The Best Books about Medical School, Internship, and Residency
The motivation to pursue medicine varies widely and is often fueled by personal experiences, altruistic values, and influence from mentors. Here is a list of some of the best books to get interested in medicine and medical school. Inspirational books for the aspiring doctor or pre-medicine/pre-med student.
The Best Books about Medical School
Med School Confidential — Robert H. Miller And Daniel M. Bissell, M.D.
Comprehensive guide on the medical school process — from applications, through pre-clinical and clinical years.
White Coat: Becoming a Doctor at Harvard Medical School — Ellen L. Rothman, M.D.
Covers Dr. Rothman’s 4 years as a medical student at Harvard and her personal transformationn
The Soul Of A Doctor — Susan Pories, M.D., Sachin H. Jain, And Gordon Harper, M.D.
A number of essays by medical students that dive into the humanist aspects of medicine as well as personal formative experiences.
Becoming a Doctor: A Journey of Initiation in Medical School — Melvin Konner, MD
A wonderful introduction to medical school (more specifically, third year of medical school) as the author navigates the different third year rotations. Konner, who was an anthropologist prior to pursuing medicine, provides an unique viewpoint on medical school as well as a global critique on the changing humanity in medicine.
A Not Entirely Benign Procedure: Four Years as a Medical Student — Perri Klass, MD
Dr. Klass, a pediatrician, recounts her time as a medical student (during which time she was also a first time mother).
The Best Books about Internship and Medical & Surgical Residency
The Intern Blues — Robert Marion, MD
Dr. Marion asked three pediatric interns to keep diaries during their intern year. This book tells stories from their intern year…some funny and many deeply harrowing.
Intern: A Doctor’s Initiation — Sandeep Jauhar, MD
Dr. Jauhar kept a journal during his intern year in internal medicine; this eventually became compiled into Intern. He eventually became a cardiologist.
When Breath Becomes Air — Paul Kalanithi, MD
Published posthumosly, Dr. Kalanithi discusses life as a neurosurgery resident and his fight against metastatic lung cancer.
Blue Collar, Blue Scrubs: The Making of a Surgeon — Michael J. Collins, MD
Construction worker turned general surgeon, Dr. Collins covers his journey to medical school and surgery residency.
A medical correspondant, Mr. Holz follows a number of surgical residents to make comparisons with the hit TV show.
Author of a hit blog and medical comic series, ScutMonkey, Dr. Au goes into her education and how she became an anesthesiologist. Witty and fun.