A book rather fitting for the journey I find myself entering into rather quickly – palliative care. Although I was initially taken by the title out of interest, the universe has its way of making available what is for your highest good… Ice-cream is definitely always up there and doctors are human too, you know.

I ate this book up able to relate to Bara, having supported Paediatric Burns Unit for years, and now in London burning steps through St George’s oncology wing to support my mother.

Alistair has shared a truly inspiring and insightful story of the relentless pursuit of becoming and being a doctor, and the man (albeit human) behind the stethoscope. It’s a fascinating, at times funny window into the life of a doctor and a testament to the rawness and brutality of learning to practice medicine in one of the world’s most formidable hospitals – Baragwanath in Soweto.

The toppings however are the learnings that our passions will always create connection and when we really listen we can heal ourselves and others, if not through grace, then care.

I wasn’t so sure I would get past Mr Dlamini’s bloods or any of the patients IV lines… especially the kids, but just like a jab, it was worth every word on the page.

This book most certainly gets cred if not for ice-cream for the heavy metal playlist attached!

It’s a thing and this is a must read. Thank-you.