa fall ill, Ineke finds herself torn between her roles as a dedicated surgeon, a loving daughter, and a single working mother. This struggle prompts a soul-searching question: Are the immense sacrifices of donning the scrubs truly worth it? The memoir masterfully explores this internal conflict, offering readers an intimate look at the personal cost of her profession.

This is an extraordinary memoir from inside the operating room about the heart it takes to survive. On Call is ruthlessly honest and viscerally beautiful, providing not just a recount of incidents but a deep insight into the emotional and physical toll of being a surgeon. Meredith's story is one of bravery, dedication, and the unwavering human spirit.

"Ruthlessly honest and viscerally beautiful. The book I wish I had read as a medical student." - Emma Espiner