Competency Based Questions and Answers in Physiology

The author, Dr Eranthi Samarakoon, being a dedicated and a committed teacher, understands the difficulties faced by the students ever since the single best answer (SBA) questions were introduced in medical curriculum in many countries around the world. She realises that the successful preparation for a professional examination requires understanding the style of the questions asked and the process of the examination. With these goals in mind, she has produced this set of two books containing a large number of questions in obstetrics (214) and gynaecology (214) to help the students in facing the examination with confidence. Eranthi Samarakoon MBBS, MS(SM Lanka), FRCOG (UK) is a senior lecturer and consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist at the Peradeniya University and the Teaching Hospital, Peradeniya, Sri Lanka. She obtained second class honors at the final MBBS examination and came first in the order of merit at the Master of Surgery in obstetrics and gynaecology (Sri Lanka) part 1 and part 2 examinations. She completed the final year of her postgraduate training at St Mary?s Hospital, Manchester, and got through the MRCOG (UK) examination at the first attempt. She was Board certified as a consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist in Sri Lanka in 1983 and has been in active practice since then. This book is based on over three decades of experience as an active clinician and academician who has been teaching medical students for the final MBBS examination and training postgraduate students for the Doctor of Medicine (MD) in obstetrics and gynaecology (Sri Lanka) and the MRCOG (UK) examinations. She has been an examiner for the final MBBS examination in all eight universities in Sri Lanka and for the MD obstetrics and gynaecology (Sri Lanka) examination. She plays a major role in the clinical training and examinations for undergraduate and clinical training of postgraduate students. At least five students are trained each year at the Peradeniya University Hospital for the MD (Sri Lanka) and MRCOG (UK) examinations.

The book aims to serve the interest of undergraduate students preparing for their professional examination and clinical posting in medicine. It gives 104 clinical cases in medicine with focus on presentation and discussion. The text has been written keeping in mind the fact that during the final year practical examination students do not get sufficient time between the examinations of different specialties i.e. obstetrics and gynecology surgery medicine and pediatric and the entire subject has to be covered in only one or two days and hence the usefulness and Importance of this concise book.

Principles of Optics and Refraction is now in its 5th edition, the first edition having been published in 1961. This edition is being renamed as ?Agarwal's Principles of Optics and Refraction?. This book satisfies the needs of students and specialists, practitioners of ophthalmology and undergraduates and postgraduates alike. The book clearly elucidates the basic elementary principles of optics and refraction. While doing so, it introduces adequate though not complex mathematical calculations in such a way that they are easy to follow. It is written in simple English as it is spoken and understood by the students and practitioners in this country. The book contains practical hints which make the understanding and practice of refraction easy. The book recognises that refraction is not only a science but it is also an art in its practice.

Key features, The topics have been arranged in an alphabetical order to serve as a ready reckoner. It provides comprehensive and up-to-date information on all aspects of child care and common diseases of children. When faced with a sick child, mother can immediately seek information on home management of common diseases of children and household accidents. The book is written in a simple, easy-to-understand language without any medical jargon. The book is replete with home remedies and practical tips which have been collected from personal resource and reliable sources. A glossary of English and Hindi names of grains, lentils, vegetables, fresh and dry fruits and Indian spices has been provided.

The book should be of deep interest to internists, pediatricians, nephrologists, dermatologists and rheumatologists. The book is written in a simple style and makes the subject easy to understand even for an undergraduate student or common medical practitioner. A Primer on Systemic Lupus Erythematosus begins with a chapter written by Prof Anand N Malaviya,the first one in India to work on lupus,giving a rendition of his journey of over nearly four decades beginning with the first recognition of the patients with lupus in India,and the trials and tribulations of managing the patients with lupus.This is followed by chapters on various manifestations of lupus and its treatment, written with a clinical perspective, addressing the dilemmas faced in managing patients with lupus.Many chapters include case vignettes to add a real-life feel. Issues such as balancing the pros and cons of therapy and how to improve longterm outcome have also been discussed. The text ends with a patient?s perspective of the disease.