If the mountains of information medical school has provided haven’t dampened your interest in reading for pleasure, this column is for you. Even if you don’t feel like you can read another word, sometimes a motivational reminder from a therapist/writer, through creative storytelling or reflection, can be impactful and rejuvenating, reminding us of our purpose. And it helps to be reminded of the personal motivation for going into therapy. ,
Below are brief reviews of five medically relevant non-fiction books that are moving, scientific and relevant to growth and development as a physician in training.
1. ‘The Song of the Cell: An Exploration of Medicine and the New Human’ by Siddhartha Mukherjee, MD
I always found it fascinating when a professor moved away from the scientific details to share stories of seminal discoveries and relevant historical data. Such stories form the entirety of this incredible anthology of scientific history. Fueled by fascinating anecdotes and insights that undoubtedly required countless hours of rigorous research and historical data gathering, Dr. Mukherjee reveals the stories of the most important discoveries in cell biology.
“The Song of the Cell” describes how our knowledge of the structural and functional unit of the body has changed over time. As I read, I marveled again and again at Dr. Mukherjee’s ability to frame scenes from history in exquisitely compelling ways. In addition, woven into major timeline events are the stories of his patients, research and discoveries, including his own triumphs and failures. The final chapters demonstrate how far we have come in our understanding of cell biology, but we are still honest about the depth and breadth of the answers.
2. ‘Heart: A History’ by Sandeep Johar, MD
No matter what field of medicine you are interested in, the anatomy, physiology, and pathology of the heart are fundamental concepts for all physicians to know. “Heart: A History” takes the reader on a fascinating journey into the world of cardiology, covering unique cases, profound conditions, scientific breakthroughs, acts of legislation and social movements. It also includes the author’s own journey as a patient of Coronary Artery Disease.
Dr. Johar’s writing is concise but engaging. A cardiology program director at Long Island Jewish Medical Center, he pairs metaphorical, contemplative prose with the passages he teaches with clinical clarity.
“The heart in disease is best understood as a complex pump,” writes Dr. Johar. “It all depends on the pressure difference.”
Dr. Johar provides fascinating insight into key developments in cardiology, intravascular procedures, transplants, and advances in heart failure treatment. He describes the rapidly changing science and technology related to cardiology as “swept by the steady beat of the heart.”
“The Heart: A History,” will undoubtedly interest and capture the mind and heart of every medical student.
3. ‘The Price We Pay: What Broke American Health Care – And How to Fix It’ by Marty Makari, MD
As a surgical oncologist, researcher and professor of surgery at Johns Hopkins University, Dr. Makari was interested in understanding the problems facing the American health care system. Dr. Makari writes about his experience traveling across America to discuss why health care has become a bubble, with one in five Americans having medical debt in collections.
“The Price We Pay” paints a vivid picture of the drug business and its elusive money schemes, which he protests must be changed.
In an angry indictment of the American health care system, Dr. Makari describes the harmful effects that the high prices charged by hospitals to patients have. He cites a study that found “half of patients with metastatic breast cancer in the United States are being pursued by a collection agency for medical bills.”
4. ‘Physician Leadership: The 11 Skills Every Doctor Needs to Be an Effective Leader’ by Karen Nichols, DO
We always hear that physicians are supposed to be leaders, but what does that really mean in daily practice? Written by Karen Nichols, DO, renowned physician leader and past president of the AOA, “Physician Leadership” is an important book. I have had the opportunity to meet and listen to Dr. Nichols. He is a powerful leader. The book outlines 11 true principles of physician leadership with examples from real-world situations and scenarios.
As Dr. Nichols says, “You’ll learn the fundamental leadership essentials that every practitioner needs to master to transform themselves from a highly motivated novice leader to an effective, efficient, and productive leader.”
5. ‘Critical Conversations: Tools for Talking When the Stakes Are High’ by Kerry Patterson, Joseph Greaney, Al Switzler and Ron McMillan
“Important Conversations” is an important book for all professionals, but especially medical trainees. It draws our attention to the defining moments that shape our lives, relationships, and world. It provides practical advice and real-world examples that demonstrate how to enhance your ability to handle difficult interpersonal situations. It trains the reader to prepare for high-stakes situations, turn anger and hurt feelings into powerful dialogue, make it safe to talk about almost anything, and be persuasive, not abrasive. .
In medicine, the stakes are always high. Indeed, we are in the profession of illness and health, and we cannot take this lightly. I have found the tools in this book helpful and powerful in my interpersonal interactions among peers, other health care professionals, and patients.
Source- thedo.osteopathic.org