Practical Guide to the Care of the Medical Patient, Fourth Edition

of antibiotic sensitivities of different organisms. The section on epidemiology reviews its basic principles and highlights important studies. In addition, there is an excellent section called "Spanish Primer" that gives the Spanish phrases for various topics relevant to obtaining a medical history. This phrase book comes in very handy when interviewing many of the Spanish-speaking patients whom residents increasingly see in their clinics. The majority of the book consists of sections on obstetrics, gynecology, gynecologic oncology, and endocrinology/infertility. The book has many useful charts that summarize key information and data. Clinical algorithms are placed in clear diagrams, and "fast facts" help to summarize the key material relevant to a particular situation. However, many topics are covered superficially, and other texts are needed to fill in gaps left by this book. This book serves mainly as a useful handbook for recall and checking quick facts or relevant information while on the wards. For a thorough and more formal review of obstetrics and gynecology, I would direct the student to Essentials of Obstetrics and Gynecology by Hacker and Moore, reviewed above. Khashayar Farsad MD/PhD Student Yale University School of Medicine