Best Medical Essays Books of 2025

The Mind Has Mountains: Reflections on Society and Psychiatry is a collection of essays by Dr. Paul R. McHugh, one of the most thought-provoking figures in the academic world. McHugh argues for a realistic appraisal of what psychiatrists know and how they know it, with the aim of indicating how such knowledge can best be used for better patient care and to influence public issues and social movements. The book offers a refreshing perspective on the goals and effectiveness of current psychiatric practice and will stimulate professional and popular discussion. McHugh's writing is clear, concise, and thought-provoking, making this book a must-read for anyone interested in psychiatry and society.

Reflections of a Pupil by Dr. R. Rishi Gupta is a must-read for medical students, residents, and junior attendings in the field of ophthalmology. The book offers real-life lessons and insights that cannot be found in textbooks, focusing on essential issues such as resiliency, communication, mentorship, ethics, and life-long learning. Dr. Gupta shares short, easy-to-digest stories and case studies that resonate with physicians, challenging readers to find the lessons that life and their profession continuously present. The book has received glowing reviews from ophthalmology professionals, with many calling it a superb piece of work. Overall, Reflections of a Pupil is a unique and invaluable resource for anyone looking to grow into the physician they have always wanted to be.

The Quotable Osler is a newly revised and updated paperback edition featuring fifty new quotes, including a chronology of Osler's life. Sir William Osler's timeless teachings and principles in an aphoristic style have greatly influenced generations of physicians. This book is a valuable resource for those seeking an apt quote for an article, presentation, or for those wanting to sample Osler's thought-provoking and uplifting messages. This literary fiction book, published by the American College of Physicians, would make an excellent gift for a fellow physician, medical student, or a graduating resident.

The Metaphysics of The Healing is a translated version of Avicenna's masterpiece on Islamic philosophy. In this book, Avicenna explores the concept of existence and delves into the nature of God, developing a theory of divine causation that combines Neoplatonic, Aristotelian, and Islamic ideas. The book also discusses Avicenna's religious and political philosophy, including divine providence and the ideal "virtuous" city. With Michael Marmura's skillful translation and annotations, this edition of The Metaphysics is more accessible than ever before. Overall, this book is a must-read for anyone interested in classical Islamic philosophy.

The Soul of Medicine: Tales from the Bedside is a collection of stories from doctors collected over 30 years by Sherwin Nuland. The book is filled with grace and wisdom, exploring the mysteries and conundrums of modern medicine. Nuland's keen insight into the special relationship between doctor and patient enhances the engrossing stories and illustrates the judgment, wisdom, and character of veteran doctors who have mastered the art of care-giving. The lessons learned from this book are as moving and profound as they are timeless. Overall, The Soul of Medicine is a beautiful book that brings together the history of medicine and the human experience.

The "Medicalization of Everyday Life: Selected Essays" is a collection of essays written between 1973 and 2006 by Thomas Szasz, a psychiatrist and professor emeritus at SUNY Upstate Medical University. The book delves into the complex evolution of medicalization and chronicles Szasz’s long campaign against the alliance of medicine and the state. He argues against the idea that mental illness is a disease and drugs cannot treat the mind. The book concludes with "Pharmacracy: The New Despotism," which examines the intersection of medicine and the state. This is a thought-provoking book that challenges conventional thinking about mental illness and medicine.

No Apparent Distress by Rachel Pearson is a memoir that offers a raw and honest account of the American healthcare system. Pearson's story is a coming-of-age tale that delves into the stories and politics of a medical training system in which students learn on the bodies of the poor. Her literary skill is apparent in her book, and her courage, honesty, and doggedness are evident on every page. Pearson shines a spotlight on the brutal inequalities present within our healthcare system, making this book a notable contribution to the medical bildungsroman. It is a must-read for anyone interested in the healthcare system and its impact on society.

Autobiography of a Persistent Anesthesiologist: Edmund I. "Ted" Eger, II is a conversational and educational book that covers the life and career of Dr. Edmond I. "Ted" Eger II, the world's leading expert on anesthetic uptake and distribution. The book is written in an informal style and covers both personal life events and scientific topics such as MAC, pharmacokinetics, and mechanisms of anesthetic action. The science of anesthetic pharmacology is inseparable from Dr. Eger's story in this autobiography. Overall, this book is a fascinating read that offers a unique perspective on the life and accomplishments of a remarkable anesthesiologist and researcher.

Intensive Care: A Doctor's Journal is a poignant and insightful account of life in the Intensive Care Unit of San Francisco General Hospital. Written by Dr. John F. Murray, the book takes readers on a journey through his daily ward rounds, offering a glimpse into the lives of critically ill patients and the ethical dilemmas that doctors face. The book provides a comprehensive understanding of what an ICU does, who gets admitted, and how doctors and nurses make decisions concerning life-threatening medical problems. Murray's writing style is compassionate and easy to understand, making this book an excellent resource for anyone seeking to learn more about ICU care. Overall, this book is a must-read for anyone interested in health care delivery and the challenges faced by medical professionals today.

Routine Miracles is a book that explores the disconnect between medical advances and the rise of physician dissatisfaction. Author Conrad Fischer surveyed more than 3,000 physicians and interviewed hundreds of patients to uncover the seeds of doctors’ discontent. Based on his findings, he offers a deeply personal and compelling call to action to celebrate the present and the future of medicine. This book highlights the incredible advances in medicine and how doctors can better communicate their achievements to patients. Overall, Routine Miracles is an inspiring read that offers hope and optimism for the future of healthcare.