Formulary Book Club: The Silent Patient
Yuki Yang, third-year PharmD student, has our October ’23 book recommendation
Story and photo by Ryan McDaniel | Published October 24, 2023
Each month, the Formulary Book Club introduces a student, staff, faculty, or alumni of the UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy and gets their recommendation for a great read.
This month’s recommendation comes to us from Yuki Yang, currently a third-year PharmD student. Just in time for Halloween, Yuki’s Formulary Book Club recommendation is the psychological thriller, The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides.
The book follows Alicia Berenson, a famous painter, who shot her husband six years ago and hasn’t spoken a word since. Her motivations for the violent act and her subsequent prolonged silence are investigated by criminal psychotherapist, Theo Faber, who has long wanted to work with Alicia to discover her secrets. The work leads Theo to face his own motivations, for better or worse…
“I was drawn to the intricate psychological aspects of the book, especially how trauma and emotions can impact one’s mental health and behavior,” explains Yuki. “The book . . . resonated with me in the context of healthcare and pharmacy. It emphasized the importance of understanding and addressing the psychological aspect of patients’ well-being. Just as Alicia’s silence hides her pain, patients may often conceal their emotional struggles, making it crucial for pharmacists to cultivate empathy and awareness of their patients’ mental health needs.”
Yuki is a third year PharmD student at the School and currently serves as Student Senate President. She is a proud member of Kappa Psi and, “a self-proclaimed foodie that loves to explore new restaurants in the triangle,” she shares. “As a student, we are often restrained by financial means, but I like to use food as a gateway to explore different cultures and perspectives.”
After graduation, Yuki is interested in pursuing a career in the pharmaceutical industry. She has her sights set on pursuing a fellowship to enhance her education and experience in the field.
Lately, Yuki has taken up pickleball (“America’s fastest growing sport!” she notes) and brought along a few of her Kappa Psi brothers into the past-time.
Thanks to Yuki for the book recommendation!