This book exposes, and fills, a notable void in the educational content generally covered in modern schools of medicine. It provides an introduction to the field at large in terms of content that is relevant for each of the specialties and subspecialties of medicine; and to this end, it addresses the modern counterpart of the Hippocratic philosophy that was at the root of the genesis of modern medicine. The much-needed but still-missing introductory content for the interdisciplinary 'medical common,' provided in this book, addresses mainly the most elementary concepts and principles of medicine. Those concepts flow, hierarchically, from the essence of (health and) ill-health/illness for one and that of medicine for another, both of these critically formulated; and those principles are dictates of logic and ethics, both specific to medicine. While a modern physician is expected to be competent as a scholar in his/her particular discipline of medicine, study of this book is essential for the development of that competence -- for learning, for example, to make a tenable distinction between scientific medicine and medical science, and between knowledge-based medicine (scientific and other) and its opinion-based substitutes ('evidence-based' and other). "To me it is astonishing and to medicine actually shameful that it has taken up to year 2015 before there is a work in which the essence of medicine is described and discussed." -- J. Steurer, University of Zurich "[In this book], Miettinen beautifully elucidates the concepts and principles of knowledge-based diagnosis, and prognosis, within medicine. Now, after six decades of keen observation and study, and critical reflection on medicine and medical research, Miettinen, in this book, shares the fundamental understandings he has reached; ..." -- T. J. VanderWeele, Harvard University "The aim of this book ... is admirable. The composition of the book -- from the key concepts to logical and ethical principles -- is very clear and systematic. I am convinced that this kind of book is needed." -- I. Niiniluoto, University of Helsinki

Medical education, the art and science behind medical teaching and learning, has progressed remarkably. Teaching and learning have become more scientific and rigorous, curricula are based on sound pedagogical principles, and problem-based and other forms of active and self-directed learning have become the mainstream. We have progressed from the role of problem-identifier to that of solution-provider. This book provides a balanced overview of the OC whyOCO of medical education, emphasizing the need for change and adaptation, and the OC howOCO, by demonstrating the way concepts and theories of medical education can be of immediate benefit to the medical teacher. In short, this is a simple and non-intimidating book for general medical teachers to enhance their understanding of medical education and to improve their teaching. Royalties from the sale of this book will benefit basic health care needs of children in developing countries. Sample Chapter(s). Chapter 1: Questions and Questioning Technique (103 KB). Contents: Basic Competencies in Medical Teaching; Historical Perspectives in Medical Education; Educational Concepts and Philosophies; Curriculum and Learning Cycle; Educational Objectives; Instructional Methodologies: General; Instructional Methodology: Clinical Teaching; Instructional Methodology: Problem-Based Learning; Assessment and Evaluation; Internet and Medical Education; Research in Medical Education. Readership: Medical teachers from all disciplines as well as basic science and clinical teachers."