9 Surprising Book Recommendations for Young Doctors

This year, I read several books that I wished I had read 20 years ago, before finishing medical school. These books helped to frame the ideas of work and career which are admittedly rigid for those who work in traditional career like medicine.

I am guilty of boxing myself in my career identity and have surrounded myself with like-minded people. I’m referring people who are risk-adverse, are accustomed to control and routine, do not question tradition and often prefer to be led rather than to lead. Medicine has become less and less physician-led in the last few decades. I assumed after I finished training, I would enjoy some autonomy and respect. This has not been the case for me and many of my colleagues. Our expertise is often questioned and our time and experience de-valued.

At the core, I still believe physicians can find meaning in their careers, but I have also come realize the value of diversifying your resources and skills, being strategic about planning financial freedom, and taking calculated risks so you can practice medicine on your terms. It behooves us to enter our career of choice with eyes wide open and a minds that are willing to entertain a road less traveled.

Here are my rather unexpected picks for medical students and young doctors- books about work and productivity that have helped reframe my mindset and open my eyes to the possibilities in my future. Most are not about medicine, but they are still books I wish I had read when I started my medical training and recommendations I would pass along to young doctors today.

Recommendations:

Give and Take: Why Helping Others Drives Our Success

by Adam Grant.

People fit generally into 3 categories: givers, takers and matchers. Many physicians are natural givers- which tend to be the most and least successful of the 3 categories. Adam Grant writes about who succeeds and why, and how to then build a robust and dynamic network of colleagues.

Deep Work: Rules for Focused Success in a Distracted World

by Cal Newport.

A refreshing celebration of those who have “thinking” jobs, which was what medicine was, and what I thought I would be doing.

So Good They Can’t Ignore You: Why Skills Trump Passion in the Quest for Work You Love

by Cal Newport.

What makes people love their work? Don’t do what you’re passionate about! Insightful dissection of work, finding meaning and how to use that to build a life of autonomy for yourself.

Never Split the Difference: Negotiating as If Your Life Depended on It

by Chris Voss.

Physicians are under-valued and often feel helpless when negotiating their work contracts. This was an empowering read with tons of practical tools and tactics to help getting your worth in the workplace.

The 4 Hour Work Week

by Timothy Ferris.

I don’t ascribe to everything Tim Ferris writes about in this book, but it is inspiring to think outside of the obligations of a traditional to job and how to apply some of these principles to your medical career.

Pivot: The Only Move That Matters is Your Next One

by Jenny Blake.

This is the book that has helped me the most this year in terms of a bold mindset and strategic moves to optimize my current position, and prepare for a potential leap to a new chapter. It has given me confidence amidst my fear and doubt, and is a must-read for anyone who intends to keep growing in whatever career they’re in.

The 7 Habits of Highly Successful People

by Stephen R. Covey.

A classic. If you haven’t read it, do.

Being Mortal: Illness, Medicine and What Matters at the End

by Atul Gawande.

I initially read Complications before I started medical school and have found each of Dr. Gawande’s books a brilliant read. Thinking about mortality through your patients’ eyes and slowing down to contemplate your own, and what that means for how you want to live.

When Breath Becomes Air

by Paul Kalanithi.

A resident who discovers he has terminal cancer and his powerful, raw thoughts in his last days. A stunning read.

Bonus: On my Reading List for 2023

1. The Pathless Path by Paul Millerd
2. Four Thousand Weeks by Oliver Burkeman
3. The Courage to be Disliked by Ichiro Kishimi and Fumitake Koga
4. Think Big: Take Small Steps and Build the Future You Want by Grace Lordan

Conclusion

These 9 surprising books for young doctors, discussing work and productivity were helpful on my ongoing journey to reassessing my career path. I hope this will be helpful to those of you who are on the same journey. Even more, I hope that those who are just starting this path will have the tools and the expanded mindset to create the life they want in a career in medicine. To have the leverage to spend time with their family, pursue other interests, retire early, or simply be the doctor they envisioned when they started medical school. Cheers to all of us!