Books to Help You Understand Health and the Healthcare Industry
Here is a curated list of books about health: your health, caring for your loved ones’ health, and navigating the healthcare system. These insightful reads will help you gain a better understanding of personal well-being and equip you with the knowledge to make informed decisions about healthcare.
While the Pillar team hasn’t yet read these books, we’re planning an exciting book club to dive into them together—and we’d love for you to join us! Stay tuned for updates and opportunities to be part of engaging discussions as we explore these important topics side by side.
Our first book club will be focused on Rita Pamplin’s “Dear Cancer: A Collection of Letters From One Woman’s Fight”. We will share our discussion notes and key takeaways, and we encourage you to read along with us. Keep up with us on Facebook and you might be able to help us choose our next book!
Dear Cancer: A Collection of Letters from One Woman's Fight by Rita Pamplin
This book is a powerful collection of letters written by Rita Pamplin during her journey with cancer. Her raw and honest words convey hope, strength, and resilience, offering wisdom and encouragement to others facing similar battles.
About the Author: Rita Pamplin is a writer and cancer survivor who shares her story to inspire others. Her letters capture the emotional depth of her experience and demonstrate the power of perseverance.
Atomic Habits by James Clear
This transformative guide delves into the power of small habits and how they can lead to remarkable life changes. With actionable strategies backed by science, Clear explains how to break bad habits, build good ones, and maintain momentum toward your goals. This is a particularly good read to start at the beginning of the year, especially if you’re serious about meeting your resolutions.
About the Author: James Clear is a productivity expert and entrepreneur with a background in behavioral psychology. His work is trusted worldwide for its clear, actionable advice.
You Are Not Alone for Patients and Caregivers
Dr. Crawford offers a compassionate guide for patients and caregivers navigating challenging medical journeys. This book addresses emotional struggles, provides practical advice, and emphasizes the importance of community and support systems.
About the Author: Christine M. Crawford, MD, is a board-certified psychiatrist and assistant professor of psychiatry, known for her expertise in mental health and caregiving support.
Never Pay The First Bill by Marshall Allen
This practical book reveals strategies for fighting back against inflated medical bills and unfair charges. Allen empowers readers to take control of their healthcare expenses with actionable advice and success stories.
About the Author: Marshall Allen is an award-winning investigative journalist specializing in healthcare. His reporting has exposed systemic issues and helped countless individuals save money.
An American Sickness: How Healthcare Became Big Business and How You Can Take It Back by Elisabeth Rosenthal
This eye-opening book exposes how the U.S. healthcare system prioritizes profit over patients. Rosenthal outlines the historical roots of the problem and provides practical advice for navigating the system effectively.
About the Author: Elisabeth Rosenthal is a former physician and award-winning journalist. As the editor-in-chief of Kaiser Health News, her expertise bridges medicine and investigative reporting.
Blind Spots by Marty Makary, MD
Makary explores the unseen flaws in the healthcare system that affect patients’ safety and outcomes. Through compelling stories, he highlights issues like medical errors and offers solutions for creating a more transparent and effective system.
About the Author: Marty Makary, MD, is a renowned surgeon, public health researcher, and professor at Johns Hopkins University. His insights are grounded in extensive clinical and academic experience.
Random Acts of Medicine: The Hidden Forces That Sway Doctors, Impact Patients, and Shape Our Health by Anupam B. Jena
Dr. Jena examines the unseen factors influencing medical decisions and patient care. This book blends research and storytelling to illuminate how randomness affects health outcomes.
About the Author: Anupam B. Jena is a physician, economist, and professor at Harvard Medical School. His expertise bridges healthcare and economics, making him a trusted authority on the subject.
From This Moment On: A Guide for Those Recently Diagnosed with Cancer by Arlene Cotter
Cotter provides a compassionate resource for those grappling with a new cancer diagnosis. The book focuses on emotional support and practical steps to navigate the early stages of treatment.
About the Author: Arlene Cotter is a writer and cancer survivor whose firsthand experience informs her empathetic and practical advice for newly diagnosed patients.
The Cancer Journey: Understanding Diagnosis, Treatment, Recovery, and Prevention by Chadi Nabhan
This comprehensive guide covers every stage of the cancer experience, offering practical advice for patients and caregivers. Nabhan provides a clear roadmap for navigating a complex diagnosis.
About the Author: Chadi Nabhan is a hematologist and oncologist with years of clinical experience. His compassionate approach to cancer care has earned him widespread respect.
You Finished Treatment, Now What? A Field Guide for Cancer Survivors by Dr. Amy Rothenberg
Dr. Rothenberg addresses the unique challenges faced by cancer survivors, offering guidance on recovery, long-term health, and emotional resilience. This book empowers readers to thrive post-treatment.
About the Author: Amy Rothenberg, ND, is a naturopathic doctor and cancer survivor. Her holistic approach to healthcare combines medical expertise with personal insight.
Legacy: A Black Physician Reckons With Racism in Medicine by Uché Blackstock, MD
Dr. Blackstock reflects on her journey as a Black woman in medicine and the legacy of inequities within the healthcare system. The book combines personal narrative with a call to action for addressing racial disparities in healthcare.
About the Author: Uché Blackstock, MD, is an emergency physician, activist, and founder of Advancing Health Equity. She is a leading voice in the fight against healthcare inequities and systemic racism.
Unwell Women by Elinor Cleghorn
This trailblazing book explores the history of women’s health, tracing the evolution of medical ideas about women’s illnesses from ancient times to the modern era. Cleghorn highlights how gender biases have shaped medical practices and discusses conditions like hormones and autoimmune diseases in a compelling narrative.
About the Author: Elinor Cleghorn is a writer and researcher with a focus on feminist history and cultural studies. Her personal experience with lupus informs her nuanced perspective on the intersection of gender and healthcare.
Better by Atul Gawande
In this thought-provoking collection of essays, Dr. Gawande examines the complexities of medicine, exploring the limitations of the human body and the challenges faced by medical professionals. He delves into how achievement is defined in healthcare and the cultural and systemic pressures that influence the field.
About the Author: Atul Gawande, MD, is a surgeon, public health researcher, and author renowned for his ability to distill complex medical topics into relatable narratives. His work is trusted worldwide for its insight into the human side of medicine.
These books are valuable tools for understanding your health and the complexities of the healthcare system. They offer perspectives that can empower you to make informed decisions, whether you’re managing your own health or supporting a loved one. However, navigating the healthcare journey often requires personalized guidance tailored to your unique circumstances. At Pillar Patient Advocates, our board-certified advocates are here to help. We provide expert answers to your questions, assist in finding the right healthcare resources, and offer compassionate support throughout your journey. Whether you’re facing a difficult diagnosis, exploring treatment options, or seeking clarity about your rights and responsibilities, we’re dedicated to helping you take control of your health. Let us be a trusted partner in ensuring you receive the care and support you deserve.
