The Practice of Internal Medicine in the Tropics

GOOD NEWS FOR ALL TROPICAL DOCTORS (IN TRAINING): POCKET SIZE INTERNAL MEDICINE AVAILABLE!

When preparing for clinical work in the tropics, internal medicine can be quite a stumbling block. Internal medicine is not the favourite topic of many tropical doctors, since they are mainly trained in the surgical specialties. But it’s important to know the basics, especially when working at a rural district hospital where medical ward rounds are part of a doctor’s responsibility.

So, what do you do with a 51-year-old man with paralysis of the legs, or a 22-year-old female with recurrent need for blood transfusion? How do you apply all the knowledge about HIV, TB and parasites you got from text books, which is so hard to retain?

Ed Zijlstra, internist and teacher in Rotterdam, was Head of the Department of Medicine in Malawi (Blantyre) for many years. He compiled 100 clinical cases, primarily as a study tool for Malawian medical students, but also for expatriate doctors preparing to work in a tropical setting. The cases are presented in the way the patients present to you: starting with the anamnesis, physical exam and additional investigations (if available), including pictures. Each case description ends with 2 or 3 questions, mostly about diagnosis and management. The answers are provided (when you flip the page), followed by a short discussion of the topic and ending with some learning points. The book has an index which allows searching for diagnoses as well.

The cases are not polished but reflect practical realities, such as poor-quality X-rays and inaccurate or missing lab results. Part of the medical training in tropical settings is geared to dealing with such situations. The case titles are engaging and trigger further reading, for example ‘A man who was struck at the back of his neck (he thought) …’. Due to the quiz-like structure of the book, the concise writing and the illustrative pictures, it reads like a novel. The only disadvantage is that it doesn’t literally fit in the pocket of your white coat. But then again, you probably had the other Zijlstra already (the Clinical Book*). This new book is good for a perfect read at home or during not so busy hospital shifts. A must-have for all doctors (preparing for) working in a tropical setting!

*D. Sloan, T. Phiri & E.E. Zijlstra, The Clinical Book, ISBN 9789081571920

SPECIAL OFFER!
For every book sold, another copy will be given to a Malawian student for free! It only costs EUR 26.95 (incl. VAT, excl. postage) and can be ordered by emailing the author: info@roctm.com.

THE PRACTICE OF INTERNAL MEDICINE IN THE TROPICS
100 CASES
E.E. Zijlstra
EE Zijlstra
1st edition, 2016. 329 pages.
Price: EUR 26.95