Oxford Handbook of Clinical Medicine
Editors: Longmore M, Wilkinson I and Torok E
Having previously waxed lyrical about the third edition of this book, I was delighted to receive the fifth edition and immediately sought to make comparisons between the two.
The new edition is some twenty pages longer and additions include x-ray plates and larger sections on emergencies and practical procedures, as well as complete revision and updating of the text. It remains nothing short of amazing that so much can be contained in a book of such small dimensions that it can easily be slipped in a white coat pocket or doctor’s bag.
Think of a topic in medicine, any topic. Use the section headings to rapidly locate the information you require or alternatively consult the index. Everything is written in precise plain English and is aimed at the medical student and houseman. Why General Practitioners are not cited in the book as a target reading audience (they are on the OHCM website) I cannot imagine, because there is plenty to interest and entertain them in its 857 pages, not least the excerpt at the beginning from that well known Oxonian, Inspector Morse.
Mindful of his poor diabetic control, Morse concocts a series of acceptable glucose readings to satisfy his consultant at a forthcoming clinic appointment, drinks far too much scotch, takes excessive amounts of Alka Seltzer and paracetamol and generally behaves like a typical patient. This reminds the intended readership that we practise in the real world and sets the tone for what follows - an intensely practical yet thorough text which has already sold in excess of half a million copies worldwide. An essential reference for every GP.
| Publisher: | Oxford University Press
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| 3rd Edition
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| ISBN: 0-19-262988-3
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| Reviewer: | Dr Jeremy M Sager
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