Medicine for Consumers

Book excerpt: Medicine for Consumers provides students with an overview of the world of medicine with special emphasis on topics that are important to patients and consumers. The volume covers the basics of medical information and training, allied health professions, insurance issues, how to improve personal health throughout the lifespan, and more. Through 41 chapters, the book provides both consumers and future physicians with critical information that will help them navigate the world of medicine. The book explores the history of medical education, the basics of inpatient and outpatient care, various medical and surgical specialties, an introduction to the pharmaceutical industry, the importance of sound nutrition and regular exercise to health, and more. Additional chapters address mental health issues, patient satisfaction, medical myths, determining a diagnosis, and physical therapy. The text provides students with the opportunity to analyze, gather, and use newfound information to make the best possible health care choices, both for themselves and for future patients. Medicine for Consumers is an excellent resource for general health courses and foundational courses for medical professionals in training. The text could also serve as a valuable resource for practicing healthcare professionals. Gregory Billy, M.D., is currently an associate professor in the Departments of Orthopaedics & Rehabilitation and Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation at Penn State College of Medicine. He teaches resident physicians, fellows, medical, and undergraduate students in both the College of Medicine and the College of Health and Human Development. He earned his medical degree from the Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine and completed his residency in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at Sinai Hospital/Johns Hopkins Hospital Program in Baltimore, Maryland. Dr. Billy also serves as a team physician for Penn State University and the State College Spikes, a Class A professional minor league baseball team. His research interests include pain and spine medicine, neurologic and brain disorders, and sports medicine.