Oxford Handbook of Clinical Medicine (Oxford Handbooks Series) (Turtleback)

Personally, I think that it would unwise to try to undertake your clinical training without owning a copy of this book, and its sister publication, the Oxford Handbook of Clinical Specialities.

The book is arranged into the logical sections, Cardio, Chest, Gastro, Renal, Neuro etc etc, and each section includes a single paged treatise on each topic you will need to revise. One page, of all the information you need on e.g. ulcerative colitis, or jaundice, or infective endocarditis, etc. You won't come across much that isn't covered. It's all you need, actually. In fact, one book about planning your elective suggests these two books (OHCM and OHCS) as two of your essential bits of kit.

The new OHCM has, at the back of the book, a quick reference 'cheat sheet' of commonly used drugs, which is really useful. Personally I think they should have included a few more drugs, and perhaps an example indication for each drug, but it is a useful resource. There is also a quick reference section to antibiotics within the text of the book. Again, I think it may have made sense to put them all in the same place, at the back. Maybe in the next edition, editors?

One of the nice things about this book is the way it has evolved, based on the feedback of hundreds of junior doctors and students. When you buy a new copy of the book, you will find enclosed a reader's feedback card, just as in many other texts. The difference is that in this book, you actually get recognition for the feedback that you give. In the next edition, if your suggestion has been constructive, your name will be included in the list of acknowledgements in the front!! You will get your 15 minutes of fame after all. In any case, it does motivate you to send in your suggestions.

(By the way, my name is in there, and I am just a medical student, so even small contributions are recognised.)

The new OHCM has, at the back of the book, a quick reference 'cheat sheet' of commonly used drugs, which is realy useful. Personally I think they should have included a few more drugs, and perhaps an example indication for each drug, but it is a useful resource. There is also a quick reference section to antibiotics within the text of the book. Again, I think it may have made sense to put them all in the same place, at the back. Maybe in the next edition, editors?

One of the nice things about this book is the way it has evolved, based on the feedback of hundreds of junior doctors and studetns. When you buy a new copy of the book, you will find enclosed a readers feedback card, just as in many other texts. The difference is that in this book, you actually get recognition for the feedback that you give. In the next edition, if your suggestion has been constructive, your name will be included in the list of acknowledgements in the front!! You will get your 15 minutes of fame afterall. In any case, it does motivate you to send in your suggestions.