7 Kidney and urinary tract disease Renal medicine ranges from the management of common conditions (e.g. urinary tract infection) to the use of complex technology to replace renal function (e.g….

12 Gastrointestinal and nutritional disorders Diseases of the GI tract are a major cause of morbidity and mortality. Approximately 10% of all GP consultations in the UK are for indigestion,…

10 Endocrine disease Endocrinology concerns the synthesis, secretion and action of hormones. These are chemical messengers released from endocrine glands that coordinate the activities of many different cells. Endocrine disease,…

5 Infectious diseases Infectious diseases remain the greatest killers of humankind. Infection differs from other disease processes in that it comprises an interaction between the human body and another organism….

11 Diabetes mellitus Diabetes mellitus is a clinical syndrome characterised by hyperglycaemia due to absolute or relative deficiency of insulin. Long-standing metabolic derangement can lead to the development of complications…

14 Blood disorders Blood diseases cover a wide spectrum of illnesses, ranging from common anaemias to rare conditions such as leukaemias and congenital coagulation disorders. Haematological change may occur as…

19 Interpreting key investigations Although the history and examination remain the key to most clinical problems, investigations are usually required to confirm the diagnosis or to narrow the differential diagnosis….

18 Therapeutics and prescriptions The purpose of drug therapy is to cure or ameliorate disease, or to alleviate symptoms. However, all drugs also have adverse effects and drug therapy is…

6 Clinical biochemistry and metabolism Between 60 and 70% of all critical decisions taken in regard to patients in health-care systems in developed countries involve a laboratory service or result….

3 Critical care and emergency medicine A critically ill patient is one at imminent risk of death. The approach required in managing the critically ill patient differs from that required…