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Thank you to all the readers of Obstetric Intensive Care Manual, Editions 1-3, for making this fourth edition a reality. Through your comments, suggestions, corrections, and constructive input, this fourth edition has evolved as a practical, up-to-date, user-friendly bedside resource.
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Previous editions have helped many of us prepare for the Board exams and more importantly, served as a resource for obstetric providers at the bedside to provide well-informed patient care.
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This fourth edition introduces new authors, updated content, and an additional chapter—all implementing the best available evidence.
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Although the book is no longer pocket-sized, electronic versions which are available on tablets, iPads, and even smartphones, make the overall portability even greater, adding to the book's bedside utility.
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I am indebted to my mentors, Drs. Fred Zuspan, Steven Gabbe, and Daniel O'Keeffe for their support during the evolution of my career and the production of all editions of this book.
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I am also thankful for the input provided by the Obstetric and Gynecology residents at Banner Good Samaritan Medical Center as they assessed the real-world practical utility of each chapter in this fourth edition.
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I am additionally grateful to all the authors (past and present) and my coeditors for making this fourth edition the very best!
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Please keep in mind that obstetric critical care requires a team approach. A collaborative care model utilizing intensive care medicine, anesthesiology, cardio/pulmonary/renal specialties, and skilled nursing, etc., is paramount to successful practice and outstanding care provision.
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The women's health provider, armed with the knowledge within this book, may play the important role of "Quarterback" of this multidisciplinary team!
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And as in the previous editions.........
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To know what you do not know is best.
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To pretend to know when you do not know is disease.
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As educators and caregivers, we must strive to capably manage and understand the true essence of "disease."
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Michael R. Foley, MD
Paradise Valley, Arizona