Book excerpt: What distinguishes the consulting of experienced family doctors from their newly qualified colleagues? The question is often frustratingly hard answer clearly or objectively: unlike many professions, family doctors face a dearth of clear expectations of what constitutes advanced practice, a lack of defined standards against which to evaluate it, and an absence of expertise-related professional training in which to develop it post-certification. The model of consultation excellence outlined in this book illustrates in practical terms how advanced consulting can be nurtured. It avoids tantalising value judgement such as 'excellence'. Instead, it describes behaviours in terms that can be observed day to day, providing a detailed picture of what constitutes advanced consulting behaviour, how family doctors can be helped to acquire these higher levels of expertise, and how changes in behaviour can be identified and evaluated. "Advanced Consulting in Family Medicine" is written in handbook form for easy access and use, and provides a vital vision of higher order family doctor consulting.