Essential Anesthesia: From Science to Practice (Cambridge Medicine (Paperback))

I have bought over 20 copies of this book. It is sometimes challenging to explain to undergraduate and graduate students what I do. I give them a copy of this book when they shadow me in the operating room. Its a perfect launching point to have intelligent conversations, not only about medicine, but what I do as a physician - how I make a difference - how I function in the operating room. This book will not help you pass your basic or advanced exam. That is clearly not its purpose.

After reading two favorable reviews I purchased this book for my Kindle (Please Amazon publish more Anesthesia texts on Kindle). I quickly read through this book realizing early that the depth of the text was on par with medical student level education. If the "Baby Miller" (Miller and Soelting's Basics of anesthesia) is held as the the basic text for CA1 (Clinical Anesthesia year 1) residents, then this book falls far far short. Any CA1 or even intern depending on this book to get them introduced to anesthesia is behind the power curve and needs to reconsider their chosen profession. On the other hand medical students who would like an introduction to the basics of anesthesia may want borrow this book from the library.

Great for the price.

I thought it was an introductory text, but it reads more like the transcript of an in theatre medical student tutorial. Very verbose and not organized like a handbook or textbook.

I have read both the paperback and Kindle version of this book. I found it to be excellent pre-reading prior to my first stint in anaesthesia (as an ICU trainee), and have referred back to it quite often. It is easy to read, and gives an excellent broad overview of how to give a good anaesthetic. The depth was just right - i learnt more than I expected regarding areas such as the circle system from this book, which made life much easier on my first day on the job. Highly recommended.

Good for med students. To superficial for residents

As an anesthesia resident, I was looking for an introductory text to provide a solid foundation for my first year of training. This book fits the bill. I get bogged down pretty easily by certain texts, but this book is easy to read and understand. Would also recommend to short timers in aneshesia (medical students rotating for weeks or months) as it focuses on key topics without too much minutia.

Great, quick, detailed reference to have in your bag. Not a main go-to book for anesthesia, but definitely has a place as a reference when you need to look up something quick.