10 Inspiring Memoirs Recommended by Doctors | AMA
- The demands and complexities of a career in medicine are well-known, but gaining a deeper understanding of the lived experiences of physicians can be profoundly insightful for both...
- The AMA’s “Shadow Me” Specialty Series aims to offer direct advice from physicians about their respective fields, and these memoir recommendations serve as a complementary resource for those...
- Devang Sanghavi, a critical care medicine specialist, recommends this memoir as a “must-read for all medical students.” The book details Dr.
The demands and complexities of a career in medicine are well-known, but gaining a deeper understanding of the lived experiences of physicians can be profoundly insightful for both those entering the field and those already practicing. A recent compilation by the American Medical Association (AMA) highlights ten memoirs offering a unique window into the challenges, rewards and deeply human aspects of medical life. Published , the list, curated from recommendations within the AMA’s “Shadow Me” Specialty Series, provides a diverse range of perspectives from physicians across various specialties.
The AMA’s “Shadow Me” Specialty Series aims to offer direct advice from physicians about their respective fields, and these memoir recommendations serve as a complementary resource for those seeking a broader understanding of the profession. The selected books delve into themes of mortality, hope, illness, and the intricate doctor-patient relationship.
In Shock: My Journey from Death to Recovery and the Redemptive Power of Hope
By Rana Awdish, MD
Dr. Devang Sanghavi, a critical care medicine specialist, recommends this memoir as a “must-read for all medical students.” The book details Dr. Awdish’s personal experience as an intensivist who faced a life-threatening medical event during pregnancy and the subsequent complications she endured. Sanghavi emphasizes the book’s powerful portrayal of hope, a critical element in both patient care and the resilience of medical professionals.
Final Exam: A Surgeon’s Reflections on Mortality
By Pauline W. Chen, MD
Cardiothoracic surgeon Jennifer Abelson, MD, highlights the importance of this memoir in acknowledging the often-overlooked aspect of death in surgical practice. “We all enter the surgical specialties thinking about the impact we will have when we save a life, but we rarely consider how much death is also a part of our work,” she notes. This book offers a crucial perspective on the emotional and philosophical challenges inherent in a career focused on life and death.
Anatomy of an Illness as Perceived by the Patient: Reflections on Healing and Regeneration
By Norman Cousins
Diana Ramos, MD, an ob-gyn, recommends this book as “an outstanding reminder that we are all humans, and medicine is an art and a privilege to provide.” It underscores the importance of recognizing the patient’s perspective and the holistic nature of healing.
Brain on Fire: My Month of Madness
By Susannah Cahalan
Scott Koepsell, MD, a pathologist, recommends this book for those in transfusion medicine. The author recounts her experience with a neurological disease treated with an apheresis blood procedure, offering a unique case study and insight into the diagnostic process.
Unquiet Mind: A Memoir of Moods and Madness
By Kay Jamison, PhD
Lisa MacLean, MD, a psychiatrist with Henry Ford Health, praises this memoir as a testament to the possibility of success and stability even with a diagnosis of bipolar disorder. She describes it as “an easy read” that provides valuable insight into mental health.
When Breath Becomes Air
By Paul Kalanithi, MD
This posthumously published memoir, recommended by multiple physicians including Michelle Puzdrakiewicz, MD, a pediatric hospitalist with Ochsner Health, and Omar T. Atiq, MD, a medical oncologist, is lauded for its profound reflections on life, death, and the priorities that emerge when facing a terminal illness. Atiq describes it as encapsulating “life, its triumph and fragility.” Gerald R. Callas, MD, an anesthesiologist, adds that it “really puts life in perspective as a medical student and physician.” Walter Park, MD, a gastroenterologist, notes that it helps one “appreciate the joy of practicing medicine, as well as the unpredictability and fragility of the gift of life.”
What Matters in Medicine: Lessons from a Life in Primary Care
By David Loxtercamp, MD
Christopher Garofalo, MD, a family physician, recommends this book for its insights into the history and practice of primary care, noting that Dr. Loxtercamp is a “gifted author” who uses anecdotes from his practice to illustrate key concepts.
Black Man in a White Coat: A Doctor’s Reflections on Race and Medicine
By Damon Tweedy, MD
Sheila Rege, MD, a radiation oncologist, highlights this book’s exploration of the doctor-patient relationship, emphasizing the importance of trust and the sacred bond between physician and patient.
When the Air Hits Your Brain
By Frank Vertosick, MD
Nitin Agarwal, MD, a neurosurgeon, suggests that exploring memoirs like this can be “inspiring” for those considering a career in medicine.
Exhale: Hope, Healing and a Life in Transplant
By David Weill, MD
Nigel Girgrah, MD, PhD, a transplant hepatologist with Ochsner Health, recommends this book for its honest portrayal of the challenges faced by transplant physicians, including the risk of burnout. He notes that the author, Dr. Weill, is a colleague and friend.
The AMA also provides additional reading recommendations, including eight great books hand-picked by doctors and five fantastic novels recommended by doctors. For medical students navigating specialty selection, the AMA Specialty Guide, powered by FREIDA™, the AMA Residency & Fellowship Database®, offers comprehensive information and resources.