Medical News

Mind Over Mood: Cognitive Treatment Therapy Manual for Clients
Author: Christine Padesky (Usually dispatched within 24 hours)

---

---

Change those ‘automatic’ thoughts
My psychologist recommended that I buy this book. I have read a lot of material on depression and anxiety in the past, but this book changed my outlook (for the better) more than any other publication. Its approach using cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) works well in tandem with psychological therapy, or on its own. The book contains a number of photocopiable worksheets, and is laid out in a ‘textbook’ like style, which suited me as a mature student (don’t worry, it’s not like those awful textbooks you used at school!) It is a must have for anybody suffering from panic attacks and/or associated anxiety.

excellent self help book
This an excellent self help guide to depression and anxiety. I have been diagnosed with depression for one and a half years now, and this book was recommended by my GP.
I have used it at all the different stages from not getting out of bed, to going back to work, and still when I have set backs.
It takes you by the hand looking at your thoughts , where they have come from and most importantly how to challenge them.
I have recommended this book to several people, who have all bought it and found it a great help.
To gain from this book you have to want to get out the black hole you feel you are in, this book offers a lifeline.

This book *changed* my life!
It sounds like a cliche, but is entirely true! After working through the exercises in this book for two months, I lowered my anxiety by two thirds, and my depression symptoms by half. I feel more in control of my moods, and I can cope better when I am feeling strong emotions. This book gives clear, easy, step-by-step instructions that really work. I recommend it highly to anyone.

Oxford Handbook of Clinical Medicine (Oxford Handbooks S.)
Author: Murray Longmore (Usually dispatched within 24 hours)

---

---

Get You Through Life
This is the internationally renowned, megatastic book to beat all books when it comes to doing your job as a doctor. It has all the prerequisites necessary; it’s concise, it has all the information you need to identify , and manage all manner of complaints and all in a pocket size book. Other books sit on the shelf and gather dust whereas this will stick with you for your formative years when you are still figuring out the gaps in your education. Nothing else will ever come close except for a new edition perhaps.

a must have
I am now an SHO and still find it indispensible - buying this book isn’t really optional

A final year medical student’s view
This is arguably the quintessential pocket clinical text for junior doctors and medical students. Few students can have completed their training without referring to it dozens (in my case hundreds) of times.

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.

Ross and Wilson Anatomy and Physiology in Health and Illness
Author: Janet S. Ross (Usually dispatched within 24 hours)

---

---

Essential for begginners to nursing
Ross and Wilson Anatomy and Physiology in Health and Illness is easy to follow, uses simple language and presents clear diagrams. It is essential for getting to grips with the fundimental basics of anatomy and physiology. This text is a must for nursing students as many diploma courses recommend its use for self directed study.

Comments from a tutor
I am a teacher of Anatomy, Physiology and Holistic Massage and I recommend this book to my students. It contains a little more informattion than students need for level 3 ITEC A & P but this is a good thing! The explanations, illustrations and diagrams are presented in a clear and consise manner making learning easier. I only wish it came on CD rom! It is well worth the money.

A very helpful book
I brought this book on the recomendation of my course tutors and it did not dissapoint. This book enabled to me to get consistently high pass marks in my exams and I cannot recommend it enough.
The information contained went a lot deeper in to the subject than I needed.

If you are doing any type of medical or medically associtaed course then I suggest that you buy this book now.

British National Formulary: v. 49
Author: Dinesh Mehta (Usually dispatched within 24 hours)

---

---

Strength Training Anatomy
Author: Frederic Delavier (Usually dispatched within 24 hours)

---

---

Excellent.
This book is more concerned with showing the muscles involved in resistance training than going into detail about technique. This is fine because it means that the whole book is made up of page after page of detailed, coloured artwork, illustrating the main muscle groups in action in just about every exercise. Most other books explain the exercises in detail, but assume that everyone reading them can visualise the muscle groups in action. Beginners will find that this book makes sense of all the other strength training books and advanced athletes/bodybuilders will be pleased, as I am, that someone has finally made a reference book like this which confirms the knowledge which they will already have, but puts in in a form which is fascinating to read. 10 out of 10. I am very pleased with this purchase.

Nice
The book as expected is separated into individual body parts. Each chapter then provides information on exercises for those body parts. Each exercise is illustrated with an image depicting all the muscles that are used whether primary or secondary. There are also instructions on how to perform an exercise with proper technique and in some cases there is slightly more information, the bench press, the deadlift and other core exercises. It’s a good book as it’s always good to know exactly what muscles you’re training. Don’t expect anything on nutrition, lifestyles or training programs. And though it doesn’t show you every exercise ever invented (no Arnie Presses) it should be enough for most people. It’s a good way of planning your own excercise routines.

Excellent book
This is THE book for anyone who weight trains, or works within the fitness business. I have bought many books, but this is certainly THE bible. There are various sections in the book, from Arms, Legs, Back, SHoulders etc, and within each section it gives you a large number of exercises, but the main thing is it shows the all the muscles being used during that particular exercise. Because the diagrams are in colour, on good quality paper you can really understand what is being shown. This book will benefit beginners through the experienced Personal Trainers. Buy this book!

TA Today : A New Introduction to Transactional Analysis
Author: Ian Stewart (Usually dispatched within 24 hours)

---

---

Excellent, insightful book
Without doubt the best psychotherapy book I have read. A clear and comprehensive introduction to Transactional Analysis. The writing is clear without being trivial and the subject covered without being heavy of difficult. The 101 introduction to TA syllabus is covered and the book contains everything most people will need without formal counselling/psychotherapy training.

Great Book
The authors have done a brilliant job of explaining and updating Berne’s seminal work. The book is very easy to follow without any prior understanding of Transactional Analysis or Psychology and is highly readable. I especially like their presentation of the “Discount Matrix” which puts in a nutshell why you may be getting nowhere in attempting to solve a problem.

The most informative book I have
I am not involved with psychology or counselling but the contents of this book have illuminated a new direction for me: in terms of how I go about my work, how I regard myself and how I regard others. It is blissfully free of ’sciency’ words and hence it can be read without frequent reference to a latin/medical dictionary. It is a treasured addition to my bookshelf.

Oxford Handbook of Accident and Emergency Medicine (Oxford Handbooks S.)
Author: Jonathan P. Wyatt (Usually dispatched within 24 hours)

---

---

wait for the new edition
I am generally a big fan of the Oxford Handbook series and its definitely appropriate to have one for A&E. However, this field is constantly changing and the current edition of the book is dangerously out of date and contains some important errors. For example, I just read a section on poisoning and it advises beta blocker administration for cocaine intoxication — most definitely NOT a good idea and potentially a disastrous management! Our A&E consultant advised us not to trust it as it has so many errors, which I think says a lot. Luckily, there is a new edition out in Jan 2005 so if you are planning on getting this book I would certainly wait until then - hopefully the errors will be sorted and like its brothers and sisters in the series it will be an invaluable pocket guide.

A handy pocket-book for SHO’s/junior residents starting out.
This is a welcome addition to the Oxford Handbook series, which is so popular with medical students and trainee doctors throughout the English speaking world. As an overview or introduction to Accident & Emergency Medicine it is comprehensive in the topic areas it covers. It does not dwell on theoretical detail, but acts as a practical guide for students and junior doctors unsure of the initial assessment and management of common emergency problems. A criticism I would offer is that this book is lacking somewhat in detail in terms of the management of many conditions, offering the advice “refer to specialist” all to frequently. In a climate where emergency physicians are expanding their role, this may limit the use of this book in the near future. Overall, for the medical student or first time doctor in A&E, this is a very useful resource to have readily available.

Asperger’s Syndrome: A Guide for Parents and Professionals
Author: Tony Attwood (Usually dispatched within 24 hours)

---

---

The best material for laymen and professionals on AS.
This book is a wonderful starting place for parents with AS kids and the professionals who work with those kids. Attwood is very positive about the outlook for these special children but he lays out in detail the many problems and pitfalls that parents can expect to encounter along the way. My daughter was diagnosed with AS 5 months ago and I was astounded to find that every page descibed her perfectly. Quirks that I could never understand became clear to me. I have much more patience for her now that I understand the basis for her differences. As a consequence her behavior has improved immensely.

The only subject I found disappointing was the section on medication. My daughter is taking medication and I have not been able to find ANY information on the use of Wellbutrin with AS kids. Attwood does not go into any details on meds and those of us in the trenches could certainly use some guidance.

Very accessible but short on evalaution studies.
A very readable account of AS and its features. However, despite its popularity it is a book that I would have as second choice behind the work of Asperger Syndrome by Val Cumine et al. Attwood is a bit short on evaluation studies for some of the approaches he recommends, e.g. the social stories approach. If you are a parent or an Aspergee then go ahead and buy it; but you may find yourself buying something else to give your more substantial information on intervention programmes.

Superb Guide to a Complex Condition
When our son was first diagnosed with Asperger, his psychiatrist loaned us a copy of Tony Attwood’s book. It was a revelation. All at once everything we had seen developing over the last three years fell into place. What was more, the book suggested ways ahead and strategies that immediately began to work and make life so much easier for all of us. A superb guide.

An Introductory Guide to Anatomy and Physiology
Author: Louise Tucker (Usually dispatched within 24 hours)

---

---

An Introductory Guide to Anatomy and Physiology.
This book was poorly layed out: some things are given a structure and function and others not. Diseases and disorders are listed at the back of each chapter, but some extra ones that are in exams are listed within the text. Sometimes the author has gone into detail other times it is very simplified.
Some information is incorrect - the hyiod is not a sesamoid bone, Tibalis anterior inverts sole not everts, amoung other errors.

Not worth it
I would not recommend this text as it is confusing and, more worryingly, inaccurate in lots of places. As a tutor, I find myself having to advise students to read information from other texts. Unhelpful and, as this is an ITEC recommended text, alarming for students. Look for something better

A+P teacher
Although this book offers a simple view of A+P it actually does students with a serious desire to learn no favours. It contains many inaccuracies and as a teacher I find myself in a dilemma when having to decide whether to teach accurately or the Louise Tucker version so that students pass the ITEC exam. A+P is NOT simplistic and students need a more detailed introduction to begin to appreciate the complexity and beauty of the physical body. Books can still be colouful and user friendly without being patronising and incorrect. I would not recommend this book if it wasn’t the text book for ITEC courses.

Accident and Emergency Radiology
Author: Nigel Raby (Usually dispatched within 24 hours)

---

---

Essential bedtime reading.
When you’ve already got enough to do, this book really helps to focus on the common cases and the important rarities. Good explanations but some xrays are poor (probably techincal or my inability to see the pathology?!), however the line drawings fill in the gap.

This book is excellent for most grades of junior doctors but essential for casualty and surgical trainees. More importantly it is small enough to carry with you to work or exam.

A quick and handy guide to interpreting trauma images
This handy-sized book contains simple schemes to follow when viewing and interpreting trauma radiographs. For staff working in a busy accident and emergency department, there is no time to refer to a ‘wordy’ book in order to locate the relevant information required. This book is fairly comprehensive with regards to the A&E setting, containing sufficient and relevant information appropriate to the A&E situation in bullet points (not lengthy sentences), and many radiographs to illustrate both the normal and abnormal conditions. It also highlights the common mistakes made by A&E clinicians in interpreting certain normal radiographs as abnormal.

However, as the author also pointed out in the preface, this book is not exhaustive in its contents of trauma imaging as it especially highlights the pitfalls faced by A&E clinicians when interpreting trauma radiographs and deliberately omitting the ‘obvious’.

Nevertheless, this book is a good and quick reference tool in the A&E setting, not only to A&E clinicians and trainee radiologists (as it was originally targeted), but also to radiographers and nurses in the A&E team.

A ‘must have’ for all A&E departments!