Books for aspiring medics

[AlexaShutUp]

DD (currently year 11) has set her heart on becoming a doctor. I want to get her some books that she can read to give her a bit more of an insight into the profession, but having been an artsy-humanities type myself, I don't really know where to start. Does anyone have any suggestions of good books that would be accessible to a bright and motivated 15yo? I'm looking for books that aren't textbook-like but will hopefully enable to deepen her current understanding of what medicine involves. (She is looking to do work experience next year and knows that this is important.)

I think she would be interested in any generic books about the medical profession and/or science books with a medical slant. She is especially interested in going into pediatrics, but has also wondered about psychiatry, geriatrics and oncology. She definitely doesn't want to be a surgeon or a GP at this stage, though of course, any of that may change! She is also really interested in medical ethics (stem cell research etc) and in the history of medicine.

Any recommendations from all you knowledgeable people? TIA

My DD enjoyed War Doctor, When Breath Becomes Air, Admissions, Do No Harm, The Language of Kindness and from a different perspective This is Going to Hurt

Seconding Do No Harm, fantastic book.

The Emperor of All Maladies is a fantastic read about cancer

Oh, thank you for all the suggestions - will look these up!

Next time you are in London pop into the bookshop at the Wellcome Institute near Euston/Kings Cross, assuming bookshops are open . A really good collection of popular medecibe books. Good cafe and exhibitions as well.

Thank you Needmoresleep, that's a good tip. Avoiding London at the moment but Kings Cross area is perfect when we do go, so we will definitely plan in a visit.

Yes Do No Harm is excellent.

The Children Act by Ian McKewan is a novel, but it revolves round interesting and at times complex medical ethics.

There's also a website that does what you want on the tin

www.theaspiringmedics.co.uk/medicine-extra-reading-books

Oh thank you, Aspermylastemail, another really good tip.

This is going to hurt by Adam Kay

I have a similar daughter and I'm an arty clueless person. She has requested "This is going to Hurt", but I've read quite a few reviews that mention his misogyny and that he makes disparaging remarks about midwives. I don't really feel inclined to buy it, has anyone here read it?

Do No Harm and the Adam Kay books

@SusannaSpider

I have a similar daughter and I'm an arty clueless person. She has requested "This is going to Hurt", but I've read quite a few reviews that mention his misogyny and that he makes disparaging remarks about midwives. I don't really feel inclined to buy it, has anyone here read it?

Yes, I have, and I although I found it hilarious and poignant and very interesting, the inherent misogyny left a bad taste in my mouth. As its so inherent and therefore more subtle than overt at times, I'd personally think twice about suggesting it to a teenage girl unless I could be damn sure that she could spot internalised misogyny at a thousand paces. With his comic and excellent writing style, it would be easy to laugh at his tale of the pompous but in his eyes ridiculous mother who he pegs as a Mumsnetter for example (and that's a real example); it takes more sophistication /wisdom of thought to think, hang on.

Dear Life by Rachel Clarke maybe? I haven't read it but everything I have read has been suggested.

It's just occurred to me that the best option all round would be for you to both read it and then you could discuss afterwards, with you pointing out where you thought it was misogynistic (if you do, obviously). I think I'll do that with my own child.

My last comment was to @SusannaSpider about This Is Going To Hurt.

Oh and instead of paying for it, see if you can get it at the library. Covid permitting, obviously.

The Adam Kay book really is a case of ‘well he’s gay so he must be ok’ but it’s terribly misogynistic. Possibly no more than medic culture is. I don’t know. It was funny and I wanted it to be ok, but he is definitely in the category of ‘I was helping women so I couldn’t possibly be an oppressor, jeez lighten up ladies!’ The worst sort really, the violence is in perpetuating the system.

Aside from that it’ll definitely put a future medic off. But maybe that’s no bad thing because working conditions for Jr drs sound absolutely abusive.

If she’s interested in the history of medicine I’d suggest the butchering art.

I dislike Adam Kay. I found him sneering, arrogant and patronising. And yes, misogynistic.

@Needmoresleep

Next time you are in London pop into the bookshop at the Wellcome Institute near Euston/Kings Cross, assuming bookshops are open . A really good collection of popular medecibe books. Good cafe and exhibitions as well.

That's a great suggestion. Fantastic book - gift shop.

Mine loved NeuroTribes: The Legacy of Autism and the Future of Neurodiversity by Steve Silberman.

Its a big book and she is very dyslexic so tends not to read for pleasure. However she devoured this.

The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks
There's also an anatomy colouring book for something a bit different
The Book About Getting Older (for people who don't want to talk about it)
With The End In Mind

I don't think "This is going to Hurt" by Kay is a good choice at 15. It's very bleak.

Also Hippocratic Oaths, Medicine and it's Discontents

Being Mortal by Atul Gwande is wonderful book. It really helped my consultants on skills (talk less, listen more) and focus on making sure that I ensure I explore what matters to my patients (instead of just what is the matter with them).
Dh (GP) gives it to all his registrars and I (physio) give it to all my students as a leaving present.