Over the past few years, doctor and medical shows have become more plentiful. Showtime has The Knick, then you have Grey’s Anatomy, ER and everything else. A Young Doctor’s Notebook is unlike any of those shows. It links more closely to The Knick, due to the emphasis on drug abuse. Still, the show is its own beast and delivers in terms of humor and drama. If you’re looking for a romance, you won’t find it here. I just finished watching the first season and the show lacks any romantic inclinations whatsoever. This is quite refreshing.

 

Instead, you get the story of a Young Doctor (Daniel Radcliffe), which is somewhat told by his older self (Jon Hamm). The pair take us on somewhat of an adventure. The young doctor graduates from one of the best Russian medical universities and is sent to a small Russian village, where he takes up work, at a somewhat primitive hospital. When he arrives there, he meets a cast of characters, including Pelageya (Rosie Cavaliero) and The Feldsher (Adam Godley). These awkward individuals become the doctor’s co-workers.

 

Despite graduating with exceptional grades, the Young Doctor is incompetent. The drama, which unfolds is pieced together from Mikhail Bulgakov’s A Young Doctor’s Notebook. With his older self guiding him along the way, the young doctor is fragile and weak, despite his astounding university education. As the series goes on, the doctor spirals out of control, longs to escape from him torment and eventually develops a morphine addiction, which impacts his older self, as well.

Throughout his tormented stay, the doctor is belittled and ridiculed, by his inability to live up to the great abilities of the previous doctor Leopold Leopoldovitch (Christopher Godwin). Although Leopold is barely shown, his presence is felt through the doctor’s constant humiliation and failure. Once the doctor has his triumph, he quickly succumbs to his morphine addiction and tragically leads himself deeper into trouble. Although the doctor’s name is never mentioned, the book refers to him as Dr. Vladmir Bomgard.

Will the doctor be able to prevent the massive spread of syphilis? Or, will his chain smoking and drug abuse bring about his downfall?

A Young Doctor’s Notebook Review

Overall, I enjoyed the show, although it isn’t nearly long enough. The comedy isn’t overly dramatic and hits all of the right spots. Of course, you’ve got to listen carefully or you might miss some of the sarcastic humor. Despite the black comedy feel to the show, it is full of drama and relatable experiences. The freshly graduated professional, who lacks the experience to excel, is likely very realistic in today’s society. Without hands-on experience, book smarts and good grades seem fruitless.

Also, the show’s take on drug abuse is excellent. On that note, it seems to present somewhat more a meaningful presentation than The Knick. Either way, both shows are excellent and A Young Doctor’s Notebook is definitely worth a glance. Both seasons are on Netflix now, if you’re looking for a quick binge watch and some good laughs. An 8 out of 10 is deserved.