Here are the five books that prompted physicians to pursue writing.
1. The Stories of John Cheever
The collection of stories features intricate plotlines, capturing the attention of internist Ethan Canin, MD. A member of Iowa Writers’ Workshop, Dr. Canin has authored various fiction books, such as A Doubter’s Almanac.
2. The Hidden Staircase
A part of the Nancy Drew Mystery Stories series, The Hidden Staircase resonated with internist Tess Gerristen, MD, when she was a young girl. Dr. Gerristen is the author of the Maura Isles/Jane Rizzoli series, which inspired the television series Rizzoli & Isles.
3. Catch-22
Pediatrician Raoul Wientzan, MD, read Joseph Heller’s Catch-22 when he was a teen. The book’s crazy humor, characters and structure inspired Dr. Wientzan to become an author. Dr. Wientzan wrote The Assembler of Parts.
4. The Man Who Mistook His Wife for a Hat
The Man Who Mistook His Wife for a Hat by Oliver Sacks, MD, inspired neuroscientist and author Lisa Genova, PhD, to write several books, including Left Neglected, Love Anthony, Inside the O’Briens and Still Alice.
5. The Andromeda Strain
Ophthalmologist Robin Cook, MD, read Michael Crichton’s The Andromeda Strain after he just wrote his first book, The Year of the Intern. The Andromeda Strain delves into the sociology of medicine and medical technology.
More articles on practice management:
What Dr. William Jiranek wants to leave behind — AAHKS President on training, advocacy & driving patient care
AAOS supports CCJR delay: 5 things to know
5 key thoughts on physician burn-out with EHRs
