Adam Kay

Adam Kay is a British comedy writer, author, and former medical doctor whose sharp, darkly humorous writing has captivated millions. He achieved massive international success in 2017 with the publication of This Is Going to Hurt: Secret Diaries of a Junior Doctor, a bestselling memoir detailing his grueling, chaotic, and emotionally draining experiences working in the UK’s National Health Service (NHS).

Kay studied medicine at Imperial College London and worked as a doctor specializing in obstetrics and gynecology for several years. In 2010, following a traumatic incident on the ward, he left the medical profession and pivoted to a career in comedy and writing. He initially gained traction performing musical comedy before his diaries were published to widespread critical acclaim.

This Is Going to Hurt was a cultural phenomenon, translated into dozens of languages and adapted into a hit television series starring Ben Whishaw. Kay is celebrated for his ability to blend laugh-out-loud medical anecdotes with fierce, heartbreaking critiques of the healthcare system. He has since published follow-up books, including Twas the Nightshift Before Christmas and Undoctored, cementing his place as a leading comedic voice.