This sociological and psychological analysis of the factors that mold the developing physician offers comprehensive and insightful food for thought. The book is well written and deserves the time of medical educators, developing physicians, developed physicians, and potential physicians.
The editors have compiled 13 individual chapters, each written by an authority on the subject. While an ordered chapter sequence and interdependence are lacking intentionally, the absence of cohesiveness and purposeful movement detract somewhat from the work's legibility.
Little can be added to the thorough literature review in the areas selected. In fact, a few chapters contain more comprehensive coverage than can be appreciated by the casual reader.
Excellent coverage is afforded the psychology of the developing physician, including the surrounding climate and influential factors. The generous attention directed to the emotional stresses of life as a medical student and house officer is appropriate, appreciated, and could potentially stimulate reform. Interesting