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Cutting for Stone

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It’s a stressful time right now for pre-meds, so I thought I would try to cut the anxiety by recommending a medically-related novel called “Cutting for Stone” by Dr. Abraham Verghese, Professor for the Theory and Practice of Medicine at Stanford University Medical School and Senior Associate Chair of the Department of Internal Medicine. The book follows twin brothers born to a nun and a surgeon at a mission hospital in Addis Ababa. The story is wonderful.

Try to kick back and enjoy this masterpiece.

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On Your Reading List

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Every once in a while I make a book or film recommendation for those starting their medical careers. I recently found an old book that positively influenced me years ago: A Leg to Stand On by Dr. Oliver Sacks. Many of us know Sacks’ popular works (The Man Who Mistook His Wife for a Hat, Awakenings), but this is a lesser known book that has a lot to offer. In it, Sacks is the patient, and he describes being a physician in the uncomfortable sick role, exploring this vulnerable position. It’s worth a read.

On a different note, I am currently booking several weeks in advance for Strategy Sessions. If you are planning to schedule one with me, I would recommend you do so very soon, so you can secure an appointment time that works best for you.

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This is a Soul

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I wanted to put in a plug for a book I’m reading called, “This is a Soul: The Mission of Rick Hodes” by Marilyn Berger. The book chronicles the work of Dr. Hodes, an American doctor who has lived in Ethiopia for over three decades assisting children with horribly severe – oftentimes lethal – spinal problems (frequently tuberculosis-related). Dr. Hodes himself has adopted several sick Ethiopian children.

During his emergency medicine training, my husband worked with Dr. Hodes and was tremendously impressed with his dedication. Here is more information about Rick Hodes and the work he does.

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Law School Admissions

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My friend and colleague Ann Levine recently published a comprehensive book called The Law School Admission Game: Play Like an Expert. Although the book targets a different applicant pool, medical school, residency and fellowship candidates may find the sections on writing an excellent personal statement and getting the best letters of recommendation helpful. Check out Ann’s book here.

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About Dr. Michelle Finkel

Dr. Michelle Finkel

Dr. Finkel is a graduate of Stanford University and Harvard Medical School. On completing her residency at Harvard, she was asked to
stay on as faculty at Harvard Medical School and spent five years teaching at the world-renowned Massachusetts General Hospital.
She was appointed to the Assistant Residency Director position for the Harvard Affiliated
Emergency Medicine Residency where she reviewed countless applications, personal statements and resumes. Read more

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Listen to Dr. Finkel’s interview on the White Coat Investor podcast:

Listen to Dr. Finkel’s interview on the FeminEm podcast: