As many of you know, one of the best ways to see current medical content is by subscribing to my YouTube channel. This recent addition to the medical content is a part of the "Walk & Talk" video series developed in collaboration with Med Student Maggie Fitzpatrick, MS, and is suitable for both healthcare professionals and interested patients. Much of medicine is learned on the fly and in unplanned scenarios. "Walk and Talk" allows you to experience elements of that situational learning so familiar to med students. 

Years ago, as I was about to start my own practice as a neurosurgeon, I experienced a transformative moment.

It didn't happen in the OR during a challenging surgery. It happened in a quiet room at home, under the glow of a single lamp.

I started reading books.
 


It was life-changing. Before long, I realized that books were doing more for me than just instilling knowledge in my brain — they were also improving my communication skills. I became a more attentive listener in meetings with patients and business associates, and more articulate and insightful in my responses.

I certainly believe that young people should take up reading at the earliest opportunity, but I also hope that the gift of books will land in the hands of people like me: latecomers to serious reading who will be grateful to have discovered the wonders of literature.

I've written about this subject in Business Insider and on LinkedIn. I believe it's one of the most important topics I've ever written about.

Read Good Habits From A Neurosurgeon