Playing God

The Evolution of a Modern Surgeon

By: Anthony Youn MD, Alan Eisenstock - contributor

Narrated by: Kyle Tait

What does it mean to be a doctor?

"I am a doctor."

Every year, thousands of medical school graduates utter these four simple words. But as you will hear in Playing God, earning an MD is just the first step to becoming a real physician.

In this thrilling and moving memoir, Dr. Anthony Youn reveals that the true metamorphosis from student to doctor occurs not in medical school but in the formative years of residency training and early practice. It is only through actually saving and losing patients, taking on the medical establishment, wrestling with financial and emotional survival, and fighting for patients' lives that a young doctor becomes a mature and competent physician.

Dr. Youn takes you from the operating rooms of a university surgery residency program to the gleaming offices of top Beverly Hills plastic surgeons to opening the doors of his empty clinic as a new doctor with no money, no patients, and mountains of debt. Playing God leaves you with an unexpected answer to that profound question: "What does it mean to be a doctor?"

In Playing God, you will take a journey through the world of surgery, hospitals, and the practice of medicine unlike any that you have traveled before.

©2019 Anthony Youn, MD with Alan Eisenstock (P)2019 HighBridge, a division of Recorded Books

Saw on YouTube and decided to give it a try! Loved it

I was just looking forward to chapter after chapter! Good listen especially while I’m documenting at work or driving

Real life trials and blessing wrapped up. in one

Our calling in life. The exact place and circmstamses God has called us to be.

Beautiful person

Loved it so much. Very inspiring story of perseverance and faith. Nothing good comes easily

I’ve always looked up to Dr. Youn

The book gave me a good insight on what it can be like to be a plastic surgeon. It’s my dream job and this book has me even more fascinated with the craft

Dr. Youn- The Type of Doctor We All Want

Right off I did not care for the narration of this book, and I didn’t think I wanted to continue. However, by the end of the first chapter, I changed my mind and actually looked forward to hearing the narrator read about Dr. Youn’s beginnings as a med student, husband, and doctor. And let me say— I really enjoyed this book.

Dr. Youn is exactly the kind of doctor (or neighbor for that matter) that I would love to have. He really seems to care about his patients, takes pride is his work while staying humble, and has a great sense of humor. He is also blessed with a wonderful wife and proud parents.

If it wasn’t for living in California, I would definitely consider visiting his office to see about getting a procedure or two. I love his sense of humor.

What an amazing story

I really enjoyed this book though I felt so bad for Dr Youn in all he goes through trying to become a doctor then trying to set up a practice. I always enjoy the patient profiles and what they are needing in plastic surgery. The variety of patients Dr. Youn makes it all the more interesting. Highly recommend this book.

Wonderful book

This book was such a joy to listen to. The narrator did a great job, The writing was funny, touching, and full of Dr. Youn’s personality. The passion he has for his career, the love he has for his wife, dog, and parents is so beautiful. His commitment to his patients and his awe inspiring grace, makes me want to be a better person. I just wish his wait list wasn’t 2 years, otherwise he’d be doing my mommy makeover.

Transparent Story of Ups and Downs of MD

Playing God is about the medical training and early practiced of Dr Anthony Youn. It is well written, well performed, and an amazing story of the ups and downs of becoming a doctor and starting a private practice, including dealing with the occassional mentally unbalanced patients who have a serious self-image disorder. Dr. Youn is very transparent about his fears, hopes, struggles, and the way he prays his way through many of his procedures. It was a very short 9 hours listening to this book. I wished it would have continued to more of his current practice stories. I appreciate the vulnerability, humanity and self deprecating humor of this plastic surgeon who says though patients expect it of him, he doesn't play God and has a hard time with other doctors who do. Excellent book.

Exactly what I expected from a medical audiobook

I loved Dr. Youn’s story. There were times where it was funny. But his insights into the events that unfold is what make this book worthwhile, specially for aspiring surgeons.

Needed before surgery,aside from that? A BEST read

I did not want the book to end. Intriguing from cover to cover and just when I thought I would be able to predict something...thrown for a loop. This book was so eye opening for me, The title definitely drew me in as I have had Doctors who seemed to want the role to Doctors I will not forget reason being their kindness or the lack thereof. The rawness and openness of this book was so appreciated. Especially getting a glimpse to look through the eyes of a Doctor. As a patient I have often wondered where their thoughts were when I was speaking....he gives so many glances into that. Overall, I found this book life changing, eye opening and so well put together from beginning to end. If anyone is considering surgery of any kind, I recommend this book as a must as it provides insight and cautionary tales (as they actually happened). For those with no need for surgery but a love for a reading and even those who hate to read but need something mentally engaging for work, or a workout...this book is it. Over audio a beautifully ready and wittingly written reel of eye opening reality. Thanks Dr. A.Youn M.D.!