Oxford American Handbook of Clinical Medicine, 2nd Edition

ISBN: 9780199914944
ISBN-10: 019991494X
Copyright: 2013
Edition: 2nd
Editors: Flynn, John A., Choi, Michael J., Wooster, L. Dwight,
Doody's Expert Review    Score: 100
Reviewer: Vincent Carr,  DO, MSA, FACC, FACP  (Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences)
Description
This is the second edition of a comprehensive pocket-sized reference for clinicians written by the faculty of Johns Hopkins University. The previous edition was published in 2009.
Purpose
Explaining they were motivated by the longstanding tradition of sharing medical knowledge with colleagues, the editors relate this book was written for physicians in training: students in medical school and physicians in their residency. They end their preface most appropriately with the exhortation, "Relish the journey, it will last a lifetime."
Audience
As noted, this book is for young physicians and students. However, it is much more inclusive than that implies, as it provides a comprehensive, yet compact reference for clinicians at every level.
Features
The book is organized in a traditional organ system format, with numerous systematic approaches to the information. Each section focuses on the relevant basic facts of clinical features, pertinent tests, and management -- essentially the items clinicians would want at their fingertips. The information is surprisingly comprehensive for the small format. The radiological images and photographs are very well reproduced. The figures and tables are well constructed, fitting the small book format well.
Assessment
This is an extremely well-produced, pocket-sized book that provides all levels of clinicians a handy reference on rounds and in the office.
Review Questionnaire
Range Question Score
1-10 Are the author's objectives met? 10
1-10 Rate the worthiness of those objectives. 10
1-5 Is this written at an appropriate level? 5
1-5 Is there significant duplication? (1=significant, 5=insignificant) 5
1-5 Are there significant omissions? (1=significant, 5=insignificant) 5
1-5 Rate the authority of the authors. 5
1-5 Are there sufficient illustrations? 5
1-5 Rate the pedagogic value of the illustrations. 5
1-5 Rate the print quality of the illustrations. 5
1-5 Are there sufficient references? 5
1-5 Rate the currency of the references. 5
1-5 Rate the pertinence of the references. 5
1-5 Rate the helpfulness of the index. 5
1-5 If important in this specialty, rate the physical appearance of the book 5
1-10 Is this a worthwhile contribution to the field? 10
1-10 If this is a 2nd or later edition, is this new edition needed? 10