Last Updated on December 28, 2022

Reading pathology books can help you pass Pathology classes and internships. Deciding which pathology books to read can be difficult because there are many good options. This article guides you through the most popular pathology books and helps you choose the right pathology book to read.

Our team of professional writers has looked around the book market, and found the best pathology books for students. In our collection you’ll find such greats as what books do medical students read, best book for pathology mbbs, latest pathology books…even human pathology book!

Pathology Books For Medical Students

If you are a medical student or planning to apply to medical school, it is essential to know the importance of a few interesting subjects in which your in-depth understanding is required to become a competent physician. Pathology is one of them. It is the most important discipline that is aimed at providing a clear understanding of etiology, pathogenesis, pathological anatomy, and pathophysiology of various diseases. Without a clear understanding of pathology, memorizing clinical syndromes and their treatment plans can be a challenge for medical students.

Pathology is taught during the first and second years of medical school, along with anatomy, biochemistry, genetics, physiology, and pharmacology. In addition, this subject is also tested in USMLE Step1, so having a strong understanding of pathology will help you score good marks in board exams. In order to develop you an in-depth understanding of pathology, here I have listed the top 8 pathology books that will help improve your pathological concepts.

Let’s check them out.

1. Rapid Review Pathology by Edward F. Goljan

It is one of the best pathology books that is written by the famous author Dr. Goljan who is renowned for providing outstanding educational resources.  The book covers all the key pathology concepts that are being tested on the USMLE Step 1. It includes more than 400 USMLE style online questions and hundreds of colorful images. Students are preparing for USMLE Step 1 should read this book to review the important information. The high-yield margin notes and user-friendly makes it easier for students to develop a deeper understanding of key pathological concepts and conditions.

2. Robbins and Cotran Review of Pathology by Klatt and Kumar

Students who want to improve their GPA and ace their clinical rotations should read this book. It beautifully describes the most important principles and concepts of gross and microscopic pathology. You will also find the latest information on molecular biology and genetics. It includes new illustrations that help students understand the concepts visually. The clinical vignette-style questions improve your problem-solving skills, and detailed explanations of every question will strengthen your understanding of key content.

It also develops your understanding of pathophysiology, integrates pathology by providing radiologic and diagnostic data. In short, it is a perfect study tool for self-assessment, coursework, and preparing for USMEL Step 1. It also includes multiple-choice questions and answers covering random topics.

3. Robbins Basic Pathology by Kumar, Abbas & Aster

It is one of the best pathology books for medical students that help them master the key concepts that are required for becoming a good doctor. The book includes essential pathology concepts and beautifully connects basic sciences and clinical medicine with clinicopathologic concepts. Students can improve their learning by reviewing clinical cases, virtual microscope slides, and therapy boxes. Furthermore, self-assessment questions allow you to advance your knowledge of pathology.

4. BRS Pathology by Schneider & Szanto

It is an excellent read for students of the first year and second year who are preparing for USMLE Step1. The book helps you understand basic pathology concepts, disease processes, systematic pathology, and disorders of each organ system. Colorful illustrations and their descriptions make it easier to learn the concept. You will also find USMLE style questions that help you determine your strengths and weak areas while preparing you for the actual board exam.

5. Underwood’s Pathology: A Clinical Approach by Simon Cross

It is one of the most popular books that is exclusively designed for medical students. The book beautifully explains basic pathology principles and offers comprehensive knowledge on disease mechanisms by providing clinical photographs, histopathology images, and clear graphics. It is a great choice to improve your problem-based learning and aid exam preparation. You will also find pathology crosswords that help students recall important terminologies and topics in an engaging way.

6. Crash Course Pathology by Olivia Mckinney & Isabel Woodman

If you want to excel in your pathology coursework and score impressive marks, you should read this book. It is a great choice for students of medicine, saves their time by providing essential information in a more interactive manner. The colorful layout and user-friendly format make it easier for students to learn the intricate concepts. Each chapter covers the full range of curriculum topics, clinical considerations and text boxes, hints, and tips to learn pathology. A self-assessment section allows you to check your understanding of the subject and aid exam preparation.

7. Pathology Illustrated by Fiona Roberts & Elaine MacDuff

The visual presentation of the complex topic makes it easier for students to learn pathology. The covers basic and systematic pathology, and each topic is summarized at the end of the chapter. It includes the latest information on different topics, including genetic diseases, hemodynamics, and molecular biology. A clear and concise way helps students understand basic science and clinical medicine.

8. Master Medicine: General and Systematic Pathology by Paul Bass & Susan Burroughs & Norman Carr & Claire Way

The book covers important concepts of general and systematic pathology that build a deeper understanding of diseases and their mechanisms. It includes memorable images that help you memorize the intricate concepts. You will find appropriate self-assessment material that will help you prepare for USMLE Step 1.

So, these are few best pathology books for medical students that will provide a deeper understanding of the subject while preparing you for board exams.

Best books and resources for Medical School Pathology and the Pathology NBME 2020

We know that getting a consensus on the best books and resources for any given class can be difficult. Asking friends, searching SDN, and consulting seniors can provide a confusing mixed bag of advice.

Turns out, we’ve done the work for you. Compiled below are comprehensive recommendations on the best books and resources. Click here to find out how we ranked each resource as well as a description of the tiers used. Happy studying!

Highest Yield — The best pathology book for medical school

Rapid Review Pathology — Goljan

Dr. Goljan is known for a few things, one being his educational resources and time teaching for Kaplan and two being shredded and destroying medical students at arm wrestling. His Rapid Review of Pathology is as shredded as they come—concise, dense but readable, and especially high yield. Text is outline based and has a full complement of pictures and diagrams which help with understanding. On the side of the text are high yield points that relate to that section of the book. 

Robbins and Cotran Review of Pathology — Klatt & Kumar

Over 1100 USMLE Step 1 styled questions with full color pictures and illustrations. Answers go over right and wrong answer choices with explanations. Unit 1, ‘General Pathology,’ is very helpful for the NBME pathology shelf exam and using the question book concurrently with ongoing second year classes will help you recognize highly tested material. This is the most reliable pathology question book on the market. 

Pathoma — Sattar

Pathoma over the years has quickly proven itself to be a high yield resource for second year medical students. Ordered through their proprietary website, the Pathoma system comes with a book and electronic access to video lectures by Dr. Sattar that follow along with the chapters. Dr. Sattar has a knack for breaking pathology down into easy to understand morsels in his lectures and provides a great foundation. Watch his videos and following along in his book concurrently with your class lectures; annotate key points he brings up into your First Aid.

Next Steps

Robbins Basic Pathology (Little Robbins) — Kumar, Abbas & Aster

A condensed, paragraph-based, 928 page textbook that reviews all of second year pathology; a good counterpart to Goljan’s Rapid Review if you prefer a typical textbook experience when reading. Double trouble if used with it’s question book counterpart, Review of Pathology. 

BRS Pathology — Schneider & Szanto

Shorter than Rapid Review, BRS condenses pathology into the dense, outline-based format it is known for. High yield and clearly written

If you have time

Robbins and Cotran’s Pathologic Basis of Disease (Big Robbins) — Kumas, Abbas & Aster

Gunners rejoice! If, for some reason, you find that you have spare time during second year, this is truly the gold standard for medical school pathology education. Even without using this text as a primary source of learning, having Big Robbins’s 1408 pages of comprehensive pathology on hand as a reference source is highly recommended; the figures and tables in this text are especially high yield (especially its “Key Concept” blue boxes) and the text is easy to read. If you’re already reading Robbins Basic Pathology, the purpose of this book may not have the most utility, but if you’re using Pathoma or Rapid Review, this text will more than adequately cover any gaps found.

What Books Do Medical Students Read

Anatomy and physiology textbooks will likely be at your side throughout your medical studies, and you’ll be reading through countless scientific papers, but you might want to read something beforehand that gives you insight into the world of medicine in practice – whether that’s research, at the clinic or in the operating room. 

With that in mind, below is a list of some books we think will give you a good idea of what Medicine is like (without getting textbook-y!).

What’s the best book you’ve read about medicine?

1. Bad Science by Ben Goldacre

Undoubtedly a must-read if you’re interested in research (which you should be!). This gem combines humour with facts to shed light on what really goes on behind every discovery, as well as what happens when things are slow in the lab.

In this book by British physician and researcher Ben Goldacre, basic principles of the scientific method in research are explained in a satirical, eye-opening way. He discusses the malpractice used by some researchers, universities and scientific journals, and the problems caused by, as he puts it, bad science. This ranges from calling out the dodgy claims made by scaremongering journalists going after an easy news story, to researchers themselves hiding important results simply because they wouldn’t give them a publication. This book is especially recommended to give you an idea on the realities of research, while still being light-hearted and fun to read. Ideal for a holiday reading list!

2. This Is Going to Hurt by Adam Kay

If you’re going to read one book from this list, make it this one. It’s an insightful, inspiring page-turner. This series of light-hearted yet informative accounts from Adam Kay’s career as a gynaecologist starts when he was applying to med school. He describes how the admissions process is rather arbitrary and not always effective in choosing students with the right qualities for the career. He goes on to talk about his days as a junior doctor, seeing his first death, saving his first life, and offers real insight into life as a junior doctor in the NHS.

3. Where There Is No Doctor: A Village Healthcare Handbook by David Werner

Originally a healthcare manual written based on the experiences of the author in a village in western Mexico, this book aims to inform its readers about how to deal with healthcare issues even in an isolated area where professional healthcare may not be readily available. This is one of the denser texts on this list, but definitely worth a read to get some insight into what medicine can be like in developing countries. In the process, you’ll also learn a few tips that might come in handy. From AIDS and malaria to abortion and drug addiction, the essential steps to prevent, recognise and treat common health issues are outlined in an informative manner.

4. Do No Harm by Henry Marsh

This is another insightful account of a doctor’s experiences, wherein neurosurgeon Henry Marsh dives into the realities of having someone’s life in your hands. It’s been described as “An unforgettable insight into the countless human dramas that take place in a busy modern hospital, and a lesson in the need for hope when faced with life’s most difficult decisions”. 

If you think neurosurgery is all about intricate skill, knowledge and a steady hand, Marsh will make you think again. The agonising day-to-day decisions that need to be made (with urgency) require you to be able to live with the consequences. As he explains here, a neurosurgeon usually has to perform operations that leave the patient with the lesser of two evils (for example, paralysing them to save their life). Even if the operation is supposed to have a good outcome, what happens if it all goes wrong? How do you deal with it? 

5. When Breath Becomes Air by Paul Kalanithi

Stanford University neurosurgeon Paul Kalanithi was diagnosed with terminal lung cancer at the age of 30. He uses this book to tell his story and tackle the issue of approaching death with grace, all while probing age old questions like what is the meaning of life? What makes a life worth living?

The question of the meaning of life, Kalanithi writes, arises frequently in medical settings. As a surgeon, especially a neurosurgeon, you must learn to judge whose life could be saved; whose couldn’t; and whose shouldn’t. Rushing a patient to the operation room in order to save their brain just enough to keep their heart functioning, leaving them unable to speak and destined to eat through a stra for the rest of their lives, condemns the patient to a existence they would never want. Kalanithi discusses why this makes it extremely important to be able to guide a patient and family to an understanding of death and illness.

6. The House of God by Samuel Shem

The only fictional work on this list, this novel written by a psychiatrist in the early 1970s follows a group of medical interns at a hospital called The House of God. Based on the author’s actual experiences, it tells of Roy, the new intern at the department, and his encounters with the people he meets there; for example, Fat Man, a second-year resident who believes old people never die. It’s a satirical, comical read, giving an idea of what life after graduation can be like for a medical student. The hospital even has its own list of rules, including this:

Rule 12: If the radiology resident and the medical student both see a lesion on the chest x-ray, there can be no lesion there.

If you’re looking for a humorous novel that’ll also give you an idea of the hectic life of an intern, this is the one.

7. Being Mortal by Atul Gawande

American surgeon Atul Gawande discusses how care for the sick and old has evolved since the early 1900s, when American hospitals were more like holding cells and did not provide much care. As they started to become equipped with antibiotics and monitoring equipment, this changed drastically. It talks of the cultural contrast with Asian and middle eastern countries, where the elderly are revered and cared for by their families until they require advanced care. Gawande also discusses the topic of assisted suicide, and hope for the ageing population in the future. 

11 books every aspiring or current medical student should read

Lucy Medicine DoS, Christopher Fowell and Dr Chloë Gamlin, graduate student provide an inspiring book-list

Dr Chloë Gamlin (Foundation Year 1 Doctor and Lucy Cavendish College graduate) and Mr Christopher Fowell (Fellow & Director of Studies, Lucy Cavendish College) have compiled a list of excellent books to read ahead of medical school applications, starting medical school, or simply for some distraction during lockdown and rescheduled examinations!

Whether you’re currently studying medicine or if you’re considering applying for medical school, we realise that alongside all the revision, exam stress, application forms, personal statements etc….. you probably don’t feel like reading anything else! However, you might want some different material to help you realise why you’ve chosen this career path  – it can be good to hear from others that have come out the other side! 

Chloë’s Recommendations:

• Atul Gawande – Complications, Better, The Checklist Manifesto, Being Mortal

Atul Gawande is an American surgeon and Professor of Health Policy who has written several influential books on the philosophy of medicine and medical practice. Complications discusses the various challenges faced by surgeons and the errors it is possible to make, while Better details the values of diligence, doing right and ingenuity, which Gawande understands as crucial for success in medicine. The Checklist Manifesto was a bestseller, discussing the importance of careful preparation – relevant for medicine and the wider world alike! 

• Oliver Sacks – The Man Who Mistook His Wife for a Hat and Awakenings

Oliver Sacks was a neurologist, who compiled books based on the patients he treated during his career in the US. Awakenings documents the patients recovering from a sleeping sickness in the Bronx in the 1920s, and the use of the then novel treatment levodopa, while The Man Who Mistook His Wife for a Hat is a compilation of 24 essays dealing with a range of different aspects of brain function. Oliver Sacks was one of the most prolific and engaging medical writers of his generation, as his books offer a great level of detail on both the conditions, and, crucially, the experiences of the patients in coping with them. Highly recommended. 

• Richard Wilkinson & Kate Pickett – The Spirit Level

Written by epidemiologists, The Spirit Level convincingly argues that equality really is better for everyone. They describe unequal societies as dysfunctional, highlighting the very real impact inequality has on both physical and mental health. Sweden is examined as an example of a healthier society, while the Cuban health paradox is cited as evidence for the impact of relative income equality on improving health at a population level. This book sits alongside seminal works by Sir Michael Marmot such as Status Syndrome and The Health Gap, which are also highly recommended reading on the social context of health and disease.

• Paul Kalanithi – When Breath Becomes Air

This book is an extremely moving first person account of facing one’s own mortality. Paul Kalanithi was a neurosurgeon who was diagnosed with metastatic lung cancer. He died, aged 37, while still writing his book. It is beautifully written; reflective and deeply personal, it forces one to confront difficult ideas about mortality. Essential reading for any aspiring or current medical student.

Christopher’s Recommendations:

• Ben Goldacre – Bad Science

I like some satire and humour in my reads, and this provides a serious but light-hearted opinion on the scientific research methods and their discoveries that we utilise in our day-to-day practices. Expect a grounding in ‘evidence-based medicine’, the mysteries of ‘blinding’ and that “the plural of ‘anecdote’ is not data”!

The book discusses the ‘Bad Science’ that we are bombarded with in the media and advertising and why we are so gullible. Understanding research and its results is an essential component of a medical career and this book presents the subject in a hilarious and informative manner. Highly recommended for any current or aspiring medic. 

• Samuel Shen – House of God 

Written by a psychiatrist in the 1970’s and something I would consider a forerunner to ‘This Is Going To Hurt’.  An extremely satirical, comical read based on accounts of a junior doctor working in the fictional ‘House of God’ hospital and the people he meets working there.  One of the most enjoyable elements are the list of rules and jargon, with an example being:

“LOL in NAD – (“little old lady in no apparent distress” – an elderly patient who following a minor fall or illness, would be better served by staying at home with good social support, rather than being admitted into a hospital with all theiatrogenic risks of modern medicine)”.

As you develop experience, you will realise just how many of these fictional terms are actually true(ish)! 

• Henry Marsh – Do No Harm: Stories of Life, Death and Brain Surgery

The themes that Henry Marsh discusses are relevant to all medical practitioners and aspiring doctors., in particular living with responsibility and inadvertent outcomes.  All doctors make decisions regarding “the lesser of two evils” every day and the consequences of these decisions are explored in detail.

However, this is not a depressing, gloomy read. The book reveals the wonder felt by a surgeon on being given the gift of permission to operate on a patient.  Many chapters describe, in intricate and fascinating detail, the triumphs of a career in surgery and healthcare.