On any day in the life of primary care, we are often

faced with the undiagnosed or undifferentiated

patient. We must draw on our experience, knowl-

edge, and hunches. We begin sorting: the common

from the rare, the self-limited from the deadly, and

the depression- or anxiety-related symptoms from

organic diseases. We need to consider the patient

within the context of community, occupation, and

family. We hope to balance our efforts with consider-

ations of costs, effectiveness, and the patient s con-

cerns. Patients need our full attention, yet time is

often limited. Indeed, the Family Practice physician

is a specialist: formulating plans, managing care, and

considering the critical questions of referral (no, yes,

when, why, and to whom).

In this handy volume, the authors challenge

the reader to "see" patients with their relevant

diagnostic studies. The photographic reproductions

are excellent, giving us a view of both common and

rare clinical presentations. Here the reader has the

luxury of enjoying the intellectual stimulation of

the patient evaluation without the time pressures

of the work setting. Likewise, here is the chance to

learn (and make mistakes) at no risk.