Two years ago I got an invite to interview at my first-choice medical school. What I didn’t get though was chill. I was determined to ace my interview and win an offer.
That winter I Googled recommended preparation materials and tried many.
Many times during the application process I doubted if I would even get into medical school. But the first interview I did – it was nerve-wrackingly at my first choice – was successful. When I saw the offer letter it felt incredible!
Through research, personal experience and now having helped others to ace their interviews I’m excited to be able to share with you my top 6 recommended books to help you prepare.
1. Medical School Interviews (2nd Edition) By Olivier Picard and George Lee
This bestselling book offers a truly comprehensive guide to preparing for interviews, from model answers to all the knowledge you’ll need.
Its only drawback is that the hot topics do not update with each year the book ages. Therefore, a fantastic compliment is the Hot Topics section (pages 11-13) of our Medical School Interviews Crash Course ebook. This ebook is updated annually. You can download it for free when you subscribe to the mailing list.
2. A Very Short Introduction to Medical Law by Charles Foster
For interviews you will need to know the four pillars of medical ethics and understand how to use them to make a judgement call in an ethical predicament.
Charles’s short book is informative and witty. You are sure to find the cases he explores incredibly interesting.
A perfectly good alternative is A Very Short Introduction to Medical Ethics by Tony Hope. Both cover the essentials you need to know.
For a super quick but effective tutorial on medical ethics check out page 22 of our Medical School Interviews Crash Course ebook. You can download for free when you subscribe to the mailing list.
3. Do No Harm by Henry Marsh
Everybody I know who has read this book has loved it.
Written by a British neurosurgeon, this book provides a peek into the highs and lows of being a surgeon.
Henry also highlights multiple ethical predicaments he has encountered in his career and you will get a glimpse at the uncertainty, responsibilities and mistakes you must shoulder as a doctor.
4. This is Going to Hurt by Adam Kay
Adam Kay is an ex-doctor-turned-writer-and-comedian. The book is a repurposed diary from his years training as a doctor.
Funny yet touching and honest, it’s a great read because you’ll get a valuable insight into the ups and downs of working on the NHS frontline. It is genuinely hilarious in parts too!
5. Your Life in My Hands by Rachel Clarke
Another recently published book by a disillusioned doctor. However, unlike Adam, Rachel didn’t decide to leave the profession altogether, but chose instead to practice medicine in another country.
The book focuses on the overhaul of the junior doctors contract in the U.K. and the resistance that erupted in the medical community. Rachel began on the periphery of the defiance, but eventually ended up in the eye of the storm. And so, you will gain a fantastic understanding of the feelings, politics and comradery that surfaced during this time.
6. Medical School Interviews Crash Course ebook
This book is packed with essential knowledge, advice and tips for acing your interview.
Because it is updated and improved annually you can trust the content to be relevant and up-to-date. (Every year we also welcome feedback from readers like you! This helps us to continuously improve the book).
It is geared to both graduates and secondary school leavers. Plus it covers both panel interviews and MMIs.
Download it for free when you sign up to the mailing list.
-—
You’ve got this! Good luck. Sign up to our mailing list to get more interview tips in your email inbox.
What’s your favourite medicine-related book? Leave a comment below.
—-