We have no doubt that any medical student would benefit from reading this book and so would many of their teachers. This book has been conceived and edited by a medical student for the benefit of other medical students. All the chapters address topics of real and continuing interest for today’s undergraduates and some sections will be of use to postgraduates as well. Views are expressed clearly and succinctly; concepts are explored lucidly and when offered, the advice is relevant to current circumstances with appropriate recommendations for further reading and details of useful websites.

The text emphasizes the competitive aspects of a career in medicine, providing ideas and strategies on how students can maximize their time at medical school and thus make more effective applications afterwards. The potential advantages and disadvantages of any particular decision are often considered from the perspective of enhancing the student’s distinctiveness and to give them a competitive edge. While some of us continue to believe that students are motivated by the thrill of learning, we believe that this book provides just the right balance of insight and pragmatism that will appeal to many students. It is a remarkable achievement and we believe that it justly merits a place on the student’s personal bookshelf as well as in libraries everywhere.

Sir Graeme Catto MD, FRCP, FRSE
Pro Vice-Chancellor for Medicine, University of London
Vice-Principal, King’s College London

Sir Barry Jackson MS, FRCS, FRCP
Past-President of the Royal Society of Medicine in London
Past-President of the Royal College of Surgeons of England