It is essential for a medical student to have a strong foundation in the basic concepts and principles of medicine. Standard books are an excellent resource for this purpose, as they provide clear explanations and in-depth coverage of the fundamental concepts. These books are designed to be accessible to beginners and can help students build their knowledge and understanding of the subject from the ground up. By reading standard textbooks, medical students can even gain a comprehensive understanding of the topics covered on the USMLE Step 1 exam and develop a solid foundation that will serve them well throughout their medical careers. Additionally, standard textbooks are often recommended by medical school faculty and have been used by generations of medical students, making them a trusted and reliable source of information.

The following are seven books that can provide an introduction to the field of medicine and help build foundational knowledge:

• This is Going to Hurt: Secrets of a Junior Doctor by Adam Kay

This book, which is both humorous and surprising, has been a popular bestseller for more than a year. It has won four National Book Awards and has been the number one bestseller on the Sunday Times list for over eight months. The book is written by a junior doctor who shares his experiences of working in obstetrics and gynecology for the UK’s NHS. It is appreciated by medical students for its ability to make them laugh and also for its honest depiction of the often challenging life of a junior doctor.

• When Breath Becomes Air by Paul Kalanithi

Paul Kalanithi was a neurosurgeon who was diagnosed with incurable lung cancer at the age of 36 while he was completing his medical training. He had spent years treating the dying, but now he had become a patient himself. His book, which explores the relationship between doctors and patients, as well as life and death, is a poignant and moving read. It’s a book that will stay with you long after you finish it, and is highly recommended for medical students or anyone interested in studying medicine.

• The Man who Mistook his Wife for a Hat by Oliver Sacks

“The Man Who Mistook His Wife for a Hat” by Oliver Sacks has sold a million copies and is known for being a thought-provoking exploration of the human mind. Sacks, a neurologist with five decades of experience, presents case studies of individuals who have experienced memory loss and struggle with recognizing familiar objects and people, as well as stories of people with exceptional artistic or mathematical abilities. The book’s popularity can be attributed in part to its compelling case studies, which highlight the intriguing relationship between medicine and psychology and make it an enjoyable read for medical students.

• The Intern Blues by Robert Marion

“The Intern Blues” is a book that chronicles the experiences of three interns during their year-long internships, where they faced intense workloads of up to 100 hours per week, were given significant responsibility for life and death situations, and had to cope with very little sleep. While this may sound discouraging for those considering a career in medicine, it is important to note that the book was published in 1985 and since then, there have been strict regulations placed on the number of hours residents are allowed to work. However, many medical students still find the emotions and experiences described in the book to be relevant and relatable today, making it a contemporary classic.

• Unnatural Causes by DR Richard Shepherd

“Unnatural Causes” provides a captivating look into the author’s career, which can be both unsettling and captivating, but always engaging. The book also offers a glimpse into Dr. Shepherd’s personal life and how the demands of the job can strain relationships and take a toll on one’s emotions. It is an enlightening read for those currently studying or considering a career in medicine as it offers a rare perspective on the profession that is not often discussed, giving readers an honest portrayal of both the rewards and challenges of this field.

• In Switches by Anthony Youn

Dr. Youn grew up in a small town where he stood out from his peers due to his Asian-American heritage, thick glasses, and prominent jaw. However, his visit to an oral surgeon to reconstruct his jaw led to a pivotal moment that set him on the path to becoming a successful celebrity plastic surgeon. In his book, he details his journey and shares insights on how he achieved success in his field. Medical students can relate to his experiences of studying tirelessly while attempting to navigate the dating scene while pursuing a degree in medicine.

• Stiff: The Curious Lives of Human Cadavers by Mary Roach

In “Stiff,” Mary Roach delves into the topic of postmortem bodies and the various scientific experiments and procedures that take place when individuals donate their bodies to science. Despite the seemingly grim subject matter, Roach’s humorous approach makes for an engaging read. She covers a wide range of topics, including human decomposition, the use of corpses in car crash testing, crucifixion experiments, and even head transplants. While the book may not be suitable for the faint of heart, it provides a fascinating glimpse into the world of human bodies after death and offers insights into topics that readers may not have known they were curious about.