Health care has long been considered a recession-resistant business. Given the current economic challenges, it's little surprise that in our survey of favorite stocks for the coming year, a number of leading advisors turned to this classic defensive sector.

In this year's Top Stock Picks from 75 advisors report, we found an intriguing group of medical-related stocks, from speculation in emerging biotech to well-established pharmaceutical firms, and from medical products makers to medical services firms focused on increasing health care efficiency and early disease detection.

Mike Cintolo, editor of The Cabot Market Letter, thinks Myriad Genetics (NASDAQ: MYGN) could be a "big winner in 2009," The company is a lead in the new field of cancer predisposition testing. For Mike's full report, read Top Stock Picks '09: Myriad Genetics.

Chuck Carlson, editor of The DRIP Investor, sees both quality and potential in Bristol-Myers Squibb (NYSE: BMY). For Chuck's full report, read Top Stock Picks '09: Bristol-Myers Squibb.

This post is part of a special annual report -- Top Stock Picks '09 -- in which TheStockAdvisors.com asked 75 leading newsletter advisors to select their favorite investment for the new year.

"China Sky One Medical (NASDAQ: CSKI) -- which manufactures pharmaceutical, medicinal and diagnostic products -- is our top pick for 2009," says Benson George in The Growth Report.

"China Sky One has delivered solid results -- for the nine months ended September 30, 2008, revenues increased to $65.9 million, up 80% from $36.6 million in the year-ago period.

"Net income over this period was $21.9 million or $1.39 per diluted share, up from $11.2 million, or $0.90 per diluted share in the nine months ended September 30, 2007.

"Despite the economic downturn, China Sky continues to see strong demand and growth both organically and by way of acquisition.

"On Nov. 9, the company increased its 2008 revenue guidance by almost 10% to the $88 to $90 million range, representing more than an 80% increase from 2007.

"The company is highly profitable, and cash flow from operations added almost $27 million to its coffers for the first nine months of 2008.