Faust’s Anesthesiology Review, 4th ed.

Abstract

It has been 12 years since the 3rd edition of one of the best-selling review books in anesthesiology was published. Faust’s Anesthesiology Review, 3rd ed., was concise, divided into key topics in anesthesiology, and was widely used as a board review textbook. With the passing of more than a decade and the retirement of Ronald Faust, MD, many who initially looked forward to purchasing a new edition probably began to wonder whether the 3rd edition would be the last. The long-awaited 4th edition of Faust’s Anesthesiology Review was published in March 2014 and is now available as a 600-page paperback textbook including online access via ExpertConsult and as an e-textbook. The style of the 3rd edition has been maintained, but editors, authors, the stated goal of the textbook, the reorganization of sections and topics, and the visual appearance have changed. Significant changes have been made to the editorial board and contributing authors for each chapter. Michael J. Murray, MD, PhD, the new chief editor, has preserved the multiauthored approach, and the number of contributing authors has increased from 114 to 199. The format, layout, and length of chapters are remarkably uniform. All the authors have significant links to the Mayo Clinic Health Care system. The editors state in the Preface that this new edition is a comprehensive review of anesthesiology and, unlike the 3rd edition, is not meant to serve as a board review or to “teach to the test.” Although they do not state how the “254 concepts of importance to anesthesia care providers” that are discussed in the new edition were chosen, they do state that no attempt was made to use the American Board of Anesthesiology content outline or keywords. However, those who are considering buying this review book to help prepare for certification examinations in anesthesiology should not be deterred. The ability to rapidly review core concepts in anesthesiology will be appreciated by all. The new edition will not disappoint those who enjoyed the short chapter/topic layout of the 3rd edition. Compared with the previous edition, there are more topics (254 vs 238), and instead of 3 major sections (physiologic sciences, physical sciences, and clinical sciences), it is now divided into 13 color-coded sections (i.e., equipment, monitoring, physiology, pharmacology, and anatomy) including risk management (12 topics) and practice management (8 topics). The specialty section is further divided into 8 subsections covering the major subspecialties of anesthesiology. The creation of subsections in the Specialty Anesthesia sections allows the reader to focus his or her study review on the desired subspecialty area (e.g., pain medicine or pediatrics), and color-coding of sections facilitates the ability to locate each of the sections. Despite the large number of topics and the diversity of editors, one cannot expect all topics in anesthesiology to be covered (e.g., antidysrhythmics). The content is visually more appealing than the previous edition, and in contrast to the 3rd edition, the majority of topics contain graphic aids in color. The use of artwork from Netter’s collection of medical graphics and the Mayo Foundation is an excellent addition. Each topic is approximately 1 to 3 pages in length and divided into short paragraphs. Some may find the extremely small standard font size in the print textbook a distraction. The small font creates a very cramped appearance and is not conducive to easy reading. If a larger print is desired, however, the font size can be easily adjusted in the electronic version. The book can be easily accessed online and downloaded to electronic readers via www.expertconsult.com. The electronic version can be opened after purchase by entering the access code. ExpertConsult allows free trial access to 1 chapter as a sample. The text appears much more reader friendly in the electronic version, and all tables and figures are maintained in the same color pattern as in the printed version. The partitioning (sections, subsections, and chapters) is identical to the printed version. The reader can download complete chapters as portable document formats and is able to copy and paste information into other documents with ease for personal study and bedside teaching. Therefore, the electronic version overcomes the majority of perceived disadvantages of the printed version. The editors and authors have developed an excellent general review book of anesthesiology in a topic/chapter format that will appeal to many. Although the editors have distanced themselves from the old 3rd edition and the concept of the new 4th edition not being a boards review textbook, it is those preparing for board examinations (e.g., Basic Examination, Advanced Examination, and Maintenance of Certification in Anesthesiology Examination) who are likely to purchase this textbook. Faculty in academic departments also will find this text helpful in preparing didactics for resident conferences and to facilitate intraoperative teaching. Moreover, the division into anesthesia subspecialties and the addition of topics such as anesthesia practice management make it attractive for practicing anesthesiologists to facilitate life-long learning. Those who are still using the 3rd edition will want to purchase the 4th edition, hard copy or electronic version, and take advantage of the updated topics and the excellent graphics. Annette Rebel, MD Randall Schell, MD, MACM Department of Anesthesiology University of Kentucky Lexington, Kentucky [email protected]