10 books to inspire you in 2018

Make space in your day for these 10 reads in 2018 and let your mind expand.

Whether you’re interested in starting a discussion, challenging the status quo or self-discovery, these picks should hit the spot.

1. “Being Mortal, Medicine and What Matters in the End” by Atul Gawande, MD

For perspective seekers

Modern medicine has its limits. Kelly Dinnan, DO, a general and trauma surgeon recommends this read to her students and residents. In this award-winning book, Dr. Gawande explores mortality as part of the medical equation and offers the idea that aging in comfort and living fully can be more important than just extending life.

2. “The Feminine Touch: History of Women in Osteopathic Medicine” by Thomas A. Quinn, DO

For history buffs

Andrew Taylor Still, MD, DO, admitted women to the first osteopathic medical school in 1892. Read the book that inspired the Emmy award-winning PBS documentary, “The Feminine Touch“. Filled with stories of pioneering female osteopathic physicians,  Dr. Quinn documents the struggle for gender equality in medicine and osteopathy’s acceptance as scientifically valid medicine.

3. “New Horizons in Patient Safety: Understanding Communication, Case Studies for Physicians” by Annegret Hannawa, PhD, Robert Juhasz, DO,  Albert Wu, MD

For better communication 

Excellent communication skills are the backbone of medical care. Contributor and AOA past president Dr. Juhasz helped develop the case studies in this book about the importance of patient safety and quality improvement in everyday practice.

4. “Thrive Medicine: How To Cultivate Your Desires And Elevate Your Life” by Colin Zhu, DO

For forward thinkers
Dr. Zhu encourages readers to stretch beyond living and thrive in life.  With the osteopathic philosophy at its core, Dr. Zhu focuses on how to nourish the spirit. Go on a journey to find more enjoyment out of life, discover purpose and deeper understanding.

5. “When Breath Becomes Air” by Paul Kalanithi, MD

For finding purpose

A resident neurosurgeon, Dr. Kalanithi was diagnosed with stage IV lung cancer near the end of his training. In his New York Times bestselling memoir, Dr. Kalanithi tackles the question, “what makes life worth living in the face of death?” See his widow, Lucy Kalanithi, MD, who wrote the epilogue, speak at the LEAD conference in January in Austin.

6. “The Sleep Revolution” by Arianna Huffington

For resilience

OMED 2017 keynote speaker Arianna Huffington spoke about the importance of building resilience into your life.  In “The Sleep Revolution,” she argues sleep isn’t just important for our health, but necessary if we want to achieve our goals. Rest up in order to be your best self as Huffington has the tips and tricks to finding a good night’s rest.

7. “In-Training: Stories from Tomorrow’s Physicians” by Ajay Major, MD, and Aleena Paul, MD

For dialogue
In these vignettes written by medical students on humanism, patient encounters and the trials of training, these stories get inside the minds of future physicians. Each narrative is accompanied by questions written by the editors to dig further into the discussion.

8. “An American Sickness: How Healthcare Became Big Business and How You Can Take it Back” by Elisabeth Rosenthal, MD

For revolutionaries 
Dr. Rosenthal investigates how the health care system in the United States failed and why medical bills are so high. Demand reform and take back the system with her guidance.

9. “Pandora’s Lab: Seven Stories of Science Gone Wrong” by Paul A. Offit, MD

For science junkies

Sometimes scientists need to give up their theories when data is unsupported. Using seven examples from science, Dr. Offit explains how we should be cautious of our findings, avoid making broad claims and, most importantly, learn from past mistakes.

10. “Inner Strength: Osteopathic Medical Students Reflect on Resiliency” by Tyler Cymet, DO

For students

This collection of essays, from the 2015-2016 Student DO of the Year honorees, explores the range of emotions that comprise the medical school experience. Students hoping to find resilience during a stressful time should read this book to know they’re not alone.