Medical school is full of unique experiences, excitement, and hard work. In order to fulfill the rigorous course requirements, complete assignments on time, and perform well during clinical rotations, students need to work hard to stay competitive. In order to succeed in medical school, prospective students are required to gain in-depth insights into medical ethics and the lives of patients and doctors.
If you are an aspiring medical school student or about to start your medical school journey, here is a list of eight books that will better prepare you for the plunge. The list covers everything from anatomy to physiology, physiology, and biochemistry to medical students’ stories, residents and clinical rotations.
- When Breath Becomes Air
It is an extraordinary memoir by a young neurosurgeon Paul Kalanithi who was diagnosed with stage IV lung cancer. In this book, Paul Kalanithi shares his story and beautifully explained a remarkable perspective on how to live happily in the face of terminal illness. It is an excellent read for aspiring medical school students that guides them on how to create a strong relationship with patients.
- Clinically Oriented Anatomy
Clinically Oriented Anatomy authored by Keith L. Moore, Arthur F. Dalley, and Anne M. R. Agur, is the best option for basic sciences students that greatly help them to improve their anatomical concepts. In this book, you will find detailed topics of anatomy related to the practice of medicine, dentistry and physical therapy. The best part of this book is that the improved artwork that makes it extremely easy for readers to understand the anatomical structures.
- Intern: A Doctor’s Initiation
This book is a good read for clinical sciences students, residents and interns that guides them on how to become an excellent physician. Sandeep Jauhar is a cardiologist who painted his own story of a medical intern when he was trying hard to become a doctor in his training year. He explained how he took care of his patients and what hurdles he faced during his rigorous training.
- First Aid for the Psychiatry Clerkship
If you are one of those medical students who is thinking to pursue a career in psychiatry, then you must read this book. The book is authored by Latha Ganti, Matthew S. Kaufman, Sean M. Blitzstein that gives you a clear picture of psychiatry rotation and in-detailed information you need to perform well on the clerkship exam. In this book, you will find exam tips, ward tips, and prepare you how to deal with complex cases. To put in a nutshell, the best-selling book mainly focuses on all the important concepts of the physiatry clerkship and exam.
- BRS Pediatrics (Board Review Series)
If you are thinking to become a pediatrician, then you should read this book written by Lloyd J. Brown MD, Dr. Ryan J. Coller MD MPH FAAP, Lee Todd Miller MD FAAP. The book features more than 400 board-style questions with complete answers and detailed explanations. BRS Pediatrics provides you with complete information and tips required to become successful in your pediatric rotations, shelf exams, USMLE Step 2. You will find a comprehensive overview of general and subspecialty pediatrics, complete details of the essentials of pediatrics in the table format, short descriptions, a comprehensive exam to prepare you for the clerkship exam.
- Physiology by Linda S. Costanzo
Physiology is the most important subject that every prospective medical student should start learning before starting medical school. Having a strong physiology background is important to excel in USMLE Step 1. The book written by Linda S. Costanzo is a great read for those who want to strengthen the core physiological concepts at the organ and cellular level. It is a perfect combination of physiology textbook and review guide for the USMLE Step 1 that provides you with important physiology knowledge required to ensure success in medical school and on your exams.
- Lange Biochemistry and Genetics Flash Cards (LANGE FlashCards)
It is authored by Suzanne J. Baron and Christoph I. Lee, a perfect option to read for basic sciences students that prepare them for USMLE Step 1. The book has more than 150 flashcards that give you complete details of biochemistry and genetics courses and USMLE preparation. Lange Flashcards is a perfect learning tool that includes concise and complete coverage of all major principles and methods. You will also find important details of different diseases and important clinical procedures and treatment.
- First Aid for the Basic Sciences, General Principles
The book authored by Tao Le, Kendall Krause, provides you with a key understanding of the basic science principles every medical school student should be acquainted with. First Aid for the Basic Sciences, General Principles includes full-color images, learning aids, and tables that help you excel the basic coursework. It also explains the concept related to anatomy, embryology, behavioral science, microbiology, pharmacology and other important courses every first-year medical school student supposed to take.
These are some books for medical students well worth the read if you are in medical school or planning to attend in near future.
