Interview with Dr. John E. Hall and Dr. Michael E. Hall
How has Textbook of Medical Physiology, 15th Edition evolved since the previous edition? How has it evolved since the first edition?
The 15th edition of the Textbook of Medical Physiology continues the tradition, beginning with the first edition, of being written mainly for students who wish to learn the basic principles of physiology needed to begin a career in health care professions. Although each edition has been revised and updated as the science of physiology has advanced, we have maintained the same unified organization to ensure that it useful for students who are beginning their studies of physiology and that it is comprehensive enough for students to continue using during their professional careers. Despite including new advances in physiology, the text length has been closely monitored to limit the book’s size so that it can be used effectively in physiology courses for students and health care professionals.
What is the most exciting aspect of Textbook of Medical Physiology, 15th Edition? What chapter or topic covered in the new edition are you most excited about?
New technologies and extensive research have made it possible to explain the molecular and physical bases for many physiology principles, rather than merely summarizing a series of separate and unexplained biological phenomena. A major goal of this book has been to integrate the molecular functions of all the body’s different cells, tissues, and organs into a functional whole, the human body. We emphasize in the book that the human body is much more than the sum of its parts, and that life relies upon this total function, including the vast network of feedback systems that maintain homeostasis and sustain life.
In this edition, we have emphasized some of the important differences in male and female physiology, in addition to obvious differences related to reproduction and physical traits. In most textbooks, discussion of human physiology often focuses on the “average” 70-kg young man even though the average man no longer weighs 70 kg and it is clear that there are important sex differences in many physiological functions.
Who will find the greatest value from Textbook of Medical Physiology, 15th Edition and why? Has the audience changed since the book first published?
• Students in the health care professions (e.g. Medical, Dental, Nursing, Veterinary schools)
• Graduate students in the Life Sciences (e.g. Physiology, Pharmacology)
• Undergraduate students in the Life Science (e.g. Biology, Physiology)
• Health care professionals (e.g. Physicians)
What new ideas, practices, or procedures would you like to highlight for Textbook of Medical Physiology, 15th Edition?
Although the 15th edition of the Textbook of Medical Physiology has been updated to include the most important advances in physiology, it continues to explain the complex functions of the human body in a format and that is easy to digest.
In this edition, we have emphasized some of the important differences in male and female physiology, in addition to obvious differences related to reproduction and physical traits.
There is a Pocket Companion to the Guyton & Hall Textbook of Medical Physiology as well as a Guyton and Hall Physiology Review book. How do these other publications complement the textbook and how do you recommend they be used together?
The electronic version of this book provides links to additional content including video animations and self-assessment questions that can be accessed with computers, smart phones, and electronic tablets. For additional self-assessment beyond these textbook supplements, the reader may consider using a copy of Guyton and Hall Physiology Review, which includes more than 1000 practice questions with explanations for the questions that are referenced to the parent Textbook of Medical Physiology.
Because human physiology is a rapidly expanding discipline and covers a broad scope, the vast amount of information that is applicable to the practice of medicine can be overwhelming. The Pocket Companion to the Guyton & Hall Textbook of Medical Physiology is designed to distill this enormous amount of information and to provide a concise overview of key facts and concepts in the parent Textbook of Medical Physiology.
Although these ancillary materials do not contain some of the important details that enrich the physiological concepts or the clinical examples of pathophysiology contained in the parent textbook, we anticipate that they will assist readers in understanding the basic principles of physiology.
What problem do you hope the future generation of your specialty will be able to solve?
Many of the molecular pathways that control the trillions of cells in the human body and the mechanisms that integrate the functions of cells, tissues, and organs in health and disease remain a mystery. The next generation of physiologists will continue to advance our understanding of these complex function of the human body, linking the basic life sciences with medicine and helping to improve human health.
About the Author
John E. Hall, PhD, is the Arthur C. Guyton Professor and Chair of Physiology and Biophysics, and Director of both the Mississippi Center for Obesity Research and the Cardiorenal and Metabolic Diseases Research Center at the University of Mississippi Medical Center. He has held leadership roles including President of the American Physiological Society and the Inter-American Society of Hypertension, and key positions within the American Heart Association and several hypertension and physiology organizations. Dr. Hall has received over 60 national and international awards and mentored more than 150 trainees, many of whom have become leaders in academia. He has been recognized multiple times for teaching excellence.
Michael E. Hall, MD, MSc, is Professor and Chair of Medicine, Division of Cardiovascular Diseases, Professor of Physiology and Biophysics, and Director of Clinical and Population Studies at the Mississippi Center for Clinical and Translational Research, University of Mississippi Medical Center. His clinical work includes general cardiology and cardiac imaging, with roles in inpatient and outpatient care and cardiac imaging labs. He has mentored over 25 residents and fellows. His research focuses on hypertension, heart failure, obesity-related cardiac and renal dysfunction, cardiovascular and renal physiology, tobacco-related health effects, and advanced cardiovascular and kidney imaging.
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