Lecture Notes in Family Medicine – An invaluable resource

14 August 2023 12:03 am Views - 391

Lecture Notes in Family Medicine (Third Edition) by Emeritus Professor Nandani de Silva is an invaluable resource in the field of Family Medicine. With its recent release as a free ebook on the website of the Postgraduate Institute of Medicine (PGIM) library, medical professionals and students worldwide can access this indispensable resource at no cost.
Originally published in 2000, this book has become greatly sought after among medical students, postgraduate trainees, family physicians, primary care physicians, and family medicine teachers in Sri Lanka and South Asia. 

 “For the past 2 decades, Prof.Nandani de Silva’s book has been the go-to resource on the values and principles of Family Medicine in this country, inspiring a generation of undergraduates, postgraduates, teachers and family physicians,” says DrErandie Ediriweera de Silva, Head/Department of Family Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Colombo
Lecture Notes in Family Medicine provides a comprehensive overview of the concepts, principles, and processes of family medicine in a reader-friendly manner. 
The book highlights what makes family medicine a unique clinical discipline, emphasizing that it is both an art and a science. 
While the book covers various topics, such as illness behaviour, doctor-patient relationship, clinical decision-making, patient-centred care, communication skills, counselling skills, and ethical issues in family practice, it encourages learners to complement their knowledge with hands-on clinical experience.

Professor Nandani de Silva is the founder Professor of the Family Medicine Department at the University of Kelaniya and has decades of experience and expertise. Thus, over the years, the book has undergone updates and additions to cater to the demands of postgraduate trainees and primary care physicians. The second and third editions, published in 2006 and 2017 respectively, include additional chapters on advanced topics relevant to the field.
Prof. Nandani de Silva’s contributions to the field of family medicine extend beyond her role as an author. Her achievements, including receiving prestigious awards and fellowships, reflect her dedication and expertise in the field. 

As a past President of the College of General Practitioners of Sri Lanka and Chair of Family Medicine at the Ragama Medical Faculty along with her work in WONCA (World Organization of Family Doctors), she has played a significant role in strengthening family medicine as an academic discipline in Sri Lanka and globally. Being involved in developing a Core Curriculum for South Asia, conducting Family Medicine Teacher Training Workshops, initiating online CME programs for general practitioners through the Open University of Sri Lanka during her tenure as Vice-Chancellor and her co-authorship in the WONCA global standards for Continuing Professional Development (CPD) for Family Doctors demonstrates her commitment to advancing medical education and training. 

Her innovative teaching methods, such as using video recordings and role plays further contribute to the practical and effective learning experience for medical students and practitioners. Therefore, this book is a testament to her legacy as a family physician and a renowned teacher, making it an indispensable asset for anyone interested in pursuing a career in family medicine or primary care.

The writer is a Council Member and Chair CPD Committee, College of General Practitioners of Sri Lanka, Senior Lecturer, Department of Anatomy, Genetics and Biomedical Informatics , Faculty of Medicine, University of Colombo