James Read, Peninsula Medical School

Pathology is one of those topics that as a medical student I have found hard to sit down and learn, the topic often seems detatched from clinical practice and the detail that some textbooks enter into only causes confusion rather than increasing knowledge. General and Sytemic Pathology by Underwood is different, however. The textbook is accessible and easy to read with clear clinical references making the information contained within the textboook easy to remember and relate to your clinical experience. The book also has good quality colour pictures to help explain the processes (although these can be confusing as the pictures are often on different pages to the text that they are designed to be viewed with). One of the things that I have found most useful in the textbook is the inclusion of summary boxes which help to point out the key messages of each of the chapters, I found this a really great way to test my knowledge at the end of a chapter and ensure that I hadn't missed any of the key points. What makes this book even better is the student consult access that is available and allows quick and easy access to the information wherever you have an internet connection. Definitely a good textbook to buy if you are considering a pathology textbook that is accessible and useful.

Posted 31st Oct 2009

Latifa Patel, University of Liverpool

Underwood is a true classic and a gem to read. I didn't use this book for long but when I did I thought it was amazing. Not only is it easy to follow and revise from, it also contains vivid images that relate so well to the context. I was able to use it for revision unlike other big books and the one factor that makes Underwood stand out is its ability to remind you of the bigger picture. With great references to the clinical aspect of medicine it paints a perfect flawless picture. I give this book a Buyer Rating of 4/5 - only because its a big book! Enjoy, Latifa (",)

Posted 26th Sep 2009

Aniek de Coninck, Maastricht University

I was amazed by this book. It enables a detailed, and often monotonous, subject to come alive and become interesting. As the title suggests, it starts with the basic principles of pathology and then goes through each system, covering enough detail without being too overbearing. With full colour pictures, this book brings pathology to life and is essential to all medical students who really want to know pathology. The text not only covers pathological details but relevant physiology, aetiology and clinical features.It manages to strike the balance between detailed knowledge and overload, and doesn't manage to bore the reader It's useful throughout medical school life and is definitely one to recommend. Overall, a worthwhile investment!

Posted 13th May 2009