Understanding Medical Research

Vasculitidies
 
Joanna Robson, Ravi Suppiah and Raashid Luqmani
 
26 Polycystic Kidney Disease
 
Qi Quan
 
27 Glomerulopathies
 
Jenny Papakrivopoulo and Robert Unwin
 
28 AIDS
 
Tica Pichulik and Alison Simmons
 
29 Transplantation
 
Dame Elizabeth Simpson
 
30 Autoimmune Disease
 
Jonathan CW Edwards and Geraldine Cambridge
 
31 The Biochemistry of Depression
 
Philip J Cowen
 
32 Schizophrenia and the Dopamine Hypothesis
 
Mandy Johnstone and Dame Eve C. Johnstone
 
33 Alzheimer's Disease
 
Gordon Wilcock and Alistair Burns
 
Index.

is shown here to have used a meticulous, evidence-based approach in collecting and analysing data; a fine example for anyone starting out in population-based research. I appreciated the inclusion of James Reason's work on accident causation, originally conceived for non-medical problems but which is now an approach that profoundly influences modern medical practice. Other chapters juxtapose different research methods, for example computer modelling and in vivo studies, or describe the revolutionising impact of modern genetics. Research papers often tell a good story, and I was particularly engaged by the chapter "Helicobacter pylori, peptic ulcers and gastric cancer". Understanding normal biology is essential in comprehending disease pathology, as is clearly shown in the chapter "Inherited diseases of haemoglobin", and also in "Transplantation", which focuses on monoclonal antibodies, now routinely used in basic research and chemical pathology. Although there are many other equally fine examples, not all the chapters reach this high level. Overall, I am unsure whether this volume completely addresses the challenge of understanding medical research, which requires appreciation of the researcher's thought process, hypotheses and methodologies employed. Certainly I had a glimpse of the studies that shaped modern medicine. Perhaps it would have been more appropriate if the subtitle were the main title. - Isobel Braidman , Senior Lecturer in Medicine, University of Manchester Medical School, and a Higher Education Academy national teaching fellow Pre-publication reviews: "Round the edge ofone two pound coin design is engraved the words: 'standing on the shoulders of giants', the famous quote from Isaac Newton; this great book provides the foothold that young and old require." - Sir Muir Gray , Kt, CBE, DSc, MD, FRCPSGlas, FCLIP, Director of the National Knowledge Service and Chief Knowledge Officer to the NHS "Medical research is at the core of all we do in healthcare.Understanding where we've come from is critical to planning future research, promoting innovation and developing leadership. 'Understanding Medical Research' provides a firm foundation of knowledge in medical research that will be essential reading for academics and health service professionals alike." - Prof the Lord Darzi of Denham , PC, KBE, Paul Hamlyn Chair of Surgery, Imperial College London, former Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Lords) at the Department of Health "It covers the topic in depth from its definition, pathology and each paragraph that has come from a different source is referenced at the top. It gives a great and in depth view of a topic and cites the sources used. Excellent." - Foundation Year Doctor , Ulster Hospital

"medical research" but who is shown here to have used a meticulous, evidence-based approach in collecting and analysing data; a fine example for anyone starting out in population-based research. I appreciated the inclusion of James Reason's work on accident causation, originally conceived for non-medical problems but which is now an approach that profoundly influences modern medical practice.
 
Other chapters juxtapose different research methods, for example computer modelling and in vivo studies, or describe the revolutionising impact of modern genetics. Research papers often tell a good story, and I was particularly engaged by the chapter "Helicobacter pylori, peptic ulcers and gastric cancer". Understanding normal biology is essential in comprehending disease pathology, as is clearly shown in the chapter "Inherited diseases of haemoglobin", and also in "Transplantation", which focuses on monoclonal antibodies, now routinely used in basic research and chemical pathology.
 
Although there are many other equally fine examples, not all the chapters reach this high level. Overall, I am unsure whether this volume completely addresses the challenge of understanding medical research, which requires appreciation of the researcher's thought process, hypotheses and methodologies employed. Certainly I had a glimpse of the studies that shaped modern medicine. Perhaps it would have been more appropriate if the subtitle were the main title. - Isobel Braidman, Senior Lecturer in Medicine, University of Manchester Medical School, and a Higher Education Academy national teaching fellow
 
Pre-publication reviews:
"Round the edge of one two pound coin design is engraved the words: 'standing on the shoulders of giants', the famous quote from Isaac Newton; this great book provides the foothold that young and old require." - Sir Muir Gray, Kt, CBE, DSc, MD, FRCPSGlas, FCLIP, Director of the National Knowledge Service and Chief Knowledge Officer to the NHS
 
"Medical research is at the core of all we do in healthcare. Understanding where we've come from is critical to planning future research, promoting innovation and developing leadership. 'Understanding Medical Research' provides a firm foundation of knowledge in medical research that will be essential reading for academics and health service professionals alike." - Prof the Lord Darzi of Denham, PC, KBE, Paul Hamlyn Chair of Surgery, Imperial College London, former Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Lords) at the Department of Health
 
"It covers the topic in depth from its definition, pathology and each paragraph that has come from a different source is referenced at the top. It gives a great and in depth view of a topic and cites the sources used. Excellent." - Foundation Year Doctor, Ulster Hospital