Structure

This is Going to Hurt is structured by Kay's progression in the hospital ranks. The book is structured in chronological order, beginning during his time as a house officer and then progressing through his positions as a senior house officer, registrar and eventually senior registrar. These positions are defined by his changes in posts. The chapters are then structured by his diary entries during his time at each position. By using past diary entries, Kay gives the reader a valuable perspective. This structure allows for him to be both reflective and realistic, as the written entries consist of his thoughts during the time he spent as a doctor and also provide important reflections on his personal and professional life in retrospect. At the beginning of each of chapter, Kay writes from a reflective perspective, ruminating on his difficulties and thoughts during this particular point in his life...