|
BOOK OF THE MONTH:
March 2025 Vishal's Pick: Meditations by Marcus Aurelius 
Meditations is a philosophical work that presents excerpts from the personal writings of Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius, in which he reflects on himself and the nature of the universe.
Vishal chose this book because it is well-organized into smaller sections, but each section carries immense weight and he loves the ability to sit and really think about what each passage means. Vishal says, "This book is significant to me because it helps me look at the world through a new light and I feel renewed and like a brand new person every time I read a passage. It helps me be a better person - both professionally and personally. Although it is not inherently about academic detailing, there are several quotes that truly ring true in this field. My favorite quote is a simple one: 'If it is not right, do not do it. If it is not true, do not say it.' This really boils philosophy down to a golden rule: do the right thing, plain and simple. This quote can also be utilized in the wonderful world of AD - we use evidence and facts to motivate and influence behavior change and this is something that can help give us the perspective of a clinician: at the end of the day, we all need to do what is right and what is factual - and we are just here to guide the clinician to do what is right and say what is true. It all comes full circle!" Learn more about Vishal and the work he does! |
|
|
BOOK OF THE MONTH:
February 2025 Zack's Pick: Leading Change by John P. Kotter 
Leading Change explores practical steps for adapting to change successfully in any organization. The author argues that leadership, rather than management alone, is crucial for navigating change.
Zack chose this book because of the insights that apply to work, leadership, parenting, and life. He finds its relevance to AD just as compelling. Zack says, "If you consider AD an enterprise - and we should - then it is an enterprise that cascades within the healthcare enterprise, where change is somehow both fast-paced and seemingly impossible. The first chapter, Creating a Sense of Urgency is laced with examples that will send shivers down your spine; 'this is exactly what makes healthcare so hard to change' - I find myself saying this over and over again. The chapter ends somewhat ominously with this quote, 'the point is to counteract insider myopia with external data. In a fast-moving world, insider myopia can be deadly.' Thankfully, the author has tons of practical advice to share with readers. Though he may not know what AD is, I feel like he’s talking to us." Learn more about Zack and the work he does! |
|
|
BOOK OF THE MONTH:
January 2025 Mike's Pick: The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot 
The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks tells the story of Henrietta Lacks, whose cancer cells were taken without her knowledge in 1951. The cells became the first immortal human cell line, driving breakthroughs in vaccines, cancer treatments, and gene mapping. The book intertwines Henrietta's personal history with the scientific legacy of her cells, while exploring the ethical issues of consent, race, and medical research.
Mike chose this book because it raises important issues to consider in evidence-based medicine, especially in whether the evidence is developed fairly, equitably, and ethically. It also gives useful insights into why some people and communities might not trust the medical establishment, which can be hard to understand for those of us who have spent our whole careers inside it. Learn more about Mike and the work he does! |
|
|
BOOK OF THE MONTH: December 2024 Bevin's Pick: Defund Fear by Zach Norris 
Defund Fear looks critically not only at the current state of the justice system, but the collective psychology that got us to a place where fear, capitalism, and the isolation both can cause are at the center of a system that doesn't seem to consistently accomplish what it sets out to, with negative repercussions for the most vulnerable members of our society. Drastically different than any other book looking at policing and justice, Zack Norris honors our shared humanity and delineates between justice and true accountability, imagining what society could look like if we get to the bottom of our fears and begin to make the right changes on a systematic and social level.
Bevin chose this thought-provoking and hopeful book because it focuses largely on the unfair social, economic, health-related, and legal ramifications of being a minority in a country that has a higher population of citizens in prisons than any other. Because NaRCAD's efforts focus on clinical behavior change to support marginalized populations, Bevin chose this book to highlight what those populations struggle with most. Learn more about Bevin and the work she does! |
|
|
November 2024 Anna's Pick: Rough Sleepers by Tracy Kidder 
Rough Sleepers is a compelling nonfiction book that follows Dr. Jim O'Connell, a physician dedicated to caring for Boston's unhoused population. This book is a tribute to frontline healthcare workers and a call to address the root causes of people experiencing homelessness.
Anna chose this book because it highlights the landscape of Boston's unhoused population and the experiences of the clinicians who serve them. Academic detailing emphasizes needs assessment, a way to ask questions that encourages clinician story-telling and sharing of personal experiences in caring for marginalized populations. As such, Anna found this book compelling in that it highlights clinician's individual experiences and approaches to supporting patients who are unhoused. Learn more about Anna and the work she does! |
|