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Medicine Reading List

For prospective students

We advise you to read the Medicine subject page thoroughly.

For offer holders

The Director of Studies in Medicine recommends the following books to read:

  • G. J Tortora and B.H. Derrickson, Essentials of Anatomy and Physiology: International Student Version (John Wiley & Sons, 2009) or E. N. Marieb, Essentials of Human Anatomy & Physiology (Pearson, 2008)

  • B. Alberts, D. Bray, K. Hopkin & A. Johnson, Essential Cell Biology (Garland, 2009)

  • S. Nuland, How we live (Vintage, 1998)

  • S. Nuland, How we die: Reflections on Life's Final Chapter (Vintage, 1995)

  • S. Mukherjee, The Emperor of All Maladies: A Biography of Cancer (Schribner, 2011)

  • A. Gawande, The Checklist Manifesto: How to Get Things Right (Profile Books, 2010)

It is essential that you read the following information before you arrive in Cambridge:

  • The GMC and Medical Schools Council booklet "Medical students: professional values and fitness to practice" (available via the links below). On the first day of your course, you will be asked to sign a declaration, the Medical Student Register Agreement, stating that you have read these documents and agree to abide by the conditions set out in them.

  • Your first few weeks in Cambridge will be easier if you are familiar with the Key Science Concepts (also accessible via the links).

  • If you did not study Biology, we recommend that you do some preliminary reading to ensure that you know some basic cell biology. The faculty has provided an introduction to Cell Biology and recommended reading list.

There is more information on the Departmental website and details of course options in your first year.

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For Offer Holders

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Documents for Offer Holders

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GMC Professional Behaviour and Fitness to Practice
Departmental Website

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