MCQs in Travel and Tropical Medicine

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BOOK REVIEWS
MCQs in Travel and Tropical Medicine
Dom Colbert
DOI: 10.1111/j.1708-8305.2009.00363.x

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3rd Ed, (xii)+207 pp, paperback with illustrations, USD17.95, iUniverse, ISBN 978-1-4401-2321-4, NY, USA: Dom Colbert, 2009.
Travel medicine education has evolved internationally into a range of academic postgraduate qualifications. In addition, several professional organizations in the field of travel medicine have been designing professional courses and examinations. For example, the International Society of Travel Medicine has developed a certification examination program, employing multiple choice questions (MCQs), based on a detailed body of knowledge in travel and tropical medicine,1 which recognizes successful examination candidates with a Certificate in Travel Medicine (CTM). There has been a need for continuing professional development (CPD) material to assist postgraduate students in conjunction with these programs and self-tests using MCQs can be useful to build examination skills.
In 2005, Dom Colbert, well known in the field of travel medicine in Ireland, produced MCQs in Travel and Tropical Medicine, which was one of the first publications of its type that has been designed to help fulfill this need. Now, in its third edition, a more refined MCQs in Travel and Tropical Medicine comprises a dedication, an author’s note, a preface to the third edition, a table of contents, 14 sections, and an index. References are not provided in the book, but by the author on request. It basically contains 577 MCQs and 25 mock test questions, although there is a smattering of matchingtype questions included. Each MCQ involves selecting one correct response from four possible responses. Each of the 577 non-test MCQs has the answer and an explanation of the answer. In each case, the answers follow so closely to the question that those could be a distraction. The answers to the 25 mock test MCQs have also been given, but are given at the end of the examination. The book is presented as a compact

15.0×22.5×1.5 cm paperback book, which would easily fit into the briefcase or carry bag.
This book is clearly intended for health professionals and postgraduate students, who may be undertaking academic studies or a professional examination in travel and tropical medicine. Chapters include ‘‘General: Epidemiology and Geographical,’’ ‘‘Arthropods/ Mosquitoes/Ticks,’’ ‘‘Vaccines,’’ ‘‘Pre-Travel Consultation,’’ ‘‘Special Groups,’’ ‘‘Fish Hazards,’’ ‘‘Special Activities,’’ ‘‘General Travel,’’ ‘‘Air Travel,’’ ‘‘Psychiatric and Behavioural Problems,’’ ‘‘Returned Traveller,’’ ‘‘General Medical Travel Matters,’’ ‘‘Drugs and Travel,’’ and the ‘‘Mock Exam.’’ The main purposes of the MCQs would be rather to challenge the reader not only in terms of improving the readers’ understanding of travel and tropical medicine, but also honoring their ability to interpret examination questions and to improve their ability to complete MCQ examinations. In addition, most of the 500 MCQs sampled are now approaching a level of validity in their design that they could be used for the purposes of designing professional examination papers.
MCQs in Travel and Tropical Medicine is designed to complement formal postgraduate education and professional training in travel and tropical medicine. The book provides an opportunity to test and reinforce readers’ knowledge of this area. The book will also appeal to a broad range of health professionals, academics, and students, working in the area of travel and tropical medicine, who want some form of CPD in the field. It is most usefully provided as an adjunct to core textbooks on travel and tropical medicine used in postgraduate and professional courses and examinations. MCQs in Travel and Tropical Medicine is establishing itself in the exclusive portfolio of low-cost reference books that are directed specifically at candidates preparing for academic and professional examinations in travel and tropical medicine.

Reviewed by: Peter A. Leggat, MD, PhD, DrPH, FAFPHM, FACTM, FFTM ACTM, FFTM RCPSG, FACRRM, FRGS, Head, School of Public Health, Tropical Medicine and Rehabilitation Sciences, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, Australia. E-mail: [email protected]
© 2009 International Society of Travel Medicine, 1195-1982 Journal of Travel Medicine 2009; Volume 16 (Issue 6): 444

Reference
1. Kozarsky PE, Keystone JS. Body of knowledge for the practice of travel medicine. J Travel Med 2002; 9: 112 – 115.