Have you been wanting to read but find yourself too busy? Finding time to read can be beneficial to your mental and physical health. You can read while traveling or even make the time right before bed. We’ve compiled a list of the best books for physicians to help you unwind and give your mind a break!
books for physicians
Informational Books for Physicians
The White Coat Investor: A Doctor’s Guide to Personal Finance
By James M. Dahle, M.D.
The author of this helpful financial guide, James M. Dahle, is a practicing emergency physician. The book touches on the financial struggle of medical students, residents, physicians, and other medical specialties. Dahle has created a guide for physicians to learn basic financial skills and information. Also, he provides information on personal finance, investing, insurance, asset protection, and even estate planning. You can purchase the book here.
How Not to Die: Discover the Food Scientifically Proven to Prevent and Reverse Disease
By Michael Greger, M.D. FACLM and Gene Stone
Dr. Greger’s book is a must-read on nutrition and diet. He and Gene Stone outline the foods to eat and avoid in order to live a healthy life. He has a high level of authority and entertainingly conveys his research. Not only will you learn about your own nutrition, but you will also learn valuable information to pass on to your patients. The book is available for purchase here.
Attending: Medicine, Mindfulness, and Humanity
By Ronald Epstein, M.D.
This book focuses on mindfulness, specifically in the medical setting. Dr. Epstein outlines the ways in which a doctor can be the best version of him/herself. He believes the way to be a great doctor is through mindfulness. Additionally, Epstein portrays mindfulness as the key factor in a successful medical career. He uses personal stories to show how mindfulness can play a role in medicine. You can find the book here.
The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks
By Rebecca Skloot
Skloot tells the amazing and true story of a woman whose cells were taken without her knowledge. These cells led to the development of the polio vaccine. Henrietta Lacks was a poor black tobacco farmer whose cells have been bought and sold many times over. However, her family has not had any compensation from these transactions. Though the story is gripping, Skloot’s book is a work of nonfiction and provides helpful information about medical laws and race in medicine. You can purchase the book here.
Entertaining Books for Physicians
Change Agent
By Daniel Suarez
The year of the story is 2045. In this future, genetic editing is common. The main character is genetically transformed into his most-wanted suspect. The character then has to navigate the “genetic underworld” in order to restore his original DNA. In the age of genetic technology, this novel is especially relevant. Suarez explores themes of evolution, genetic modification, and genetic ownership. You can find the novel here.
When Breath Becomes Air
By Paul Kalanithi
Although this book is technically a nonfiction memoir, it is very engaging. Kalanithi was a practicing neurosurgeon who was then diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer. In this memoir, Kalanithi details his life from a medical student to a neurosurgeon and then to a patient. He poses questions about the human experience and mortality. Kalanithi tells his story from the perspective of both a doctor and a patient. You can purchase the book here.
Cutting for Stone
By Abraham Verghese
Verghese, a doctor and professor, is also known for writing novels and memoirs. This particular novel follows twin brothers who are separated at birth. They were born to a nun and a surgeon and have a shared interest in medicine that draws them together. The novel focuses on family, medicine, and also political revolution. You can find the book here.
Now that you know the best books for physicians, you can start reading! When better to read than traveling to a new and exciting destination? Browse our great travel assignments and find the perfect setting to read and work!
