Dominic Haigh, University of Birmingham

From the title it's difficult to apprehend whether this title is aimed at preclinical or clinical students. The truth is, there's content for both. Part I is Basic Medical Sciences, which even includes a bit of embryology and biochemistry. Part II includes guides to taking a history, examination, investigations and imaging. The MCQs, EMQs and SAQs at the end cover the two parts evenly. The highlight of the book is the chapter on common presentations of cardiovascular disease. In addition to lists of diagnoses by system and features of common complaints, there is a diagnostic algorithmic for central chest pain. The book is remarkably small and light despite containing a breadth of information.

Posted 5th Jan 2009