BOOK REVIEW

The Rules of Medicine: A Medical Professional's Guide for Success

by Dr. Sonya M. Sloan

Reviewer: Denise Nemeth, OMS4 

Sonya M. Sloan M.D., an Amazon #1 Best Selling Author, in Medical Education and Training for The Rules of Medicine. She is better known as #OrthoDoc. Dr. Sloan has established herself as a force to be reckoned with in the male dominated field of Orthopedic Surgery. Licensed to practice medicine in several states, she travels the country to extend the impact of her unique approach to patient care, including locum tenens and telemedicine, one of the first ventures of its kind. Dr. Sloan is the quintessential fusion of her love for medicine and her passion to help others. Her work in medicine, as well as in the community and internationally, has positioned her as a highly sought after public figure for health awareness, health development programs and motivational speaking. Dr. Sloan believes in paying it forward which is a direct example of her book: The Rules of Medicine: A Medical Professionals Guide to Success.

Review

Dr. Sonya M. Sloan’s The Rules of Medicine: A Medical Professional's Guide for Success stands out as a comprehensive guide that serves as a bible of easy-to-follow rules, complete with the reasoning behind each one. As a black female orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Sloan’s unique perspective and lived experiences in a patriarchal medical structure provide an authentic and compelling narrative that is both informative and inspiring.

One of the most striking elements of Dr. Sloan’s work is her ability to distill a wealth of knowledge gained through her extensive experience as a woman of color navigating the operating room and healthcare spaces. She offers practical advice and unspoken rules that often go uncommunicated in formal medical education. Her understanding that medical education transcends institutional walls is evident as she emphasizes the importance of learning from everyone around us, capturing the essence of holistic and experiential learning.

The book opens with a brief introduction where Dr. Sloan explains her motivation for writing this guide, followed by a modern version of the Hippocratic Oath. This version, which readers should experience firsthand, introduces a compassionate and contemporary twist to the well-known oath, incorporating themes that are both thought-provoking and commendable.

Each chapter of the book is structured around a specific rule, beginning with Rule #1: Trust No One. This rule resonated with me personally, reminding me of a saying from Mexico: “La mula no era arisca, la hicieron,” which translates to “The mule was not surly; they made her this way.” This adage reflects how negative experiences can shape one’s outlook and behavior, reinforcing the need for caution and self-defense in professional settings.

Dr. Sloan adeptly discusses fundamental topics such as humility, respect, active listening, communication skills, and empathy. However, she goes further to address more nuanced subjects like appearance, dressing for success, emotional intelligence, death, the business of medicine, social media, and time management. She does so with a candid acknowledgment that some of her insights might evoke discomfort but stresses the importance of realism and strategic positioning for success in the medical field.

The book is not only easy to read and follow but also engaging and practical, making it an invaluable resource for those entering or currently training in the medical profession. While seasoned professionals might find some of the content familiar, the book’s real strength lies in its ability to offer fresh perspectives and validate the experiences of those who might feel marginalized within the healthcare system.

Overall, The Rules of Medicine is a highly recommended read. Dr. Sloan’s willingness to share her valuable insights and experiences provides readers with a powerful tool for navigating the complex world of medicine. Her guide is a testament to the importance of resilience, continuous learning, and strategic thinking in achieving success and making impactful changes in the healthcare industry.

Reviewer Bio:

Denise Nemeth is a fourth-year medical student at the UIWSOM in San Antonio, TX and will be applying to General Surgery residency this upcoming September for Match 2025. Denise aspires to become a rural surgeon and is considering pursuing a fellowship in Surgical Oncology.

She is originally from Piedras Negras, Mexico and grew up on the US/Mexico Border. Before starting medical school, Denise worked as a General Surgery Physician Assistant in her rural community, where she developed a love for serving medically underserved populations.  She recently finished her term as the Association of Women Surgeons (AWS) National Medical Student Committee (NMSC) 2023-24  Social Media and Marketing Coordinator and has been an active member of the AWS Communications Committee for the last four years. Denise is an active member of multiple organizations including the American College of Osteopathic Surgeons, Texas Osteopathic Medical Association, Latino Surgical Society (LSS), and Latino Medical Student Association (LMSA), amongst others.

She is passionate about providing healthcare to marginalized communities. Her research and subspecialty interests are varied and include minimally invasive surgery, wound healing, and gender equity within surgical specialties. She advocates for Latino health and hopes to see increased representation via increased numbers of Latino/Hispanic physicians and surgeons.

In her spare time, she loves traveling the world, reading, and writing. Recently, she graduated from the Universidad Autónoma de Guadalajara with a degree in Tequila Production and Marketing. She is very proud of this achievement as it deepens her connection to her heritage and allows her to share her culture with both old and new friends.