The Best Books

The Best Books for Pre-PAs, Practicing PAs and For Your PA School Clinical and Didactic Years The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places youll go. - Dr. Seuss, I Can Read With My Eyes Shut One of the best habits you can develop is the habit of reading. Below is a mix of books I couldnt live without during PA school and others are books I have personally read (or listened to) over the last several years. Many of these books have helped shape my perspectives on medicine, science and the world. I add to this list regularly. Books that are labeled with ** are ones I highly recommend for anyone pursuing or in a medical profession. Please see the best review books pagefor recommended PANCE and PANRE prep books. Like to Read? Join my PA LifeBook Club. Are you a student? Make sure to take advantage of Amazon Student Prime. POCKETBOOKS Seriously, who doesnt love a good pocketbook? As long as you dont lose your short white coat these pocketbooks should last for years. I still have mine from PA school in my office drawer. These are the three must-haves. Tarascon Pharmacopoeia The Tarascon Pharmacopoeia is the one pocketbook I cannot live without. Although, after PA school, I have transitioned to the iOS app, the small pocketbook is something I still recommend to all of my students as you can bookmark and highlight on the go. Yes, you can use free apps such as Epocrates, but after 14 years, Tarascon is still my go-to source for prescribing, and I wouldnt leave home without it. Buy at Amazon Sanford Guide to Antimicrobial Therapy The Sanford Guideis a wonderfullittle resource packed full of information that goes far beyond antibacterial treatments and causative bacterial agents. My only regret as a student was that I didnt spend enough time understanding the book prior to using it. Grab a copy, spend 30 minutes fully grasping its utilityand you will carry it with you through retirement. They also have awonderful iOS app. Buy at Amazon Maxwells Quick Medical Reference This is a classic! A great quick guide to SOAP notes, notes for surgery or OB GYN, quick reference to review of systems and physical exam. Also a handy visual acuity eye chart and other great quick reference info. I used this daily during my PA school rotations and stashed it in my desk drawer after graduation. I just recently pulled it out again and couldnt believe all the useful information. Buy at Amazon TIMELESS CLASSICS Each of these books are timeless classics around which you can build your entire medical library. I use my Netter Atlasdaily while explaining medical conditions to my patients. Or the absolutely amazing Essential Anatomy iPad App. Current Medicine2020 Netter Atlas of Human Anatomy Bates Guide to Physical Examination GREAT BOOKS FOR YOUR DIDACTIC YEAR I love books (and apps) that take complex concepts and make them incredibly simple. These are winners in every sense of the word. The Costanzo Physiology booklisted below has changed a bit over the years. However, I still reference this book from time to time, and find it provides straight forward, easy to understand explanations of some of the most complex physiologic processes such as acid-base disorders and respiratory physiology. My go-to web application is Osmosis! Pathophysiology Made Simple Physiology Netters Anatomy Coloring Book Microbiology made simple PANCE PREP PEARLS Anatomy Coloring Book DESKTOP REFERENCE These are some of my favorite reference books. Clinical Guidelines in Family Practicewas introduced to me by a Nurse Practitioner and is the one book I would recommend above all others. Differential Diagnosis in Primary Careis a close second that I use weekly in the clinic setting. Clinical Guidelines in Primary Care Fitzpatricks Atlas of Dermatology Ferris Clinical Advisor Harrisons Principles of Medicine Dubin Rapid Interpretation of EKG Differential Diagnosis in Primary Care PANCE AND PANRE REVIEW BOOKS Here are my picks for the top PANCE and PANRE review books of 2020. You can read my full review here. Lange QA Series Comprehensive Topic Review Swansons Family Medicine Review PANCE PREP PEARLS Davis PA Exam Review FOR ASPIRING PHYSICIAN ASSISTANTS The number of books for those interested in PA school has grown exponentially over the years. The original Ultimate Guide to Getting Into PA School, by Andrew Rodican, is still the best. I will also make a shameless plug for my book: How to Write Your PA Personal Statement as a perfect, quick, companion read. The Ultimate Guide to PA School EssaystoGet You Into PA School How to Ace the PA School Interview Medical Terminology How to Write Your PA School Essay PA Programs Manual Surviving PA School PA School Interview Guide 101 PA School Admissions Essays Books Written by Physician Assistants True Tales from a Physician Assistant Seasons of Pain Through The Eyes of a Young PA Old Man on Campus Your Journey to PA School FAMILY PRACTICE ROTATION Goroll, Primary Care Medicine Swansons Family Medicine Review Family Medicine BLUEPRINTS SERIES I am a big fan of the Blueprints series. I used them mostly as an adjunct while studying for my end or rotation exams. That being said, I also found them to be a valuable tool for PANCE preparation. Check the publication year before purchasing on Amazon, there tend to be several options, with different publication years, and some require updating. So, make sure you get the latest edition. Surgery OBGYN Pediatrics Medicine Psychiatry Family Medicine PEDIATRICS ROTATION TheHarriet Lane HandbookandNelson Textbook of Pediatricsare "gold standards," while the Blueprint series makes for an excellent and concise review before examinations. The Harriet Lane Handbook Blueprints Pediatrics Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics INTERNAL MEDICINE ROTATION The Washington Manual Tarascon Hospital Medicine Pocket Medicine Blueprints Medicine Saint-Frances Guide SURGICAL ROTATION Check out this wonderful youtube channel on suturing technique. Or on my site PAFLIX under suturing. Surgical Recall Essentials of General Surgery Dr. Pestanas Surgery Notes GLOBAL HEALTH If you have ever considered going on a medical mission trip or have been and would like to delve deeper into the topic, here are some books that will help broaden your global medical perspective. There are others on this list as well listed under social justice. My favorite of all-time is Mountains Beyond Mountains by Tracy Kidder, and this is a great place to start if you haven't already. Medicine in Developing Countries When Helping Hurts Mountains Beyond Mountains MyBig List of Books Below is a comprehensive list of books that I have read over the last several years and would recommend. Some are based on medicine and others cover topics ranging from personal finance to social justice. Most are non-fiction. Medical Books That Will Make You a Better Person and Provider These are books I have read over the years that are entertaining, inspirational, eye-opening, and educational. Reading helps you grow mentally, emotionally, and psychologically. Every book allows you to learn new things and explore new ideas and grow both as a person and a provider. Choose a book from this list below and make it a goal to read at least one new book monthly. The Healing of America An Imperfect Offering Humanitarian Action for the 21st Century** An American Sickness Better: A surgeons notes on performance** Stiff: The curious lives of Human Cadavers The Spirit Catches You and You Fall Down Being Mortal** Mountains Beyond Mountains** To Repair The World How We Die Reflections on Lifes Final Chapter** House of God A Novel of Life and Death in an American Hospital** The Man Who Mistook His Wife for a Hat(The author of Awakenings) Checklist Manifesto How to Get Things Right Gifted Hands The surgeon who gives children a second chance on life Complications** How Doctors Think Gods Hotel Survival of The Sickest When Breath Becomes Air Hot Lights Cold Steel Bloodletting and Miraculous Cures Functional and Integrative Medicine Why Our Health Matters The Mindbody Prescription Healing Back Pain Nutrition Hippocrates is credited for the saying, "Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food." This has never been truer than it is today. As we watch diabetes rates rise along with heart attack and stroke rates, we need to be more than passive bystanders. Learn the benefits of a whole-food, plant-based diet, and how it can impact your health and that of your patients. My favorite book on this list is How Not to Die by Michael Greger. The Botany of Desire Why We Get Fat what to do about it Whole Rethinking the Science of Nutrition How Not to Die In Defense Of Food Body by Science Social Justice A Long Way Gone by Ishmael Beah is one of the best books I have ever read. It's both tragic and eye-opening and can have a profound impact if you let it. Building a Social Business by Muhammad Yunus will have your mind spinning for days on how you can impact the world while creating something economically sustainable that also aligns with your passions and your purpose. These are all great reads. A Long Way Gone** I Am Malala: How One Girl Stood Up for Education and Changed the World More or Less: Choosing a Lifestyle of Excessive Generosity Banker to the Poor Muhammad YunusHalf the SkyTurning Oppression into Opportunity for Women Worldwide Nicholas KristofMe to WeFinding Meaning in a Material World Marc and Craig KielburgerBuilding a Social Business - The New Kind of Capitalism that Serves Humanity's Most Pressing NeedsLeaving Microsoft to Change the World: An Entrepreneurs Odyssey to Educate the Worlds Children John Woods Science The Selfish Gene Richard DawkinsA Short History of Nearly Everything Bill BrysonThe Language of God Francis CollinsBillions and Billions Carl SaganSurely Youre Joking Mr. Feynman Richard FeynmanIn Search of Memory Eric KandelThe Time Keeper Mitch Albom Personal Development A psychiatrist named Viktor Frankl writes Man's Search for Meaning. Not only was Frankl a psychiatrist, but he was also a Holocaust survivor, giving him a wildly unique perspective on the fundamental needs of human beings, behavioral tendencies, and more. I listen to the audio version of this book once a year. Eat That Frog by Brian Tracy is based on a quote by Mark Twain who once said "If the first thing you do each morning is to eat a live frog, you can go through the day with the satisfaction of knowing that that is probably the worst thing that is going to happen to you all day long." So eat a frog once a day, and the sky my friends is the limit! Mans Search for Meaning Eat That Frog! Mans Search for Meaning Viktor FranklNight Elie WieselThe Paradox of Choice: Why More is Less Barry SchwartzSolve for Happy: Engineer Your Path to Joy - Mo GawatStumbling on Happiness Daniel GilbertThe Power of Habit Charles DuhiggAtomic Habits - James ClearIndistractable: How to Control Your Attention and Choose Your Life - Nir EyalDeep Work: Rules for Focused Success in a Distracted World - Cal NewportDecisive: How to make better choices in life and work Chip and Dan HeathTuesdays with Morrie Mitch AlbomHow to Stop Worrying and Start Living Dale CarnegieHappier Tal Ben-ShaharEat That FrogBrian TracyThe Last Lecture Randy PauschMastery Robert GreeneTalent is Overrated Colvin, Geoff Personal Finance Investing The Simple Path to Wealth The Little Book of Common Sense Investing The Investors Manifesto William J. BernsteinRich Dads Cashflow Quadrant Robert T. KiyosakiQuit Like a Millionaire: No Gimmicks, Luck, or Trust Fund Required Kristy ShenYour Money RatiosCharles FarrellThe Coffeehouse Investor - Bill Schultheis Recommended Reading for Young Investors The Stock Series by JL Collins**If You Can: How Millennials Can Get Rich Slowly, a free starter book on personal finance by respected author William Bernstein.Learn the importance of controlling spending.The Millionaire Next Door: The Surprising Secrets of Americas Wealthy by Thomas Stanley and William DankoLearn financial basics.Common Sense on Mutual Fundsby Jack BogleLearn financial history.Devil Take the Hindmost: A History of Financial Speculationby Edward Chancellor andThe Great Depression: A Diaryby Benjamin RothLearn about yourself and behavioral biases.Your Money and Your Brainby Jason ZweigLearn more about the nuts and bolts of investing.How a Second Grader Beats Wall Streetby Allan Roth andAll About Asset Allocationby Rick Ferri. Nutrition The 4-Hour Body Timothy FerrissThe Atkins Diabetes Revolution Robert C. AtkinsAnimal, Vegetable, MiracleKingsolver, Barbara Fitness Its Not About The Bike Lance ArmstrongBorn to Run Christopher McDougallEat and Run Scott JurekA Life Without Limits Chrissie WellingtonBody by Science John R. Little Travel and Adventure Vagabonding The Geography of Bliss Vagabonding** Rolf PottsThe Geography of Bliss Eric WeinerThru-Hiking Will Break Your Heart: An Adventure on the Pacific Crest Trail - Carrot QuinnInto Thin Air Jon KrakauerThe Wave Susan CaseyShadow Divers Robert Kurson Economics The World is Flat Predictably Irrational The Tipping Point: How Little Things Can Make a Big Difference Malcolm GladwellThe World is Flat**: A Brief History of the Twenty-first Century Thomas FriedmanPredictably Irrational**: Dan ArielyFreakonomics: A Rogue Economist Explores the Hidden Side of Everything Stephen Dubner, Steven LevittGerms, Guns and Steel: The Fates of Human Societies Jared DiamondThe Wisdom of Crowds James SurowieckiCommon Wealth: Economics for a Crowded Planet Jeffrey SachsThe Long Tail Chris AndersonNew Rules for the New Economy Kevin KellyDavid and Goliath Malcolm GladwellThe Quants: Scott PattersonRichistan: Robert Frank Fiction Harry Potter - J.K. RowlingThe Hunger Games - Suzanne CollinsThe Catcher in the Rye J.D. SalingerCatch 22 Joseph HellerA Tale of Two Cities Charles DickensEnders Game Orson Scott Card PA School Surgical Recall BlackbourneNetters Concise Orthopaedic Anatomy Jon ThompsonIntroductory Textbook of Psychiatry Nancy AndreasenSuccess on the Wards Desai Katta Medicine some of my favorites Differential Diagnosis in Primary Care R. Douglas CollinsPhysiology: with Student Consult Online AccessApproach to Internal Medicine David HuiPathophysiology of Heart Disease Leonard LilyClinical Microbiology Made Ridiculously Simple Mark GladwinFundamentals of Neurologic Disease Larry DavisTarascon Pocket Pharmacopeia Richard J HamiltonThe ICU Book Paul MarinoEvidence-Based Physical Diagnosis Steven McGeeThe Rational Clinical Examination: Evidence-Based Clinical Diagnosis David SimelUsers Guides to the Medical Literature: Essentials of Evidence-Based Clinical Practice Gordon Guyatt iPhone Apps: Tarascon Pharmacopoeia USBMIS, IncDiagnosaurus DDx Unbound Medicine, Inc.Shots by STFM Group on Immunization Education of the Society of Teachers of Family MedicineMedscape WebMD Disclaimer: This blog post containsaffiliate links, which means that if you choose to make a purchase, I may earn a small commission to fund my coffee drinking habit. I favor Amazon because of their free shipping, student discounts, and excellent return policy, but please feel free to buy these books at your local bookstore or wherever you prefer to shop. Please do not spend any money on these products unless you feel you need them or that they will help you achieve your goals. DO YOU LIKE TO READ? Sign up to get the reading list email and my five all-time favorite recommendations! Learn more about the book list email