Card

The cards that Kay receives throughout the novel are important because they embody the theme of praise. One of Kay's primary arguments throughout This is Going to Hurt is that doctors are tremendously under-appreciated. These moments when he receives recognition from his patients is important because it not only solidifies this theme, but also counters it. As Kay tells the reader, despite the lack of praise given to doctors by the institution itself, "patients tended to get it, though" (89). He describes the cards he receives the "little fist bumps that kept me going" (89). Ultimately, cards play an important literal role in Kay's life as a doctor while simultaneously acting as symbols for his theme of appreciation.

The apartment

The apartment that Kay fails to get with H is important because it signals the end of their relationship. As the novel progresses, Kay's relationship with H begins to...