Resources I Return To

Essential reads for clinical research fundamentals and beyond. Before you buy, check your institution’s library. Many academic and hospital libraries offer digital access to these texts for free.

Some links are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you purchase. I only recommend things I’ve personally found valuable.

Designing Clinical Research

by Hulley et al. (5th Edition, 2022)

This is the textbook I go back to again and again. It covers the full spectrum of study design, from choosing a research question to selecting the right methodology to avoiding common pitfalls. It is dense but incredibly comprehensive.

Essential for anyone designing their first study, but just as valuable for seasoned researchers who need a reliable reference.

Gordis Epidemiology

by Celentano & Szklo (6th Edition, 2018)

The go-to introduction to epidemiologic principles. A staple for MPH students, but just as valuable for clinicians who want to critically appraise the literature or understand why a study was designed a certain way. Covers study design, bias, confounding, and causal inference in a way that’s accessible without being oversimplified.

The 6th edition is linked here, but the 7th edition (2024) is also available for those who want the latest.

How to Read a Paper

by Trisha Greenhalgh (6th Edition, 2019)

The book I recommend to every trainee learning to appraise the literature. Greenhalgh breaks down how to evaluate different study designs in plain language. A great desk reference I still revisit when teaching.

The 6th edition is linked here, and the 7th edition (2024) is also available.

The original BMJ series is online as well and referenced in my Key Articles section.

Writing Science

by Joshua Schimel (2011).

This book changed how I think about scientific writing. Schimel’s core idea is simple: successful science writing tells a story. He breaks down how to structure papers and proposals so readers actually follow your argument and remember it.

Useful for anyone writing manuscripts, grants, or even abstracts. I wish I had read it earlier in my career.