Pearls for Primary Care - Michael Jacobs B

Pearls for Primary Care is unique, integrating pertinent basic science information with clinical medicine. The resource bridges the information gap and provides insights for providers and students. Additionally, there are succinct yet comprehensive presentations on managing the more common outpatient problems. This book is for primary care providers and students, e.g., physicians, APRNs, and PAs who desire to improve their patient-education, diagnostic, and treatment skills.

Part One provides the biochemistry and physiology precepts to incorporate in understanding of the basics of diseases and treatments. There are chapters on basic biochemistry, fluid and sodium control, acid-base balance, bone marrow, vitamins, autonomic nervous system and control of vital signs, genomics, immunology, and updated treatments for cancer and autoimmune disorders.

Part Two takes this information to the next level, emphasizing approaches and insights for managing patients at the primary care level. Many outpatient presentations are covered in the first chapter, e.g., summary of testing, approaches to eye, ear, disease screening, male and female problems, mood disorders, syncope, headaches and other pain issues, while Orthopedics, Cardiology, and Dermatology are covered in the next three chapters. Practical anatomy and injection techniques are emphasized in the Orthopedics section. Basic tools for handling most outpatient cardiac and skin issues are introduced in the subsequent chapters.

The final nine chapters introduce subspecialities and typical outpatient problems. There are systematic and pertinent approaches for the management of these issues with guides for improving patient outcomes, supplemented with germane physiology. Providers should be more confident in their abilities after reviewing the presented information.

PEARLS are interspersed in the book to embellish and emphasize important concepts. The book's focus is to improve the delivery of outpatient medicine; as knowledgeable providers are keys to the process.