Books You Should Read!
Best Books for Pre-PA and PA Students to Read
By: Savanna Perry, PA-C
If you want recreational reading with a medical twist before PA school, a few books stand out as favorites. Atul Gawande's Better and Complications are at the top of the list, both written by a surgeon who is also a gifted writer and thoughtful about the issues facing medicine. Other meaningful picks include Still Alice, Being Mortal, and The House of God.
Last Updated: June 12, 2026
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Which books should every future PA read?
If you are looking for recreational reading with a medical twist, I have a couple of favorites I recommend to anyone interested or involved in the medical field. The two I read before starting PA school were Better and Complications, both by Dr. Atul Gawande.
Gawande is a surgeon, so he can genuinely relate to the realities 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 real issues facing the medical field along with Gawande's own opinions on them. I do not agree with every single one of his takes, and that is part of the value. Reading him helped me form and sharpen my own opinions about medicine, which is exactly what you want from a book before you step into a clinical career. Start with these two if you only pick a few.
What other medical books are worth your time?
Beyond the Gawande picks, there are a few more books I love or have on my own reading list that are worth a look. Still Alice is a moving story that gives you a window into a patient and family experience you may one day care for. Being Mortal, also by Gawande, takes on aging, serious illness, and end-of-life care in a way that sticks with you long after you finish.
The House of God is a classic in the medical world, a sharp and sometimes uncomfortable look at training and hospital culture. Each of these reads differently, but they all build empathy and give you language for the human side of medicine, which matters just as much as the science. Pick whichever pulls at you most and go from there. The point is less about finishing a checklist and more about getting curious about the field you are working so hard to enter.
In our experience coaching applicants, the ones who read widely about medicine tend to write more genuine, reflective personal statements. I read Better and Complications before PA school, and they helped me form my own opinions on the issues in medicine long before I had to navigate them myself. A good medical read is one of the easiest ways to deepen your why.
How can reading help you on your pre-PA journey?
Reading books like these does more than fill your free time. It helps you understand the realities, ethics, and emotions of medicine before you are in the middle of it, which makes you a more thoughtful applicant and eventually a more compassionate provider.
These stories and ideas can also give you authentic material for your personal statement and interviews. When a book genuinely shapes how you think about patient care or the kind of provider you want to be, that comes through, and it is far more compelling than a generic answer. So read with curiosity, not just to have a title to mention. Notice what resonates, what you disagree with, and why. That reflection is what turns a good book into a meaningful part of your pre-PA growth, and it is a habit worth carrying into your career.
Every Pre-PA Should Know...
A simple rule of thumb: start with Atul Gawande's Better and Complications. They are easy reads that make you think and help you form your own views on medicine.
Header Question/Section
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Need to Know:
Better and Complications by Atul Gawande are top picks for future PAs
Gawande is a surgeon and a skilled writer, so his books relate and engage
Still Alice offers a moving patient and family perspective
Being Mortal explores aging and end-of-life care
The House of God is a classic look at medical training and culture
Read to reflect, since insights can strengthen essays and interviews
Listen to the full episode
We talked through this on The Pre-PA Club podcast. Press play for the full episode.
This episode of The Pre-PA Club podcast is a treasure trove of literary recommendations tailored for pre-PA students. I emphasize the significance of reading as a means to enhance understanding and perspective in the medical field. Throughout the episode, I share a variety of books that I believe are essential for those on the path to becoming physician assistants, focusing on narratives that illuminate the patient experience and the ethical dilemmas faced by healthcare professionals.
Among the highlighted works is 'Complications' by Dr. Atul Gawande, a compelling exploration of the challenges inherent in medicine, alongside its sequel 'Better,' which offers constructive solutions to these issues. I also discuss 'When Breath Becomes Air' by Paul Kalanithi, a poignant memoir that reflects on life, death, and the realities of being a physician confronted with terminal illness. These readings not only prepare students for their educational journey but also provide context for the experiences they will encounter in their careers.
Additionally, I provide practical suggestions for accessing these books, such as utilizing audiobook services and library apps, making literature more accessible to those busy with their studies. By engaging with these texts, pre-PA students can foster a deeper connection to their future roles and enhance their interview readiness, equipping them with the knowledge and insights that will serve them well in their medical careers.
What we cover
Reading diverse books can greatly enhance your understanding of medicine and patient care.
Dr. Atul Gawande's works, particularly 'Complications' and 'Better', are essential reads for aspiring PAs.
Understanding the ethical dilemmas in medicine can prepare you for challenging patient conversations.
Fictional narratives like 'Still Alice' provide valuable insights into patient experiences and family dynamics.
Chapters
0:04 – Favorite Books for Pre PAs
2:53 – Exploring Essential Reads for Aspiring PAs
6:31 – Exploring Medical Insights: Complications and Better by Atul Gawande
12:57 – Exploring Fictional Medical Narratives
14:20 – Exploring Medical Literature: A Book Discussion
Episode: Must Read Books Before Starting PA School · Follow The Pre-PA Club on Apple Podcasts or Spotify · Browse all episodes
FAQ
Great starting points are Better and Complications by Atul Gawande, plus Still Alice, Being Mortal, and The House of God. They build empathy and give you a thoughtful look at medicine before you start.
Gawande is a surgeon, so he relates to the realities of medicine, and he is a skilled writer. His books are easy to read, make you think, and help you form your own opinions on issues in healthcare.
It is not required, but reading about medicine helps you understand the field and can give you authentic material for your personal statement and interviews. Read out of genuine curiosity rather than obligation.
It is a well-known classic about medical training and hospital culture, and it can be sharp and uncomfortable at times. Many find it eye-opening, but go in knowing it offers a candid, satirical look at medicine.
Yes. When a book genuinely shapes how you think about patient care, that reflection can strengthen your personal statement and interview answers by making your reasons feel specific and authentic.
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