Becoming a doctor requires a deep understanding of medicine, but it also demands strong communication skills, empathy, and ethics. Here are five books that can provide valuable insights to aspiring doctors:
- When Breath Becomes Air by Paul Kalanithi: Written by a neurosurgeon who was diagnosed with terminal lung cancer, this memoir reflects on the meaning of life, mortality, and the human experience. It offers insights into the doctor-patient relationship and the challenges faced by both parties in the face of serious illness.
- The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot: This book tells the story of Henrietta Lacks, whose cells were unknowingly harvested and used for scientific research, leading to significant medical advancements. This book raises questions about consent, ethics, and the impact of medical research on individuals and communities.
- Unnatural causes by Dr Richard Shepherd: Dr Richard Shepherd writes that he became a forensic pathologist to be “a seeker of the truth”. Within his memoir, Shepherd seeks to understand and manage “the awful collision between the silent, unfeeling dead and the immensity of feeling they generate in the living”.
- Being Mortal: Medicine and What Matters in the End by Atul Gawande: A practicing surgeon and writer explores the complexities of aging, death, and end-of-life care in this thought-provoking book. It challenges traditional medical approaches and encourages doctors to consider the quality of life and the desires of patients when making medical decisions.
- The Spirit Catches You and You Fall Down by Anne Fadiman: This book tells the true story of a Hmong child with epilepsy and the cultural clash between her family’s beliefs and the American medical system. It offers valuable insights into the importance of cultural competence, empathy, and effective communication in healthcare.