10 most influential books for doctors, voted by you

Now in its 20th edition, Harrison's has been the go-to reference for decades for internal medicine specialists to gain current understanding of pathophysiology.

Why did it make such a big impression? "One of my mentors where I trained had trained and started the program with [Dr.] Harrison. I not only learned medicine, but life experiences from him and his experiences," said one internal medicine physician.

Said a cardiologist: "I have read the 14th, 15th, and 16th editions, and plan to read the latest edition for recertification. This book was so vast in its scope that it made me fall in love with internal medicine." (But readers should take note: It's no longer a single book, but two large volumes.)

Read Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine edited by J. Larry Jameson, MD, PhD, Anthony S. Fauci, MD, Dennis L. Kasper, MD, et al

You might think that religion and medicine don't go together—but for a lot of doctors, they're inseparable.

Why did it make such a big impression? "It helped me learn how to incorporate compassion into the art of medicine," said a nephrologist.

Said one psychiatrist: "Old Testament, New Testament. It's made the biggest impression on every aspect of my life—period."

Read Holy Bible

Now in its 7th edition, Netter's Atlas of Human Anatomy is the only anatomy atlas illustrated by physicians, providing clear-cut views of the human body along with clinical perspectives.

Why did it make such a big impression? "It was my first book in medical school. I would eat, sleep, and breathe it," said an ophthalmologist.

A sports medicine physician wrote: "I have found Netter's Anatomy to be a fascinating book with specific details and information on everything from bone, muscle, nerve, etc. It is the best and most engaging anatomy book ever created! I would definitely say that this book helped me in my career choice of sports medicine and non-operative orthopedics, and I still use it on a weekly basis."

Read Atlas of Human Anatomy by Frank H. Netter, MD

Written by a surgeon, Being Mortal is an examination of how medicine can improve quality of life—and also provide a rich and dignified death.

Why did it make such a big impression? "As doctors, we have to learn that [medicine] is not always about fixing a problem. Being Mortal is about knowing when you can't, and focusing on the person and not the disease," said an oncologist.

"All the training physicians do is meant to keep people alive. This book brings us back to reality by teaching us how and when to let go gracefully," said another physician.

Read Being Mortal: Medicine and What Matters in the End by Atul Gawande

Winner of the Pulitzer Prize for General Non-Fiction, The Emperor of All Maladies is the story of cancer—from its first appearance thousands of years ago to the epic battles in the 20th century to cure, control, and conquer it.

Why did it make such a big impression? "It solidified my career in oncology. And it provided perspective on the messiness that goes into modern medicine," one oncologist wrote.

Said an internal medicine physician: "Although the subject is depressing, Mukherjee is uplifting, empowering, and hopeful for cancer treatments—and medicine. It's scientific and detailed without the stiffness that often dulls medical/scientific books for lay people. And the history is fascinating."

Read The Emperor of All Maladies: A Biography of Cancer by Siddhartha Mukherjee

Doctors train for years to cure patients yet receive no training to keep their finances and practices alive and well. This book, written by an emergency medicine doctor, provides nuts-and-bolts advice on investing and personal finances specifically for physicians.

Why did it make such a big impression? "It showed me how to arrange my life and financial house in such a way that primary care vs specialty pay did not affect my decision. I only had to weigh the nature of the work," a family medicine physician said.

"The book offers a very good introduction to financial education, which is not offered in medical schools," a cardiologist noted.

Read The White Coat Investor: A Doctor's Guide to Personal Finance and Investing by James M. Dahle, MD

This handy tome was a mainstay on doctors' desks for years. Now back in its 20th edition and weighing in at a hefty 3,530 pages, this encyclopedic desk reference provides a concise but thorough overview of the diagnosis and treatment of just about every medical condition.

Why did it make such a big impression? "[It was] the first book that comprehensively explained disease and treatment," said an emergency medicine physician. "It's kind of the medical bible [for its] content, and it's good for looking up interesting, uncommon diseases."

Read The Merck Manual of Diagnosis and Therapy edited by Robert S. Porter, MD

In this book of 20 compelling case reports, clinical neurologist Oliver Sacks conveys both the medical significance as well as the deeply human consequences involved in severe and unusual conditions of the mind.

Why did it make such a big impression? "I really enjoyed Oliver Sacks' The Man Who Mistook His Wife for a Hat. It was my first introduction to strange neurology diagnoses and the stories behind the patients," said a pediatrician.

"Really interesting stories that stoked my interest in medicine," a family medicine physician wrote.

Read The Man Who Mistook His Wife for a Hat, and Other Clinical Tales by Oliver Sacks