These are some reference books and other stories that many physicians have said helped inform how they view the world.
The House of God – Samuel Shem – a semi-autobiographic retelling of physician internship in 1970’s Boston. Many terms such as “turf” and “buff” and “discharge to Heaven” that are used among today’s clinicians have this as the source material.
The Emperor of All Maladies: A Biography of Cancer – Siddhartha Mukerjhee, MD – The “story” of cancer.
Mountains Beyond Mountains – Paul Farmer, MD – a discussion about health inequity and how preventative medicine can work even in the most challenging environments. Recounts Dr. Farmer’s early days working in Haiti with Partners in Health.
Medical Apartheid: The Dark History of Medical Experimentation on Black Americans from Colonial Times to the Present – Harriet Washington – a stark description the history of how the Medical community has been complicit in unequal treatment between white and black people and how many aspects persist today.
NOTE: If you would like to purchase any of these (or really any book) I ask you consider going to your local, privately owned book store before you buy on-line or patronize a retail book-seller. Remember that most libraries have these and might have eBook versions.
Buffalo Based Independent bookseller links:
DR JOSHUA USEN 