Hi Everyone, people always ask me what to use to prepare for medical school. So here are a list of books I used to prepare for my interviews when I applied for Medicine and Graduate Entry Medicine. My highly recommended books are:
When Breath Becomes Air – Paul Kalanithi
Easily the most beautiful, soulful, heartwarming and heart-wrenching book about medicine and life as a doctor that I have ever read. That’s it, I don’t want to spoil it for you but all I want to say is read this book, whether you want to become a doctor or not, just read this book.
- UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/1784701998?ie=UTF8
- US: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/081298840X?ie=UTF8
Dr Ben Carson
Yes I know, he is now affiliated with Trump, has been making terrible decisions in recent years etc, etc. I agree, but that truly does not change the fact that his books, changed my life. At the time, he was the first real Black Surgeon, I had personally ever heard of or seen, he had struggled through school just like me, and most importantly, was the first person to make me truly believe that I could become the great doctor of my dreams, just from his words and his story. He made me realise the importance of representation (even though he seems to have forgotten it himself now). So I still highly recommend these books, to anyone wanting to study medicine, and unsure of whether or not they can do it/have a lot of barriers to overcome. Sidenote, I was also able to flex in front of a neurosurgeon by explaining what a hemispherectomy is, and I learned about it in the book, 12 years ago,
Gifted Hands:
- UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/031073830X?ie=UTF8
- US: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0310214696?ie=UTF8
Think Big
- UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/0310343364?ie=UTF8
- US: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0310343364?ie=UTF8
Dr Oliver Sacks
All of Dr Oliver Sacks books, are timeless, fascinating, inspiring and motivating notes on the complexities of neurological disorders, and living with them. You will definitely learn a lot about neurology from reading these books (definitely enough to impress a neurologist, if you ever run into one) and if you are looking for something different and quite honestly mind-blowing, anything by Dr Oliver Sacks will do.
- The Man Who Mistook His Wife For A Hat: And Other Clinical Tales (My favourite)
- Musicophilia: Tales of Music and the Brain, Revised and Expanded Edition
- Everything in Its Place: First Loves and Last Tales
- Gratitude
- Hallucinations:
- Awakenings
- An Anthropologist On Mars: Seven Paradoxical Tales
- Migraine
- Seeing Voices
- The Mind’s Eye
Dr Atul Gawande
Dr Atul Gawande is an American Surgeon and Public Health Professional, and I will always credit him as the first person to really bring to my attention the importance of Public Health and effective health systems, when it comes to population and Individual. In both developed and developing countries. He set me on the path to learn more and maybe he can do the same for you too.
- Being Mortal
- Complications
- Better
This is going to Hurt – Adam Kay
After Atul Gawande, you will definitely need the light, humorous, dark and sometimes terrifying account of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, and life as a trainee doctor that Adam Kay provides. I really enjoyed this book, and while I read it when I had already gotten into medical school, I definitely think it provides a realistic and accurate account of life as a doctor, for anyone applying. Plus it will definitely make you laugh.
- UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/1509858636?ie=UTF8
- US: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1509858636?ie=UTF8
I hope you enjoyed the post, and if you want more resources on medicine, check out my website, http://www.medicalambitions.com
Peace and Love,
Raven
callansmama
These are interesting. I will have to add some to my Amazon wishlist.
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thetoptentraveler
Great list, thanks for sharing
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CA
This is a very timely post for those who wants to become part of the medical field. We have now realized just how important our Health Care Institutions are. I once dreamed of becoming a doctor before, but I was just 7. And when I turned 8, I wanted to become a lawyer. But I am none of those now. Haha!
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mischievouswordsbymartaazra
Great books for new medical students. Thanks for the recommendations.
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ravens odyssey
Thanks for commenting!
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ravens odyssey
Ha yes i can definitely relate. I wanted to be a magician when i was 7. No regrets now lol. Thanks for commenting!
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littlemisadvencha
I think these are all great books. From what I see, they are on the topic mindfulness. Being in the medical field is no easy job. One must be wholly prepared before diving in! Thanks for these recommendations.
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ravens odyssey
Thanks for commenting!
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Franze Garcia
These books are incredible. I willl definitely recommend these books to my friends who are attending med school.
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ravens odyssey
Thank you and Thanks for commenting!
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Franze Garcia
I remembered that few of my friends are in med school. I would really love to recommend this set of books which are all incredible.
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blair villanueva
These are an awesome list of books! The world needs more medical professionals to make our world a better place to live.
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ravens odyssey
Definitely agree. Thank you for your comment!
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Harman Awal
I shared this post with one of my friend who wants to get into a med school. Thanks for writing!
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ravens odyssey
Thanks for commenting!
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missmvmaria
I love reading and is one of my favourite things that brings me joy. Speaking of medical education, I cannot even think of how complex must be these books.
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Chantal Gray
These are a great list of books. I love to read. The books that caught my eye was Awakening, Mind’s eye and Gifted hands. Awesome resource!!!!🤗
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Ramil Hinolan
Studying to become a medical practitioner requires so much time. May these books will help medical students realize that being in the profession of caring the health of our people is not easy.
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Ramil Hinolan
Studying to become a medical practitioner requires so much time. These are great books that medical students should consider reading.
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Louise Smith
Being in the medical field is no easy feat – I’m sure these books would go a long way to helping people wanting to work in it 🙂
Louise x
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Kenny Ngo
This must be so helpful for incoming med students. Bless you.
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Stephbwalya
My boyfriend is in his 5th year,even though he is almost done I’m sure he wouldn’t mind having more books.i’ll definitely purchase one.
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Farah Faz
I am definitely sending this to a few friends studying to becoming doctors… thank you for this. I am sure it will help them alot.
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Ashley J Newton
Oh yes! I have a few friends that would greatly appreciate this list!
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Lavern Moore
This is an excellent resource guide full of book recommendations for medical students. I see a few that pique my interest!
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brianmayroam
I’ve heard great things about BEING MORTAL. Good luck with your future plans!
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Bailey Deziel
These all seem like excellent resources!
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Elizabeth O
I think it’s always a great idea to read widely so I look for books in other fields too. I’ve read Dr. Ben Carson’s books and recently read an excellent book by Dr. Larry Brilliant on the eradication of small pox which was a pandemic in the 40s-50s. It was truly fascinating and you might enjoy it too.
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ravens odyssey
Thank you for the recommendation. I will definitely check it out
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Maeve Alejandro
Hi! thank you so much for this list!!!
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ravens odyssey
I am glad you liked it!
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