[citation needed] Growing up in New Zealand, McKay was raised by religious parents who taught to never question a doctor's opinion and frequently used prayer when dealing with medical issues.

He caused a minor controversy in his home country of New Zealand when he publicly denounced former All Black Sonny Bill Williams for his use of hijama cupping.

[22][23][24][25] An article written in Skeptical Inquirer, Susan Gerbic reviews McKay's book Fake Medicine: Exposing the Wellness Crazes, Cons and Quacks Costing Us Our Health.

During his teenage years, McKay had a medical condition which hurt his backside, causing him to go to the doctor, then a physiotherapist and an osteopath.

Throughout the book, McKay discusses the phenomenon of Dr. Google, which he says has positives and negatives with patients trying to diagnose themselves, and a variety of alternative treatments including vitamins, cupping therapy, and naturopathy.

McKay uses real-life experiences adding a touch of personal history to lead readers along the diagnoses ending with the problems science communicators face with such as media pushing a false balance.