It is important to write definitive chapters in our field, get young people excited about Rheumatology, and parade our specialty to others. We need to have the “last word” in print, avoiding drug company bias and social media garbage. When our Rheumatologists see our names on this volume they can know, with certainty, that the information is up to date, thoughtful, definitive, and carefully crafted. Unlike exhaustive systematic reviews in journal publications, our book uses the experience of the authors critically analyze the relevant work in the field. MORE
The method was/is to simulate for readers an infectious diseases expert at their side. Sections of the book were set up to reflect how we sort through problems: first by organ-based clinical syndromes that lead to construction and honing of a differential diagnosis; then by a compendium of potential bacterial, viral, fungal and protozoal pathogens, their epidemiology, clinical propensities, diagnostic tests, optimal management and prevention. Other sections were set up to serve as primers as well as blueprints for policy to control and prevent infectious diseases in the community and in the healthcare setting, to use laboratory tests to support clinical thinking, and antimicrobial agents for their greatest benefit. MORE
