Books That Inspire: College of Human Medicine Authors

In honor of National Book Month, we’re celebrating the many storytellers within the College of Human Medicine. From heartfelt memoirs to inspiring children’s books and thought-provoking nonfiction, these works, written by our students, alumni, and faculty, highlight the creativity and dedication of our community.

 

Gio's Heart

By Amir Alexander Young | 
Student

Inspired by the author’s son, this children’s book shares lessons of love, hope, and courage through the journey of a child with congenital heart disease.


Gio's Heart

 


 

What the Eyes Don't See

By 
Mona Hanna | Faculty & Alum

The inspiring true story of uncovering the Flint water crisis and fighting for the health of a community.


What the Eyes Don't See




Be Still: A Pregnancy Bed Rest Devotional

By Stacey Pylman | 
Faculty

A devotional offering encouragement, Bible verses, and practical tips for pregnant mothers on bed rest, helping them find comfort and strength during a vulnerable time.


Be Still

 


 

My Journey Through the United States

By 
Ved Gossain | Faculty 

Dr. Gossain shares his remarkable journey from arriving in the U.S. with just eight dollars to becoming a professor and division chief at MSU, overcoming personal and professional challenges along the way.


My Journey Through the United States




Has Medicine Lost Its Mind?

By Robert C. Smith
Faculty

Dr. Smith exposes the divide between physical and mental health care in America and calls for a more integrated, compassionate medical model.


Has Medicine Lost Its Mind?

 


 

Girls for Medicine

By 
Orezime Uyeh | Alum

A beautifully illustrated book inspiring kids, especially young Black and Brown girls, to pursue careers in health care.


Girls for Medicine




In Stitches

By Tony Youn | 
Alum

A humorous and heartfelt memoir about an aspiring doctor finding his way through awkward adolescence and medical school.


In Stitches

 


 

Muslim Mental Health in North America

Co-edited by Farha Abbasi
 | Faculty

An edited volume exploring mental health issues faced by American Muslims, offering research, reflections, and culturally sensitive practices for clinicians, families, and individuals.


Muslim Mental Health in North America




In Shock

By Rana Awdish 
Faculty

A riveting memoir by a critical care physician who becomes a patient, revealing the emotional and systemic gaps in medicine and offering a compassionate vision for healing.


In Shock

 


 

After Shock

By Rana Awdish 
Faculty

A follow-up to In Shock, this memoir explores healing as an embodied and relational process, inviting readers to find meaning, attention, and wonder even amid grief and illness.


After Shock




The Indenture of Ivy O'Neill

By Diane Ruth Helentjaris 
Alum

A historical novel following Ivy O’Neill, who is kidnapped and sold into indentured servitude in colonial America, as she navigates danger, prejudice, and the power of resilience and family.


The Indenture of Ivy O'Neill

 


Unlearn Your Pain

By Howard Schubiner, MD 
Faculty

Dr. Schubiner leads readers to a new understanding of how the mind affects our pain, physical and emotional, and how we can gain control over our bodies and minds to live a healthier and better life.


Unlearn Your Pain