Internal Medicine Professor Recounts 50 Years of Memorable Cases

The professional life of renowned physician and medical educator, Herbert L. Fred, M.D., is now an open book.

Herbert L. Fred, M.D.

In his latest book, Fred, professor of Internal Medicine at The University of Texas Medical School at Houston, writes about "Images of Memorable Cases: 50 Years at the Bedside," with co-author Hendrik A. van Dijk, former director of the Graphic Communications Group at the UT Medical School.

"Images of Memorable Cases" includes nearly 200 color photos and commentaries that allow readers an up-close look at some of the most notable medical diagnoses of Fred's half century career.

"With few exceptions, these images are related to patients I have personally seen during my 53 years as a full-time medical educator," said Fred. "They are presented non-thematically and as unknowns, the way patients typically show up in the hospital emergency department, the clinic or the doctor's office."

The book is a study of the art and science of medical diagnosis as practiced in traditional bedside medicine. The information is presented in an interactive way that allows readers to review the cases and draw their own conclusions before turning the page to unveil the diagnosis and a pertinent commentary.

"These images and the associated commentaries will serve as outstanding references and educational updates for all who see and care for those with medical diseases," said James T. Willerson, M.D., president of The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston and president-elect and medical director of the Texas Heart Institute. "This is a truly marvelous collection of medical images that would be very hard to find in one place anywhere else."

Respected medical experts from outside of The University of Texas System also applaud Fred's book, including physicians and educators from the University of Missouri, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, and Scott & White Clinic, among others.

Steven Hawes, M.D., director of Primary Care and Subspecialty Medicine at Dorn Veterans Administration Medical Center in Columbia, S.C., put it simply - "This is the best medical book I've ever read."

Baylor College of Medicine's Chief of Gastroenterology, David Y. Graham, M.D., said all clinicians will benefit from Fred's latest work.

"For decades, Dr. Fred has taught that modern sophisticated laboratory tests and imaging procedures are not blunderbusses to be fired at the patient but rather are precise tools to test hypotheses derived from the patient encounter. Here he shares 50 years of experience in the form of images and brief vignettes that beautifully illustrate how the correct diagnosis requires only an inquiring and open mind," Graham said. "It should be required reading for all medical students and house staff."

Fred is one of the nation's best-known medical educators and diagnosticians. He has authored more than 400 publications and has been the recipient of numerous national awards and honors for his role in the advancement of medical education.

His co-author, van Dijk, has authored, produced and directed audio-visual projects, educational films and videos, still photographs, book illustrations, and slide presentations regarding medicine and healthcare for more than 40 years.

"Images of Memorable Cases" is a print-on-demand book that may be ordered in paperback or hardback by visiting http://www.ricepress.rice.edu/. The book also may be viewed online by visiting http://www.ricepress.rice.edu/ and clicking on "Publications."

By Erika Durham Hargrove for Institutional Advancement

Previous story Next story