Using and Understanding Medical Statistics

For what this book intends, it truly is outstanding. In general, the medical researcher of any kind is at a severe disadvantage in dealing with professional biostatisticians because often the two do not speak a common language. This very readable, interesting and clearly written book gives the scientist enough knowledge to deal with most relatively simple cases in a language that we understand. With the basic principles of medical statistics made comprehensible, we are able to understand many of the simpler software packages well enough to perform basic statistical analyses and, more importantly, are able to converse intelligently with biostatistical professionals and to design studies that will pass muster. Unlike another reviewer, I do not feel that not covering SAS or other software programs is a disadvantage. No book can cover everything, and this book covers the basics and intermediate levels far better than any book I have seen, certainly better than any biostatistics book written by biostatisticians intended for other biostatisticians. This book understands that biostatistics is a tool, not a fundamental discipline, for the vast majority of scientists and is written to them. The book serves as a ready reference and review if one does not perform these analyses on a daily basis. This book should be on the shelf of every life scientist.