TOP BOOKS TO READ IF YOU WANT TO STUDY
MEDICINE
AT UNIVERSITY www.immerse.education
1
If you are interested in studying Medicine at university, then you probably know you have a long and difficult road ahead. Reading is a great way to prepare
With so much literature to choose from, which reading should a prospective student prioritise? Immerse Education is here to help. We spoke with our mentor team who are currently studying Medicine at top universities to ask them which books they think a young medic should read before applying.
Table of Content Trust me I’m a (Junior) The Emperor of All Maladies: Doctor by Max Pemberton ����� 4 A Biography of Cancer ����� 12 by Siddhartha Mukherjee
How We Live and How We Die, by Sherwin B. Nuland �������������������� 5 Bad Science by Ben Goldacre 13 The Epigenetics Revolution: How Modern Biology Is Rewriting Our Understanding of Genetics, Disease, and Inheritance ��� 6 by Nessa Carey
When Breath Becomes Air by Paul Kalanithi ������������������ 14 Medical Ethics: A Very Short Introduction ��������������������� 15 by Tony Hope
Being Mortal ��������������������� 7 Genome by Matt Ridley ������� 16 by Atul Gawande
The Seven Daughters of Do No Harm: Stories of Life, Eve Death and Brain Surgery �� 8 by Bryan Sykes ������������������� 17 by Henry Marsh
Still Alice by Lisa Genova ���� 18
In Stitches: The Highs and Life At The Extremes ������� 19 Lows of Life as an A&E by Frances Ashcroft Doctor by Nick Edwards �������� 9 Chemistry of Life ������������� 20 Neurophysiology: by Steven Rose A Conceptual Approach �� 10 by Roger Carpenter and Benjamin Advice To a Young Scientist Reddi by Peter Medawar ���������������� 21 The Immortal Life Of Biological Sciences Review Henrietta Lacks ��������������� 11 and The Student BMJ ������ 22 by Rebecca Skloot
Trust me I’m a (Junior) Doctor by MAX PEMBERTON
'Trust me, I’m a (Junior) Doctor' is the diary of Max Pemberton as he maps his journey as a junior doctor.
M
ax realises how little his job is about ‘saving people’ and how much of his time is taken up by signing forms and trying to figure out all the important things no one has explained yet -- for example, the crucial question of how to tell whether someone is dead or not. Along the way, Max and his fellow new doctors grapple with the complicated questions of life, love, mental health and how on earth to make time to do your laundry. ‘Trust me, I’m a (Junior) Doctor’ gives a raw and real insight into what Max experienced from the touching to the funny. It is a humorous and accessible peek into a world which you’d normally need a medical degree to witness. The book helps you to appreciate the hurdles that will need to be overcome as part of your medical training and gives you a more rounded and realistic idea of what to expect.
4
www.immerse.education
How We Live and How We Die by SHERWIN B. NULAND
The books share many similarities with a university medical course and are a good introduction to the scientific basis of medicine.
H
ow We Live’ and ‘How We Die’ are both useful books for any medical applicant because they offer a good and reasonably detailed introduction into human physiology under both normal homeostatic conditions and during the process of death. Nuland links the physiological theory well with clinical cases that he has been involved in, giving a more medical interpretation of the theory. Many of the cases he mentions are very emotionally touching and are helpful reminders of the humanity of the medical profession amongst the cold hard theory. The books share many similarities with a university medical course and are a good introduction to the scientific basis of medicine as well as maintaining the human touch.
www.immerse.education
5
The Epigenetics Revolution by NESSA CAREY
Epigenetics can potentially revolutionize our understanding of the structure and behaviour of biological life on Earth.
E
pigenetics can potentially revolutionize our understanding of the structure and behaviour of biological life on Earth. It explains why mapping an organism’s genetic code is not enough to determine how it develops or acts and shows how nurture combines with nature to engineer biological diversity. Nessa Carey, a leading epigenetics researcher, connects the field’s arguments to such diverse phenomena as how ants and queen bees control their colonies; why tortoiseshell cats are always female; why some plants need cold weather before they can flower; and how our bodies age and develop disease. This book gives a prospective Medicine student a bottom up explanation of what genetics is all the while giving many of its interesting applications. This book is on the cutting edge of science and can prove really valuable for a student.
6
www.immerse.education
Being Mortal by ATUL GAWANDE
In ‘Being Mortal’, Gawande confronts the harsh realities of modern medicine
I
n his book, ‘Being Mortal’, Gawande confronts the harsh realities of modern medicine, emphasising that the medicalisation of the natural process of aging and death is having far reaching detrimental effects on individuals, families and wider society. Through eye-opening research and gripping stories of his own patients and family, Gawande reveals the suffering this dynamic has produced. Nursing homes, devoted above all to safety, battle with residents over the food they are allowed to eat and the choices they are allowed to make. Atul Gawande is a practicing surgeon and, in this book, he examines its ultimate limitations and failures—in his own practices as well as others’—as life draws to a close. In particular, Gawande emphasises the importance of having hard conversations, and that the medical focus should shift from quantity of life to quality of life. ‘Being Mortal’ shows that the ultimate goal is not a good death but a good life.
www.immerse.education
7
Do No Harm: Stories of Life, Death and Brain Surgery by HENRY MARSH
Have you ever wondered what it is like to be a brain surgeon? If the answer is yes, then this is the book for you.
D
o No Harm’ is brilliantly written through the experience of its author, the brain surgeon Henry Marsh. This book offers an unforgettable insight into the highs and lows of a life dedicated to operating on the human brain, in all its amazing complexity. Marsh reveals the adrenaline pumping drama of surgery, the chaos of a busy, modern hospital and beautifully depicts the relationship between a doctor and their patients, focusing on the combined honour and horror of being responsible for another’s life.
8
www.immerse.education
In Stitches: The Highs and Lows of Life as an A&E Doctor by NICK EDWARDS
‘In Stitches’ pulls the reader along the rollercoaster of emotions experienced daily in Britain’s hospitals.
T
his book by Nick Edwards highlights the uplifting and rewarding responsibilities being a doctor entails, alongside some of the more mentally and academically challenging aspects of the clinical career. ‘In Stitches’ pulls the reader along the rollercoaster of emotions experienced daily in Britain’s hospitals. It is a particularly useful book for prospective students who have not yet truly thought about what life would be like as a doctor. In addition, this book serves as a useful introduction to the difficulties associated with life inside the British health care system as Edwards reveals the utter mismanagement of the NHS and the traumas, tragedies, successes and achievements encountered at the frontline of medical care: Accident and Emergency.
www.immerse.education
9
Neurophysiology: A Conceptual Approach by ROGER CARPENTER AND BENJAMIN REDDI
This book is an unrivalled “one-stop shop” for students of medicine complete with explanatory diagrams.
I
n ‘Neurophysiology: A Conceptual Approach’ co-written by a Cambridge Professor, readers can learn both the science underlying a particular phenomenon and what this means for individual body systems and for the body as a whole, covering the entire subject of neurophysiology from the conduction of nerve impulses to the higher functions of the brain. This book is an unrivalled “one-stop shop” for students of medicine complete with explanatory diagrams. The book tackles controversial hypotheses as to how the brain functions through scientific argument, just as students of Medicine will be expected to do themselves in both essays and supervisions in all subjects.
10
www.immerse.education
The Immortal Life Of Henrietta Lacks by REBECCA SKLOOT
This book is about a woman called Henrietta Lacks and the HeLa cell line which was derived from her cervical cancer cells.
I
n this fascinating book, Skloot provides a great account of scientific research as well as the human aspect of where this research started and how it was possible. This book is about a woman called Henrietta Lacks and the HeLa cell line which was derived from her cervical cancer cells. The HeLa cell line is said to be immortal due to the uncontrolled replication observed in cancerous cells. They have been used for the development of a huge variety of medical treatments, for example allowing poliovirus to be grown in order to develop a vaccine; cancer treatments; and gene mapping. ‘The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks’ gives some insight into the history behind the research that has given rise to so many medical advances. In addition, it raises many ethical questions, as the cells were taken from Henrietta and then used in research without her consent. This book exposes the origin of the cell line and with that raises many questions regarding the ethics surrounding tissue harvesting and utilisation, the inequalities in health care and patient consent. As ethics is a crucial part of medicine, a prospective medical student would certainly benefit from reading this book. Skloot gives a captivating account of the life of the woman responsible for the existence of an immortal line of HeLa cells (through which many advances in medicine were made) and how she gave birth to such advances but was unable to be helped by them herself.
www.immerse.education
11
The Emperor of All Maladies: A Biography of Cancer by SIDDHARTHA MUKHERJEE
'The Emperor of All Maladies' is a book depicting the history of the discovery of cancer and potential therapies.
M
ukherjee’s book is not only scientifically informative but touches on one of the most current topics in modern medicine.
This book provides a comprehensive look into the history of cancer, research into the cancer biology as well as exploring the most current oncology practices. The material covered will stand any prospective Medicine student in good stead for pre-clinical and clinical learning of oncology as well as giving the appropriate context of the prominent issues in this chosen career.
12
www.immerse.education
Bad Science by BEN GOLDACRE
‘Bad Science’ provides any prospective Medicine student with a really important perspective on the way modern medicine is publicised.
G
oldacre unpicks the evidence behind various claims made by the media, pharmaceutical companies and even government reports. When considering undertaking a medical career, critical appraisal is hugely important given the vast amount of medical research available and publicised. Not only should one consider the validity of the trials and studies conducted, but also the downstream interpretation of the raw data by the media. Goldacre argues that the inability of the media and public to evaluate evidence is a public health issue and deals in detail with medical scams and alternative practices, which all doctors at some point will face explaining to their patients. Although, perhaps one of the more traditional books for a potential medic to read, it is one which undoubtedly opens your eyes to the perceived role of science in general society. ‘Bad Science’ encourages critical analysis of many things we assume to just be, like the placebo, and ask questions of what we actually know. A critical skill that is used again and again in your medical career of diagnosis and problem solving.
www.immerse.education
13
When Breath Becomes Air by PAUL KALANITHI
Paul Kalanithi provides a unique perspective of medicine. He describes his experiences as a doctor and then his transformation to a patient.
P
aul was a neurosurgery resident in the USA, excelling in this field and on the path to becoming a top neurosurgeon and neuroscientist. With months left before finishing his residency, he is diagnosed with terminal lung cancer - extremely rare for anyone, let alone a man of his age. In this book he describes his experiences as a doctor and then his transformation to a patient, grappling with life and death from these two different standing points. Following Kalanithi throughout his surgical training illustrates to the reader just how utterly dedicated and determined medical students have to be, but will also allow an insight into the satisfaction and wonder of working in the field. The author discusses how, upon the progression of his own illness, he realises how he was previously ‘blinded’ to his own patients’ suffering, which is something all future doctors will benefit upon recognising. Learning about the impact of Kalanithi’s cancer on his family, lifestyle and work is both thought provoking and an essential aspect to understand as a practising doctor, especially in an age where chronic illnesses are now dominating medicine. The book is beautifully written and incredibly honest, a fantastic read for anyone, but especially a prospective medic.
14
www.immerse.education
Medical Ethics: A Very Short Introduction by TONY HOPE
This book is a great book for prospective Medicine students because it can help them understand the basics of medical ethics.
T
his book aims to question views about what would be the ethical thing to do in the situations discussed and exposes just how challenging medicine is as a career.
For every prospective medical student, it is of the utmost importance that they understand what a career in medicine truly involves and this book will give them an insight into some of the ethical problems doctors must deal with. This book will provide a good foundation to preparing for medical school interviews which will certainly involve ethical questions.
www.immerse.education
15
Genome by MATT RIDLEY
Upon learning that simple biochemical building blocks can encode the human body, it is difficult not to be in complete awe.
P
roclaimed as ‘the autobiography of a species in 23 chapters’, Ridley cleverly uses each chapter to discuss each pair of human chromosomes, and the associated medical concepts with them, such as disease, immortality and cures. A fascination with the human genome is common to many prospective medical students, as upon learning that simple biochemical building blocks can encode the human body, it is difficult not to be in complete awe. A particularly poignant and captivating chapter is Chapter 4; ‘Fate’, which discusses the genetic sequence affected in Huntington’s Disease. Being able to understand the genetic principle behind Huntington’s, and then to relate it to the traumatic health consequence associated with the disease, is terrifying yet remarkable. Arguably, one of the overarching principles in medicine is death, which is discussed in Chapter 17, in relation to cancer. As 1 in 3 individuals in the UK are statistically predicted to encounter the disease in their lifetime, an understanding behind the mechanisms is essential when studying medicine. Ridley discusses oncogenes and tumour suppressors, and how cancer mutations develop over time. This chapter is aptly followed by the discussion of cures, which explores how genetic manipulation and gene therapy could be used to treat cancer. ‘Genome’ not only examines the scientific aspects of genetics in medicine, but also considers issues such as politics, eugenics and history- which are concepts just as important as scientific knowledge when it comes to being a future doctor.
16
www.immerse.education
The Seven Daughters of Eve by BRYAN SYKES
Sykes explains how about 90% of Europeans can all be traced back to 7 women through our mitochondrial DNA.
T
he Seven Daughters of Eve’ explains in relatively simple terms the principles of mitochondrial genetics, written by an Emeritus Professor of Human Genetics at Oxford University. In this groundbreaking book, Sykes reveals how the identification of a particular strand of DNA that passes unbroken through the maternal line allows scientists to trace our genetic makeup all the way back to prehistoric times to seven primeval women, the “seven daughters of Eve.” Sykes explains how about 90% of Europeans can all be traced back to 7 women through our mitochondrial DNA, based on the fact that mitochondrial DNA mutates at a constant rate. Hence, by looking at the mutations in one’s mitochondrial DNA, you can determine its ancestry. This classifies us into 7 groups, the mitochondrial haplogroups, with each haplogroup defined by a set of characteristic mutations on the mitochondrial genome. This book covers a happy mix of scientific information about mitochondrial genetics, details about how genetic profiling of people is actually carried out in labs, as well as how various theories have been proved or disproved by these methods. For example, in his laboratory they disproved the theory that Homo sapiens are descended from the Neanderthals, as our mtDNA is too different. There are also some quirky anecdotes in the book, such as his research establishing to a near 100% certainty that the bones found in 1991 in Russian were indeed those of Czar Nicholas II and his family, and that Anna Anderson, the woman who long claimed to be the Grand Duchess Anastasia, indeed was not. This is a great read for prospective applicants with an interest in genetics.
www.immerse.education
17
Still Alice by LISA GENOVA
Though not technically a book about Medicine, this book gives a lot of insight into what suffering from dementia really means.
A
lice Howland is proud of the life she worked so hard to build. At fifty years old, she’s a cognitive psychology professor at Harvard and a worldrenowned expert in linguistics with a successful husband and three grown children. When she becomes increasingly disoriented and forgetful, a tragic diagnosis changes her life forever. As she struggles to cope with Alzheimer’s, she learns that her worth is comprised of far more than her ability to remember. This is a great read because an important aspect of applications to Medicine is the vocational part: it’s important to show that you have reflected on your reading and work experience and have gained a deeper understanding of both the profession and patient experiences. This book gives a lot of food for thought concerning one of the most prevalent and life-changing diseases of today. Lisa Genova’s book has also been made into a movie with the wonderful Julianne Moore, so even if you don’t have time to read the book, there is no excuse to not know Alice’s story.
18
www.immerse.education
Life At The Extremes by FRANCES ASHCROFT
A classic introduction to physiology, this book is really easy to read, but also interesting.
L
ife At The Extremes’ will arm you with a deeper understanding of how the body works to deal with interview questions and give you some cool facts to show off to your interviewer.
‘Life at the Extremes’ is an engrossing exploration of what happens to our bodies in seemingly uninhabitable environments. It discusses how animals (with an emphasis on humans) can survive in extreme environments such as at high and low altitudes, hot and cold temperatures and then ends with a chapter on the extremes a body experiences when running a marathon. Frances Ashcroft provides interesting, relevant examples of each scenario, such as what happens when an airplane is depressurized. Anyone interested in studying Biology or Medicine should read this book.
www.immerse.education
19
Chemistry of Life by STEVEN ROSE
First published in 1966, ‘The Chemistry of Life’ has held its own as a clear and authoritative introduction to the world of biochemistry.
T
his book includes the latest developments in DNA and protein synthesis, cell regulation, and their social and medical implications.
Although Steven Rose’s introduction to the principles of Biochemistry explores concepts introduced at A-level, it does so at a depth which helps to bridge the gap between school and university. First year students often find the concepts of molecular biology difficult to pick up, so it is useful to have a book such as this under your belt before attending university. The chapters are not exhaustive, however provide a solid foundation and stimulate questions which are answered after later, more detailed study.
20
www.immerse.education
Advice To a Young Scientist by PETER MEDAWAR
Nobel Laureate Sir Peter Medawar’s short novel directed at aspiring scientists provides a realistic insight into the broad field of theoretical and experimental aspects of science.
T
o those interested in a life in science, Medawar deflates the myths of invincibility, superiority, and genius; instead, he demonstrates it is common sense and an inquiring mind that are essential to the scientist’s calling. He attempts to undo the longstanding views on scientists as innately infallible beings, but rather individuals with inquisition and persistence. He delivers many wry observations on how to choose a research topic, how to get along with collaborators and older scientists and administrators, how (and how not) to present a scientific paper, and how to cope with culturally “superior” specialists in the arts and humanities. The ideas discussed by Medawar are not only helpful for aspiring students but to current ones and can help with everything from the approach taken towards practical classes, to decisions about future careers.
www.immerse.education
21
Biological Sciences Review and The Student BMJ It is highly recommended an applicant reads from well respected scientific magazines.
T
he biomedical section of a few editions of the Biological sciences review is a great place to start. It bridges the gap between current biomedical breakthroughs and the scientific theory behind them, which, when written in scientific journals, is relatively accessible to A-level students. It allows students to stretch themselves beyond the curriculum as it builds on A-level biology and introduces more complex material, some of which is often covered in first year Medicine courses. The ‘Student BMJ’ magazine is, also, a great publication for gaining an insight into how the science relates to the clinical practice. A lot of the specifics and details may go over your head but it gives a very good idea of what is currently the focus of evidence based medicine and you won’t be expected to know the details.
22
www.immerse.education
www.immerse.education enquiries@immerse.education 24
www.immerse.education