Crash Course: General Medicine, 5th Edition

By Inez Eiben, Paola Eiben and Kathryn Watson

ISBN: 9780702073724

Pub Date: 4 January 2019

Reviewed by: Vincent F Carr, DO, MSA, FACC, FACP (Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences)

Description

This is a U.K. study and examination preparation book on general medicine topics. The fourth edition was published in 2015.

Purpose

The purpose is to provide junior doctors preparing for examinations a complete and concise summary of the absolute must-knows for the examination. As there is a tremendous amount of information, the objective of distilling it to the basics is very helpful.

Audience

The audience is generally those preparing for examinations in medicine, but books of this nature are always a good investment for seasoned practitioners who wish to update their understanding of the basics. It is written by junior doctors for junior doctors.

Features

The book begins with history taking and communication and moves quickly to the clinical examination and writing medical notes. The next section is divided into 26 clinical presentations of topics such as palpitations, headache, and facial pain. Each of these presentations includes an introduction, a description of the typical history and clinical examination, the relevant investigations and imaging, and a summary. There are excellent tables and figures covering defining terms and hints and tips. The next section is divided into a more typical organ system approach. These chapters provide an overview of specific conditions such as gall bladder disorders, inflammatory bowel disease, and asthma. Each chapter includes a general overview, etiology, pathophysiology, and clinical features, along with relevant tables and figures, and pitfalls to be aware of.

Assessment

As a book of the “must-know” basics, this is a well-written, well-organized study aid for those preparing for examinations in general medicine and will serve as a great reference for junior doctors.

Doody’s Review Service Weighted Numerical Score: 90- 4 Stars!