Prescription: Ice Cream: A Doctor’s Journey to Discover What Matters

A paediatrician’s inspiring journey of finding meaning amidst chaos and addiction In 2018, palliative paediatrician Alastair McAlpine shared the profound wisdom of his young patients, revealing what they enjoyed most in life and what gave it meaning. Their simple yet insightful responses touched millions worldwide. But McAlpine’s own journey was far from easy, as he struggled with addiction, a grueling internship, and the deadly HIV pandemic that threatened to derail his path. Prescription: Ice Cream is McAlpine’s engaging memoir, chronicling the highs and lows of working as a medical doctor in South Africa. With the help of metal music and ice cream, he persevered, finding purpose in the chaos and inspiring others along the way. This poignant account offers a glimpse into the challenges and rewards of paediatric medicine, and the resilience required to overcome personal and professional obstacles.