In line with much of today's medical teaching, the authors of this unique book have used a series of cases to illustrate critical points in palliative medicine. The case outlines are linked to learning objectives throughout - the case discussions are used to illustrate the desired attitudes, skills and knowledge base outlined at the beginning of each chapter.

In all, twenty-seven symptom problems and psychosocial issues are discussed, including a number of symptoms not commonly considered in other textbooks, such as sleep disorders. The comprehensive section devoted to psychosocial factors in palliative medicine contains an excellent chapter on ethics, as well as a chapter on cultural issues, in addition to the more commonly encountered psychosocial problems.

Neil MacDonald's profile page

Derek Doyle's profile page

Marcel Boisvert's profile page

Deborah Dudgeon's profile page

Neil Hagen's profile page

Neil MacDonald, Director, Cancer Ethics Programme, Centre for Bioethics, Clinical Research Institute of Montreal, also Professor of Oncology, McGill University. Derek Doyle, Medical Director and Consultant Physician (Retired), St. Columba's Hospice, Edinburgh.

'...The material has been superbly edited, and is presented at a uniformly high level, all the more impressive given the fact that many authors contributed to this book. There is much to praise in this book, and no faults to find with the text. The coverage is virtually complete...This is a superb book for the medical student, and it is equally relevant for residents or practising physicians with an interst in the care of the terminally ill (all physicians). The book is attractively priced and readable, yet it covers a wealth of knowledge. The references were chosen for relevancy, and will quickly direct interested readers to recent publications.' Annals of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, (August 1998)

" There is much to praise in this book, and no faults to find ... This is a superb book for the medical student, and it is equally relevant for residents or practising physicians, with an interest in the care of the terminally ill (all physicians). The book is attractively priced and readable, yet it covers a wealth of knowledge." Annals of the RCPSC (August 1998)

" Overall Rating: Excellent / Strengths: Relevant to all areas of medicine ... It was a pleasure to sit down and thoroughly read all 311 pages of this book. When was the last time any of us could say that about a medical textbook? ... This book is a truly Canadian initiative, with 28 contributing authors who work in palliative care from coast to coast. Most of these authors are known for their work nationally, and many internationally. ... Excellence in both the art and the science of the practice of medicine is modeled throughout. ... Medical educators should embrace this book as the core teaching tool for palliative medicine that has been sorely lacking from both undergraduate and graduate medical curriculums. Because it is so readable and its principles of whole-patient care so relevant to all aspects of medicine, it should become mandatory reading for all medical learners, regardless of specialty or years of clinical experience." Canadian Family Physician (Oct 1998)

''...The material has been superbly edited, and is presented at a uniformly high level, all the more impressive given the fact that many authors contributed to this book. There is much to praise in this book, and no faults to find with the text. The coverage is virtually complete...This is a superb book for the medical student, and it is equally relevant for residents or practising physicians with an interst in the care of the terminally ill (all physicians). The book is attractively priced and readable, yet it covers a wealth of knowledge. The references were chosen for relevancy, and will quickly direct interested readers to recent publications.' John F. Seely, Annals of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, Vol.31, no.5, August 1998.