The Gist of Emergency Medicine

Media Review

CJEM 1999;1(2):135

The Gist of Emergency Medicine
Michael O. Hebb. 244 pp. Adam Hebb, 1998. $49. ISBN 0-9695693-5-1

The Gist of Emergency Medicine is just that. This concise little book grew from a collection of notes written by the author to help him pass the American Board exams. Since then it has grown to fill a niche for candidates wishing to brush up on the essentials as they prepare for their own emergency medicine (EM) qualifying exams. But The Gist does more than exam preparation. It is full of wise tips for dealing with patients during busy shifts, and it prompted me to perform a mental self-assessment.

It is easier to define The Gist by what it isn't. It isn't a comprehensive treatise describing cutting edge emergency medicine, but it does cover the essentials briefly. It doesn't cite the literature, but does remain faithful to accepted guidelines and common sense. It cannot be used as a reference for real-time patient management, but it is a useful study guide. It isn't a peer-reviewed consensus document, but it is a wise compilation of thoughts from an experienced emergency physician.

Everything about the book is homespun, including its unorthodox grouping of contents. For example, gastrointestinal and genitourinary problems are combined in one chapter, while septic shock is a chapter on its own. The section on acute myocardial infarction is typical. It lists important treatments to remember during an exam (particularly those easily forgotten) without providing detailed information. It lists the differential diagnoses that examiners tend to ask for, but doesn't go into detail about diagnostic procedures, epidemiology or treatment regimens. The section on pediatric fever doesn't explain how or when to perform a septic work-up, assuming that readers are already familiar with published guidelines.

This book will appeal particularly to 2 groups. The first, EM exam candidates, will appreciate the tips on "examsmanship." The second group, experienced emergency physicians, will find the book useful for assessing their basic knowledge and attitudes toward patients and coworkers. The author plans to update The Gist in 2000, and he is keenly interested in receiving suggestions from readers.

The first hard copy edition has been sold out. A second edition is expected in 2000 or 2001. As of today, The Gist of Emergency Medicine can be purchased on a floppy disk for Can$49 or as an electronic file from the author ($39). The electronic Microsoft Word document is accompanied by a software version that can be used on Palm personal data assistants. Further information is available at http://erbook.com/.

Jim Thompson, MD
Associate Professor
Division of Emergency Medicine
Dalhousie University
jim2@jimthompson.net