This is an inside story of one man’s unfortunate experience at the hands of the (British) General Medical Council. it was the misfortune of Mr Shankar Kashyap, eminent consultant surgeon, to become the victim of the GMC’s own disciplinary processes.

With extensive use of the transcripts of the various hearings Mr Kashyap takes us from the point where life is good for him and his family. He has become an acknowledged expert in his particular specialism of hip replacements. He works hard and productively, bringing new efficiencies to his hospital and is in demand worldwide for lectures and demonstrations. His family are happy and settled.
The initial notice of complaint against him was a shock, but nothing happened for two years. Thereafter things rapidly deteriorate as he and his team of advisors battle to deal with the allegations against him. In a ridiculously long drawn out and expensive process it appears that the various assessors and panellists assigned to his case have prejudged his guilt. The charges are patently trumped up and minor but those in charge of Mr Kashyap’s destiny seem determined to ignore the mounting evidence in his favour. Meanwhile his career and life generally nosedive and he becomes understandably depressed. It takes, astonishingly, six years to determine the case and I won’t spoil the ending.

This is a fascinating read, even for someone who dropped Biology like a stone at the earliest opportunity at school. For medical practitioners and students it will shock and astonish. Although it is maybe overlong the author has a flowing and engaging style that draws one along relentlessly.

One big minus point though. I’m afraid there is little evidence of proof-reading after the half-way point. The text is dripping with poor punctuation, typos, misuse of capitalisation and mis-spelling. I would recommend that the Kindle edition is thoroughly overhauled in this regard, as well as any future print edition if applicable.

But in summary the author exacts his revenge with words as sharp and clinical as his instruments and I wish him every future success in both his chosen career and his writing.