In the 23rd edition of Rudolph’s Pediatrics, the editorial team provided a comprehensive review of essentially the entire field of pediatrics spanning the development of the normal infant and child to the maturing adolescent at the threshold of adulthood. In between these life stages, the chapter authors constructed useful materials that addressed the many disorders and diseases that may affect infants, children, and adolescents. A prime objective was the consideration of the biological basis for normal and abnormal development and for the changes associated with disease. With this vast amount of background information, it may be difficult to define the role of etiological factors and the significance of various clinical observations in differential diagnosis and management.
In Rudolph’s Pediatrics Self-Assessment and Board Review, Drs. Cabana and Giardino, along with their colleagues, follow the tradition of President Lincoln, quoted above, by focusing how best to prepare for an important board exam that certifies one as a pediatric expert. Proper preparation, akin to sharpening the proverbial axe, in part rests on the careful review and study of a series of questions designed to assist the learner/trainee in analyzing the importance of abnormal physiologic, biochemical, genetic, and other features in pediatric disorders and to highlight clinical features that aid in differential diagnosis. Pertinent questions allow the student to assess the extent of their own knowledge and may point the reader to the need for further study. Brief explanations attached to each question illustrate key points, and readers are conveniently referred to the 23rd edition of Rudolph’s textbook for in-depth learning. Heartfelt congratulations to the authors for creating this valuable resource to help all of us evaluate our knowledge of pediatrics and thereby assure we provide children with the best care possible.
Gordon E. Schutze, MD
Professor of Pediatrics
Baylor College of Medicine
Houston, TX