Preface to the Second Edition

The first edition of Family Medicine Curriculum in Neurology was published in 2001, and represented the realization of a dream that was shared by Ed Langston, MD, a family medicine educator, and Raymond A. Martin, MD, FAAN, a neurologist who is active in family medicine residency education. Drs. Langston and Martin set out to create a practical resource for family medicine residents to learn neurology. In my mind, three aspects of the publication set it apart — content, focus, and format.

Rather than create a comprehensive textbook of neurology, the editors identified topics that were relevant to family medicine residents during their training, as well as to practicing family physicians. The diseases, symptoms, and conditions are ones that we see regularly in our offices. In addition to a careful choice of topics, the publication includes a strong focus on family medicine. Each chapter was co-written by a neurologist and a family physician. So, not only are the topics relevant, but the reader will find an emphasis on the aspects of each condition that are particularly important from a family medicine perspective.

Finally, the publication benefits from the use of multimedia presentations. Not only can the reader review the details of a cranial nerve exam, but he or she can then watch a skilled examiner perform that testing. This serves to reinforce and clarify teaching points.

It was not long after publication of the first edition that it became clear that a second edition was needed. Several new topics have been added, and other existing chapters have been updated and refined. It is our hope that this Second Edition will be as well received as the first, and will serve as a valuable teaching tool for medical students, family medicine residents, and practicing family physicians.

David Bauer, MD
Dale C. Moquist, MD