The Forum consists of four loose-leaf volumes, each with four positionpapers on selected topics in medical microbiology and the human as a host for bacterial infections. In addition to the 16 position-papers that were prepared by 12 authors, each volume has four tape cassettes with eight sides (60 cm each) of recorded discussion by the contributors, who are experts in laboratory aspects of medical microbiology. The length of the papers ranges from 16 to 46 double-spaced, 8 1/2×11-in pages (average of 26), including a modest number of references. There are relatively few illustrations and tables.
It is suggested that with each volume one first read the four position-papers and then listen to the accompanying discussion tapes. This requires approximately eight hours. At the end, self-assessment materials are provided, and an option is offered the subscriber to register for category 1A continuing medical education (CME) credit.
Session 1 (vol 1) considers