Rheumatology Secrets 3rd Edition

Book Preface

With all the regulatory changes, many physicians might agree with Virchow’s lament. In Rheumatology, this has clearly not been the case. It has been a decade since the last edition of Rheumatology Secrets, and I am amazed with the advances that have occurred in both the science and treatment of the rheumatic diseases. Each chapter in the present edition has been extensively reviewed and updated to include those advancements through January 2014.

I have frequently been asked why the long delay between editions? For many years I had the privilege of serving on the American Board of Internal Medicine Certifying Examination Committee in Rheumatology. As many use the Secrets to study for board certification and recertification I wanted to avoid what I considered a possible conflict of interest. With my term on the committee ended it is a pleasure to be able to edit this book again. As in the previous editions, Rheumatology Secrets, Third Edition, is presented in the Socratic question and answer format that is the hallmark of The Secrets Series. The chapters are organized into 15 sections, each with a common theme emphasized by an introductory quotation. Common and uncommon rheumatic disease problems that we encounter in clinical practice, discuss during teaching rounds, and find on board examinations are covered. Each chapter reviews basic immunology and pathophysiology, important disease manifestations, and practical management issues. The book also contains a wealth of mnemonics, lists, tables, figures, and illustrations to emphasize important points. Chapter 2 lists some of the top Rheumatology Secrets and I encourage readers to send me their top secrets.

I hope that the reader will find Rheumatology Secrets, Third Edition, both enjoyable and useful in daily practice.

Sterling G. West, MD