To revisit an old friend is always a delight and so it is with the second edition of this extensive, well-constructed text. I was privileged to review the initial edition and, indeed, encouraged further editions.
The format remains unchanged, with the book directed toward general physicians who care for ambulatory adult patients. With this setting in mind, one should not expect to find extensive treatment of pediatrics, surgery, or obstetrics, except in their impact on outpatient encounters.
I was particularly impressed with the "stand alone" quality of each area treated. Section 1, "Issues of General Concern on Ambulatory Care," should be read by everyone in medical practice. Issues such as the doctor-patient relationship, communication between doctor and patient, preventive medicine, and compliance are included. These are generic issues in medical practice, and the authors do justice to them. Unlike many existing medical texts, this book's sections are problem oriented rather