For the book lover who’s passionate about global health, there is a wealth of literature that provides excellent insight into the challenges of poverty, healthcare access, and social inequality. Whether you’re studying these issues for academic purposes or simply have a personal interest in the subject, finding the right books can open your eyes to the most interesting facts about health systems and how they affect populations across the globe. Keep reading to find some excellent book recommendations for anyone who wants to learn more about global health and how they can contribute to improving lives through action, such as volunteering abroad with MEDLIFE.
Global Health in Literature
Many books about global health explore the complexities of healthcare systems and how they vary between different regions, particularly in South America, where issues like poverty, access to care, and public health challenges are highly prevalent. One highly recommended read is Mountains Beyond Mountains by Tracy Kidder. This biography of Dr. Paul Farmer, co-founder of Partners In Health, takes readers on a journey through the Haitian healthcare crisis and reveals fascinating insights about the intersection of health and social justice. The book provides an in-depth look at global health inequalities, particularly in impoverished regions.
Another excellent read is The Emperor of All Maladies by Siddhartha Mukherjee. This Pulitzer Prize-winning book explores the history of cancer, its societal impact, and the global efforts to combat the disease. Mukherjee’s detailed narrative on cancer’s scientific, social, and emotional history provides a comprehensive view of health from a global perspective.
For those interested in South America, books like The Spirit Catches You and You Fall Down by Anne Fadiman offer profound insights into the cultural barriers to healthcare in immigrant populations in the United States, while also shedding light on healthcare issues relevant to countries like Peru and Ecuador, where MEDLIFE operates from. This book examines the clash between traditional beliefs and modern medical practices, an important issue in many South American countries where traditional healing practices still play a central role in healthcare.
How Volunteering Abroad Can Enhance Your Understanding of Global Health
While books provide invaluable knowledge, there’s no substitute for experiencing global health challenges first-hand. If you’re a book lover who’s looking to make a tangible, hands-on impact, volunteering abroad with MEDLIFE can be the perfect opportunity to apply the concepts you’ve learned in a real-world setting.
MEDLIFE offers volunteer opportunities in countries across South America and Africa, where volunteers can participate in healthcare outreach projects, assist in mobile clinics, and work on development initiatives. Volunteering with MEDLIFE allows you to witness the health disparities that many books cover, while contributing to sustainable, community-driven solutions that address these issues.
Bring Your Passion For Global Health Into Action
Whether you’re inspired by the stories of healthcare pioneers or the challenges of healthcare systems in the developing world, your next step can be making a direct impact. Volunteering with MEDLIFE provides a meaningful way to engage with the issues you’ve read about, offering the opportunity to contribute to lasting solutions.
Consider joining MEDLIFE and taking part in our volunteer abroad programs to gain experience in global health and poverty reduction, and make a long-lasting difference in the lives of low-income communities.
To learn more about how you can get involved with MEDLIFE, fill out the interest form below, download our free brochure, or check out some of our upcoming Service Learning Trips.