good books

[tijames]

Does anyone know of any good books about doctors that are inspiring, give a good insight into the field, or just in general good to read before starting the medical path?

I know of Mountains Beyond Mountains.

Thanks

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[Larsitron]

Taking a study break so this list is just off the top of my head:

House of God (Not necessarily inspirational, but a good book)
Complications:A Surgeons Notes on an Imperfect Science
Once the Air Hits Your Brain
Hot Lights Cold Steel
War Hospital

That's just a short and brief list, but those are some that I've read that come to my mind in the minute or so I thought about this question.

 

[tijames]

Taking a study break so this list is just off the top of my head:

House of God (Not necessarily inspirational, but a good book)
Complications:A Surgeons Notes on an Imperfect Science
Once the Air Hits Your Brain
Hot Lights Cold Steel
War Hospital

That's just a short and brief list, but those are some that I've read that come to my mind in the minute or so I thought about this question.

Thanks a ton, I really appreciate it

 

[Azjoe]

Complications:A Surgeons Notes on an Imperfect Science

This book is excellent.

 

[brats800]

if you haven't read 'Stiff: The Curious Lives of Human Cadavers' by Mary Roach, i'd recommend it. its not exactly about doctors, but its about the uses for cadavers. it does mention the times that doctors use cadavers. i just thought it was an easy interesting read...it might make your stomach uneasy when you read about some of the uses for cadavers (depends on your stomach and how interesting you really think the topic is...) but i still think its a good read.

 

[blue2000]

Tracy Kidder's Mountains Beyond Mountains about Dr. Paul Farmer and his work in Haiti is fascinating, thought provoking and very inspiring.

 

[jmaxwell_wsu]

Cracked by Drew Pinsky. Particularly if you are a fan of the radio show Loveline or you are at all interested in addiction medicine.

 

[tijames]

Thank you all very much for the suggestions

 

[mimi1571]

Does anyone know of any good books about doctors that are inspiring, give a good insight into the field, or just in general good to read before starting the medical path?

I know of Mountains Beyond Mountains.

Thanks

MD: Doctors Talk About Themselves

It was written in the 1980s when HMOs became popular and medicine began to change. Maybe not as relevant now but a good read nonetheless.

 

[Kateroni18]

Ditto to Complications:A Surgeons Notes on an Imperfect Science (Gawande) and Stiff (Roach)...GREAT books!

 

[lulubean]

Two profoundly great reads that I think every aspiring physician should read. Both are very very very eye-opening. Both of these books will talk about aspects of medicine you will not hear very much about in med school

"The Spirit Catches You and You Fall Down" by Anne Fadiman
great book about a Hmong girl who has epilepsy and the medical care she receives. really demonstrates how much a clash between cultures can affect the quality of patient care.

"Powerful Medicines" by Jerry Avorn
A must-read about prescription drugs, how prescribing practices are shaped by pharmaceutical companies, and what physicians need to know to provide the best care for their patients.

 

[tijames]

Thanks for the suggestions everyone

 

[acf11]

Sinclair Lewis' "Arrowsmith" is a great "coming of age" story about a medical doctor who also has a deep passion for research; he is pressured from various forces in society to persue one profession over the other. I thought it was fascinating and think it might be relevant, especially for MD/PhD prospectives.

 

[KidDr]

Does anyone know of any good books about doctors that are inspiring, give a good insight into the field, or just in general good to read before starting the medical path?

I know of Mountains Beyond Mountains.

Thanks

I also reiterate the recommendations for Mountains Beyond Mountains, Complications: A Surgeon's Notes on an Imperfect Science, and The Spirit Catches You and You Fall Down. All are great reads!!

And I'd add a few more of my favorites:
The Gift of Pain by Paul Brand
Aids and Accusation by Paul Farmer
Pathologies of Power by Paul Farmer