Book Review

API Textbook of Medicine, IXth Edition

Edited by Yash Pal Munjal • Number of Pages: 2086 • Publishers: Association of Physicians of India
API Textbook of Medicine, Ninth Edition (volumes), pp 2086, Editor-in-Chief, Yash Pal Munjal; Published by the Association of
Physicians of India, printed and distributed by Jaypee Brothers Medical Publishers (P) Ltd., Price - `2,495.
From its very inception the API Textbook of Medicine (Ninth Edition) is distinct in many ways keeping with the phenomenal
advances in medical science, introduction of new technologies in diagnostic and therapeutic armamentarium and consequently
the approach to patients’ care. Yet, the traditional format is intact in the compilation of subjects. The comprehensive content,
admirably is captured in brevity.
The book is written in the way ’medicine’ is taught and practiced in the Indian subcontinent - an approach to suit local conditions
and meet the challenges and requirements in the day to day medical practice. Contributors are drawn from across the country,
ideally several young and new brand of authors joining the galaxy of distinguished previous contributors.
The introductory section rightly stresses the importance of the patient as an informed partner in the practice of evidence based
medicine and moral obligation of the physician to adhere to medical ethics in disease management. The section on ‘Clinical
Approach to Key Manifestations’ is a desideratum, a ready reckoner as it were in the analysis of symptoms of patients confronting
the physician. The sections on Diagnostic Imaging, Clinical Pharmacology, Immunology, Medical Genetics and Clinical Care
Medicine are the positive tools in the making of a physician.
Each section starts with basic consideration of the subject and concludes with ‘Recommended Reading’ at the end. Each chapter
provides the dual advantage of precision and extendibility of information on the relative topic.
Uniformity in approach, language and style of writings in all respects give the impact of continuity and engages the reader
with sustained interest. ‘A picture is worth more than a thousands words’ - a striking feature of this edition is the number of apt
illustrations and impressive, high quality colour photos, erasing the scope for imagination and ambiguity in understanding the
subject and physical signs. Surely, a quality material for self teaching.
The authors deserve special appreciation in this regard. The book is ‘a must’ for medical students, internees and serves as a quick
reference point for specialists in every field of medicine.
The design, get up, presentation and quality of the book are pre-eminent and in tune with modern trends. The objective of writing
the API Textbook of Medicine is primarily for medical students, the only snag is the pricing which perhaps is unavoidable. That
apart, this compendium has made forays into the realms of excellences and should sure be a prized possession.
Dr. V. Parameshvara
Consulting Physician and Cardiologist,
Bangalore