Dr Atul Kalhan, a Diabetes and Endocrinology Consultant at Cardiff and Vale University Health Board, has written this book to help trainees preparing for the Specialty Certificate Examination (SCE). The book contains many best of five multiple-choice questionnaires with explanatory answers and up-to-date references and best practice guidelines.

The Federation of the Royal College of Physicians, in conjunction with the Society for Endocrinology and the British Association of Clinical Diabetologists, developed the SCE for Endocrinology and Diabetes. In August 2007 the SCE became a compulsory component of the certification assessment. It is still regarded as a very recent change in the training curriculum, and the book is a very welcome addition. With the exception of textbooks and guidelines, there has been little in the way of proper resource to aid trainees.

The book is divided into six sections which cover the main curriculum objectives: pituitary gland and hypothalamus; thyroid gland; parathyroid gland; adrenal gland; reproductive endocrinology; and diabetes and lipid metabolism. It starts with a glossary table of all the abbreviations necessary to aid the reader.

There are over 300 best of five format practice questions. The questions are very clear and in each section a variety of topics is covered within the same curriculum, including common and rare illnesses.

The book involves a comprehensive test of basic principles for more complex disease, yet is suitable for all levels of training. The question and answer format is very useful, not just for the examination but also as a quick refresher in daily practice.

Dr Haval Surchi
SpR Diabetes & Endocrinology, OCDEM, Churchill Hospital, Oxford, UK
E-mail: Haval.surchi@ouh.nhs.uk