Medical Terminology Simplified: A Programmed Learning Approach by Body Systems, ed 3.

Medical Terminology Simplified: A Programmed Learning Approach by Body Systems, ed 3 Gylys BA, Masters RM. Philadelphia, PA 19103, FA Davis Co, 2005, paperback, 587 pp, illus, ISBN: 0-8036-1254-0, $38.95.

Medical Terminology Systems: A Body Systems Approach, ed 5 Gylys BA, Wedding ME. Philadelphia, PA 19103, FA Davis Co, 2005, paperback, 559 pp, illus, ISBN: 0-8036-12494, $46.95.

Health care professionals must be able to communicate effectively with each other and with patients, both verbally and in writing. Patients and clients need information and instruction in terms that are clear and accessible to the layperson. But communication among health care professionals requires that practitioners use technical language and medical terminology to convey information concisely and unambiguously. These 2 medical terminology texts are straightforward and uncomplicated resources for those in health care and for the layperson, and they attempt to explain and teach the language of health care and medicine.

Medical Terminology Simplified: A Programmed Learning Approach by Body Systems is meant to provide an easy and quick way to learn basic medical terminology. The programmed-learning approach uses a word-building method to develop vocabulary in a workbook format. Readers actively participate in learning by filling in blanks as they read the text, completing interpretive activities as new terms are introduced and reinforced, and answering matching questions that reflect current usage. The step-by-step approach of building words from roots, combining forms, and using suffixes and prefixes allows for the rapid acquisition of medical terms.

Medical Terminology Systems: a Body Systems Approach is designed to enhance effective communication among health care professionals. It uses a traditional textbook format with learning activities incorporated throughout that reinforce basic principles and promote retention of vocabulary as it is learned.

Introductory chapters in both texts present the basic rules of medical word building from the 4 elements of word roots, combined forms, suffixes, and prefixes. Body structure is addressed before vocabulary is developed in subsequent chapters that address the integumentary, respiratory, digestive, cardiovascular, lymphatic, musculoskeletal, genitourinary, reproductive, endocrine, and nervous systems. Each text includes a chapter on the special senses of vision and hearing.

Each chapter in both texts presents learning objectives; medical word elements; abbreviations; pathological, diagnostic, and therapeutic terms; and learning activities. "Medical Record Activities" sections incorporate current medical terminology in context of medical record entries. Readers are able to see how the vocabulary and abbreviations are used in typical applications. Progressive acquisition of terms and consistent reinforcement of previously introduced word elements are common to both texts.

These editions share common enhancements. Correct spelling and pronunciation are emphasized and reinforced throughout both texts. Audio CDs are available for each edition and provide correct pronunciation in appropriate contexts. Full-color illustrations are used liberally to enhance and visually reinforce the texts. Readers are encouraged to label figures as they learn the names of structures and related physiological, pathological, diagnostic, and therapeutic terms.

Each text contains appendixes with answers to the learning activities for each chapter, abbreviations, and a glossary of medical word elements. Pronunciation guidelines and rules for plural suffixes are provided inside the front and back covers. Medical Terminology Simplified contains appendixes of diagnostic and therapeutic procedures, drug classifications, medical specialties, and Spanish translations. Medical Terminology Systems contains indexes of genetic disorders, diagnostic imaging procedures, pharmacology, and oncological terms.

These texts can be incorporated into a variety of teaching and learning approaches.

They are self-instructional and could be used in stand-alone courses or incorporated into traditional and nontraditional educational programs. The medical vocabulary is presented in association with anatomy, physiology, pathology, and medical treatments, and, therefore, readers should have a basic understanding of those topics. However, a comprehensive medical dictionary is needed to fully appreciate new medical vocabulary, and Taber's Cyclopedic Medical Dictionary (also published by FA Davis Co) is the recommended companion reference.

Activity packs are available for instructors who adopt the texts. Paperback activity packs contain suggested course outlines, student and instructor-directed activities, medical record activities, crossword puzzles, question banks, and master transparencies. Instructor's resource CDs that contain activity packs, electronic test banks, lecture notes, PowerPoint presentations of lecture notes, illustrations, and a Med TERMinator program that reinforces key terms are also available.

Students of medical transcription are the only audience identified by the authors; however, these texts are useful to students in all health care professional education programs. Medical Terminology Simplified is a basic introductory text designed to quickly build medical terminology and is appropriate for students in physical therapist assistant programs. Medical Terminology Systems is a more advanced text that is meant to develop verbal and written communication skills among medical practitioners and is most appropriate for students in professional (entry-level) and transitional doctor of physical therapy programs. These updated, enhanced, and timely learning tools are of good value to any physical therapy educational program. The major differences of these editions from previous editions are the inclusion of full-color illustrations that serve to support and enhance understanding of the medical concepts and provide a visual tool to enhance the learning and retention of the related terminology. The other major difference is the authors' decision to eliminate the use of possessive eponyms, which is consistent with current usage in medical dictionaries, by the American Association for Medical Transcription, and by the American Medical Association.

M J Gelsomino, PT, DPT

Utica College

Utica, NY

Gelsomino is Assistant Professor of the Physical Therapy Program at Utica College. She teaches basic to advanced neuromuscular and musculoskeletal content in the professional doctoral program.