During the past few months, I started to wonder how the lives of real doctors are, so I decided to pick some books to read. Below are 2 of the books that I found interesting:
When Breath Becomes Air, By Paul Kalanithi
“When Breath Becomes Air” is a memoir written by Dr. Paul Kalanithi, a neurosurgeon who was diagnosed with stage IV lung cancer at the age of 36. The book explores his journey from being a promising neurosurgeon to facing his mortality and facing the questions of life and death.
He shares his experiences as a doctor and patient, detailing the challenges of diagnosis, treatment, and the emotional toll on both himself and his loved ones. The book not only provides insights into the world of medicine but also shows his search for a meaningful existence in the face of death.
My Thoughts: This book was very sad because of Dr. Kalanithi’s storytelling. Through a couple hundred pages, he made you feel as if you had known him for many years. The connection and the vivid description of his final moments made this book depressing.
Trust Me, I’m a (Junior) Doctor, By Max Pemberton
Dr. Pemberton journals his experiences as a junior doctor in the United Kingdom. The book provides a humorous insight into the challenges, pressures, and often chaotic nature of working in a hospital.
Dr. Pemberton shares his encounters with various medical cases, as well as the personal and professional challenges he faced. The story captures both the highs and lows of life as a junior doctor, balancing the serious nature of being a doctor with moments of humor.
My Thoughts: This book was much more lighthearted than “When Breath Becomes Air”. Written in the form of diary entries, Dr. Pemberton was able to share more stories and a day-by-day of what being a resident doctor is like. Having many elements of humor in there is perfect, making the book fun to read.
In addition, I also reviewed “Why We Sleep” in one of my earlier blogs. I recommend these books if you are interested in the medical field like me or want to learn more about a doctor’s life. I will share more medical-related books when I read an interesting one. Stay tuned……
