This book contains forewords by Roger Neighbour and Carol Black, respectively Past President, Royal College of General Practitioners; and Chairman, Academy of Medical Royal Colleges. This is a complete guide to consultation, communication, examination and diagnosis. It covers important and often overlooked areas such as preventative medicine, keeping good medical records and how to write a prescription. Detective skills are encouraged to assist with examination, diagnosis and treatment. It contains wide-ranging contributions from medical professionals, academics and students and is an ideal textbook with summaries at the end of each chapter, along with complete bibliography and glossary of terms. Undergraduate and postgraduate trainees in medicine, including GP Registrars and junior hospital doctors will find it invaluable. 'Comprehensive. Effective. It is rare that I find a new book on the consultation to be a genuine page-turner. But this one is and I thank Rodger Charlton and his colleagues enormously for it.' - Roger Neighbour, in his Foreword. 'This is a captivating book...it rings wonderfully true. It captures the very heart of what it means to be a doctor and reflects well the changing environment in which we work today. It is one in which, increasingly, we are required to account for what we do. The high public trust in our profession is tested daily; each clinical encounter may be the subject of scrutiny. This book is stuffed with good sense and sound tips - but more, it offers wise guidance for those setting out on their careers and gentle reminders for doctors in decline. Reflecting on its spirit and precepts, as individuals or as a profession, will help us warrant the high trust we are still given.' - Carol Black, in her Foreword.