Book excerpt: This practical text is an excellent introduction to the clinical skills all physicians, particularly those in primary care disciplines, need to treat their patients in a humane fashion and at a reasonable cost. The authors focus on patient-centered, or generalist, skills that will help the biomedically oriented physician become more comfortable in managing patient care situations. In addition, the chapters review the diagnostic, treatment, and technical skills that medical students encountered in their Introduction to Clinical Medicine or Physical Diagnosis courses. The book's clinical cases will stimulate class discussions and provide vignettes for skills practice.