The "Concise Medical Dictionary" by Elizabeth A. Martin is a comprehensive reference book that provides clear and authoritative definitions for all aspects of medical science. Here is a detailed overview of the book:

Key Themes and Content

• Medical Terminology: The dictionary covers over 10,000 entries, including major medical and surgical specialties. It includes definitions for terms related to public health medicine, medical research, general practice, drugs and pharmacology, endocrinology, cardiology, radiology, and other specialist areas.
• Recent Developments: The book reflects recent advancements in the medical field, including new drugs in clinical use, advances in genetics, infertility treatment, cancer, organ transplantation, and BSE (Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy).
• Illustrations and Appendices: The dictionary features full-color diagrams and extensive appendices that provide useful lists and tables on inherited medical conditions, units of alcohol, abbreviations, and symbols.
• Updates and Revisions: Each edition is revised and updated to include new entries and reflect the latest medical research and practice. For example, the 9th edition includes new entries such as "American Medical Association," "burden of treatment," "gaming disorder," "MERS," "person-centred care," and "Zika virus".

Critical Reception

• Goodreads Reviews: The book has received positive reviews on Goodreads. One reviewer noted that while they hadn't read it cover-to-cover, they had skim-read a lot of it during their medical studies and found it useful.
• Academic Reputation: Oxford University Press has a sterling reputation for academic and reference publishing. The dictionary is edited by a team of medical professionals and is updated with the latest information, ensuring its accuracy and authority.
• Sales and Impact: The book has sold over 250,000 copies in previous editions and is recommended for students and professionals in the medical and allied professions, including nurses, pharmacists, physiotherapists, social workers, hospital administrators, and medical secretaries.

Plot Summary

There is no narrative plot in the "Concise Medical Dictionary." It is a reference book designed to provide quick and authoritative definitions for medical terms, making it an essential resource for both professionals and general readers.

Conclusion

The "Concise Medical Dictionary" by Elizabeth A. Martin is a highly regarded and indispensable resource in the field of medicine. Its comprehensive coverage of medical terminology, recent developments, and detailed appendices make it an invaluable tool for anyone seeking to understand medical science. The book's reputation, sales, and critical reception all attest to its importance as a reference guide.