Working in healthcare introduces you to a range of experiences, both good and bad, yet always life-changing. There are so many healthcare professionals who have created books about their lives and experiences working in healthcare, and we feel it's important to share their stories with you. We have put together a list of our top reads from our favourite authors.
This is Going to Hurt: Secret Diaries of a Junior Doctor by Adam Kay
Adam Kay is an award-winning comedian and writer. He previously worked as a junior doctor for many years. His first book, ‘This is Going to Hurt: Secret Diaries of a Junior Doctor’ was a Sunday Times number one bestseller, Adam has currently sold over two million copies of his book.
With a mixture of comedy and heartache, Adam Kay gives his readers an insight into a collection of diary entries he wrote during his medical training from 2004 to 2010. He covers a range of topics in the book, such as political issues in the healthcare system and of the National Health Service, how the mistreatment and neglect of doctors still occurs and how lack of sleep can severely impact your work as a doctor and potentially put the lives of others at risk.
The Language of Kindness by Christie Watson
Christie Watson has been a nurse for over twenty years. She is an award-winning bestseller. Her book, 'The Language of Kindness' received excellent reviews and was a Sunday Times bestseller. Christie holds an honorary Doctor of Letters for her contribution to nursing and the arts. She is also Patron of the Royal College of Nursing Foundation.
In her book, Christie opens the doors of the hospital she worked in and discusses its secrets. She takes the readers down the hospital corridors to visit the different wards and meet her unforgettable patients. Her book has been known to be emotional and empowering. Christie is truthful and raw. She doesn’t hide anything and wants the readers to know how emotional it can be working as a nurse.
Unnatural Causes: The Life and Many Deaths of Britain’s Top Forensic Pathologist by Dr Richard Shepherd.
Richard Shepherd trained as a doctor at St George's Hospital medical school in Hyde Park, London. He qualified in 1977 then went on to complete his postgraduate training as a forensic pathologist in 1987. After completing his training, he immediately joined the elite forensic department at Guy’s Hospital.
Richard has been involved in many forensic investigations, nationally and internationally. He has been a part of many investigations from unnatural causes, sudden unexplained deaths, headline-making murders and natural disasters. He has performed over 23,000 autopsies including some of the most high profile cases such as the Princess Diana case, 9/11 and The Hungerford Massacre. His skills and knowledge remain demanded across the world.
In his book, Richard discusses cases and deaths that have haunted him over the years, and how he can continue his very dark and mysterious role as a forensic pathologist. He talks about some of his most famous cases to date and how he became the man he is today. If you're looking for a true-crime book that's honest, graphic and dark, then this is the perfect book for you.
Fighting For Your Life: A Paramedics Story by Lysa Walder
After leaving school, Lysa joined a travelling circus where she worked in Europe for four years as an acrobat and ring-mistress. She decided to completely change her career path and focus on becoming a paramedic. She has now been a paramedic for over twenty years working for the London Ambulance service. She can usually be found undertaking sessions in a variety of settings such as the walk-ins and urgent care centres all across London.
In her book, she reveals what it’s really like to work in a job that entails many highs and lows whilst also dealing with death regularly. Lysa’s book contains scenes of tragedy, heroism, loss and horror. It’s a heartfelt book that is very empowering and raw. It has received raving reviews from many, as well as those who also work in the healthcare industry. It’s perfect for readers who are looking for the truth and empowering moments of caring for severely ill people.
The 4 Pillar Plan: How to Relax, Eat, Move and Sleep Your Way to a Longer Healthier Life - by Dr Rangan Chatterjee
Dr Rangan Chatterjee is a British physician, television presenter, author and podcaster. He is best known for his TV show ‘Doctor in the house’. He’s practised medicine for nearly 20 years, and after seeing many patients, he decided that people can feel a lot better than they currently do. This is how his book, 'the 4 Pillar Plan' came about.
'The 4 Pillar Plan' is a book that's suitable for anyone who wants to make positive changes to their lifestyles, whether it’s diet, exercise or both. Based on research and Dr Chatterjee’s personal experiences working as a doctor for over 20 years, the book provides a simple but actionable plan that is achievable and very beneficial. His book has received many excellent reviews from the likes of Jamie Oliver, Cosmopolitan and Radio Times.
The Doctor’s Kitchen - Eat to Beat Illness: A simple way to cook and live the healthiest, happiest life by Dr Rupy Aujla
Rupy Aujla is a medical doctor who specialises in general practice and emergency medicine. He has a strong passion for food and the medicinal benefits of eating well. Over the years, Rupy has created a range of delicious healthy recipes for everyone to try. His philosophy is to celebrate cultural diversity and make healthy lifestyles more enjoyable for everyone.
His book's purpose is to inspire patients about the many medicinal effects healthy eating can give you. In the book, you will find many recipes accompanied by clinical research behind the ingredients he uses in each dish. As a clinical adviser to the Royal College of GP's, he wants to bring the concept of 'Culinary Medicine' to the profession worldwide. This book is great for those who are looking for some inspiration and motivation to change their lifestyles and get creative with cooking whilst achieving a healthy lifestyle.
Dear NHS 100 Stories to Say Thank You - by Adam Kay
Another addition from Adam Kay that has been very successful is ‘Dear NHS 100 Stories to Say Thank You’. The book features 100 household names telling their personal stories of the health service. Many celebrities have contributed to this book such as Paul McCartney, Peter Kay, Dawn French, David Tennant and Dame Julie Walters. This book is very inspirational and has allowed people to share their stories of how the NHS has been there for them and changed their lives. It's a deeply moving, hilarious and passionate book that is suitable for anyone, prepare to grab a box of tissues and laugh and cry whilst you read it, it will certainly be one of those books that stays with you forever.
With a range of books to choose from, there is something for everyone no matter your taste. Each book provides an insight into the authors' lives and what it's like working in healthcare. They share their knowledge, experiences and stories with the world to educate them about the truth.
If you have any recommendations of books by healthcare professionals, please let us know and we will add them to our reading list.