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444
BOOK REVIEWS
MCQs in Travel and Tropical Medicine
Dom Colbert
DOI: 10.1111/j.1708-8305.2009.00363.x
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 internation-
ally 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 Interna-
tional Society of Travel Medicine has developed a
certification examination program, employing multi-
ple 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 matching-
type 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
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: Peter.Leggat@jcu.edu.au
© 2009 International Society of Travel Medicine, 1195-1982
Journal of Travel Medicine 2009; Volume 16 (Issue 6): 444
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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 undertak-
ing academic studies or a professional examination in
travel and tropical medicine. Chapters include ‘‘Gen-
eral: Epidemiology and Geographical,’’ ‘‘Arthropods/
Mosquitoes/Ticks,’’ ‘‘Vaccines,’’ ‘‘Pre-Travel Consul-
tation,’’ ‘‘Special Groups,’’ ‘‘Fish Hazards,’’ ‘‘Special
Activities,’’ ‘‘General Travel,’’ ‘‘Air Travel,’’ ‘‘Psychi-
atric and Behavioural Problems,’’ ‘‘Returned Trav-
eller,’’ ‘‘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’ understand-
ing 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.
Reference
1. Kozarsky PE, Keystone JS. Body of knowledge for the
practice of travel medicine. J Travel Med 2002; 9:
112–115.