Best Books for Medical People and Pre-PA Students
Best Books for Medical People and Pre-PA Students
By: Savanna Perry, PA-C
If you want recreational reading with a medical twist, Atul Gawande's Better and Complications are two standouts to read before PA school, written by a surgeon who is also a skilled, thought-provoking writer. Other strong picks on the list include Still Alice, Being Mortal, and The House of God.
Last Updated: June 12, 2026
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What books should pre-PA students read?
If you are looking for some recreational reading with a medical twist, there are a handful of options I highly recommend. Two that I read before starting PA school are Better and Complications, both by Dr. Atul Gawande. I think anyone interested or involved in the medical field should read them.
Gawande is a surgeon, so he can genuinely relate to the day-to-day of medicine, and on top of that he is an incredibly skilled writer. His books are easy to read and they make you think. Both Better and Complications dig into issues facing the medical field along with his opinions on them. I do not necessarily agree with everything he says, and that is part of the value: reading his views helped me form my own.
What other medical books are worth adding to your list?
Beyond Gawande, there are several more books worth picking up if you have some extra time on your hands. Here are a few that round out a solid pre-PA reading list:
Still Alice by Lisa Genova, a novel about early-onset Alzheimer's that builds real empathy for patients
Being Mortal by Atul Gawande, which explores aging, end-of-life care, and what matters most to patients
The House of God by Samuel Shem, a classic, satirical look at medical training
These cover a nice range, from fiction that puts you inside the patient experience to nonfiction that questions how medicine is practiced. Reading widely like this is a low-stress way to deepen your understanding before you ever set foot in a program.
In our experience coaching applicants, a good book can spark the kind of reflection that strengthens essays and interview answers. You do not need to read dozens, but having a few thoughtful titles you can speak about genuinely goes a long way.
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Every Pre-PA Should Know...
Reading a surgeon-author like Atul Gawande is one of the easiest ways to start thinking critically about how medicine actually works.
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Need to Know:
Better and Complications by Atul Gawande are top picks before PA school
Gawande is a surgeon and a skilled writer, so his books are readable and thought-provoking
You do not have to agree with every opinion to learn from it
Still Alice and Being Mortal round out the patient-experience side of the list
The House of God is a classic, satirical take on medical training
Reading widely helps build empathy and interview talking points
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A short, thoughtful reading list is one of the simplest ways to grow before PA school, and it gives you real material for your essays and interviews. Pick one or two titles to start, and if you want help turning your experiences into a standout application, we are here to help.
You May Also Like:
Book Review: Still Alice
Pre-PA Reading List
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