Principles and Practice of Hospital Medicine 2nd Edition McKean

The Problem This Book Solves

Hospital medicine is a demanding, high-stakes specialty where clinicians must make rapid decisions across a vast range of conditions while navigating complex systems of care. The traditional medical curriculum often leaves physicians unprepared for the unique challenges of inpatient practice — from managing acute decompensations to coordinating multidisciplinary discharges. Principles and Practice of Hospital Medicine, Second Edition addresses this gap head-on, providing a single, authoritative resource that equips hospitalists with the clinical knowledge, administrative acumen, and leadership skills required to excel in today’s dynamic hospital environment.

Principles and Practice of Hospital Medicine 2nd Edition McKean at a Glance

Principles and Practice of Hospital Medicine, Second Edition is the definitive textbook for the field of hospital medicine, published by McGraw-Hill Education in 2017. Edited by Sylvia C. McKean, John J. Ross, Daniel D. Dressler, and Danielle B. Scheurer, this comprehensive volume serves as both a clinical reference and a practice management guide for hospitalists at every career stage. The book systematically covers the full spectrum of inpatient care — from evidence-based clinical protocols for common medical emergencies to the organizational structures that define high-performing hospital medicine groups. It is designed to help practitioners optimize patient outcomes, improve hospital efficiency, and advance their professional development within the evolving healthcare landscape.

Is This Book Right for You?

This textbook is essential for practicing hospitalists seeking to deepen their clinical expertise and stay current with best practices for inpatient care. It is equally valuable for internal medicine residents and fellows preparing for careers in hospital medicine, as well as physician assistants and nurse practitioners working in hospital settings. Hospital administrators and quality improvement leaders will benefit from the sections on system design, patient safety, and operational management. Medical educators designing hospital medicine curricula will also find this edition an indispensable teaching tool. Whether you are new to the field or a seasoned hospitalist, this book provides the comprehensive knowledge needed to thrive in the inpatient environment.

Key Takeaways

• Core clinical management of acute and complex conditions encountered daily in hospital practice, including sepsis, heart failure, stroke, and respiratory failure.
• Evidence-based approaches to diagnostic testing, therapeutic decision-making, and prevention of hospital-acquired complications such as infections and venous thromboembolism.
• Hospital systems and operations — how to navigate and improve discharge planning, care coordination, handoffs, and multidisciplinary team dynamics.
• Leadership and professionalism skills essential for directing hospitalist programs, mentoring trainees, and advocating for patient safety initiatives.
• Quality improvement and patient safety frameworks, including root cause analysis, performance metrics, and implementation of evidence-based protocols.
• Ethical and legal considerations specific to hospital medicine, such as informed consent, end-of-life care, and managing conflicts of interest.
• Health policy and economics affecting inpatient care, including reimbursement models, value-based care, and the impact of healthcare reform on hospitalist practice.

Why Choose This Edition

Unlike general internal medicine textbooks that skim the surface of inpatient care, Principles and Practice of Hospital Medicine is laser-focused on the hospitalist’s daily workflow. Competing texts often lack the depth of coverage in areas like hospital operations, quality measurement, and practice management — domains that are critical to success in hospital medicine. This second edition integrates the latest evidence on hospital-based care, with contributions from over 150 experts actively practicing in the field. The book’s structured format allows quick navigation from clinical problems to administrative solutions, making it a true point-of-care reference. No other single volume combines such comprehensive clinical content with actionable guidance on running a hospitalist service, building a career, and leading system change. For hospitalists seeking a dedicated, all-in-one resource, this edition stands alone.

Author & Publisher Credentials

The editorial team behind Principles and Practice of Hospital Medicine, Second Edition comprises leaders in hospital medicine. Sylvia C. McKean, MD, is a hospitalist at Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Assistant Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School, bringing decades of clinical and educational experience. John J. Ross, MD, is an infectious disease specialist and hospitalist at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, known for his expertise in complex infections. Daniel D. Dressler, MD, MSc, is a practicing hospitalist and former Chief Quality Officer of Emory Healthcare, with deep knowledge of quality improvement. Danielle B. Scheurer, MD, MSCR, is a hospitalist leader and Chief Quality Officer at the Medical University of South Carolina. The publisher, McGraw-Hill Education, is a globally recognized academic and professional publisher with a century-long history of producing authoritative medical texts, including the landmark Harrison’s Principles of Internal Medicine. This combination of front-line expertise and institutional publishing rigor ensures the content is both accurate and practically relevant.

Final Assessment

For any physician or clinician committed to hospital medicine, this second edition is not just worth it — it is indispensable. The breadth and depth of coverage, from bedside clinical reasoning to high-level system leadership, make it a career-long resource. At a time when hospital medicine continues to evolve rapidly, having a single, trusted reference that consolidates the latest evidence and best practices saves hours of searching through scattered sources. The investment in this textbook pays dividends through improved patient outcomes, greater professional confidence, and enhanced ability to contribute to hospital quality initiatives. Compared to the cost of CME courses or multiple specialized texts, this book offers exceptional value for the comprehensive knowledge it delivers. It earns our highest recommendation for hospitalists at any stage of their career.

Download Principles and Practice of Hospital Medicine 2nd Edition McKean Now

Whether you are a new hospitalist building your foundational knowledge or an experienced clinician seeking to refine your leadership and quality improvement skills, Principles and Practice of Hospital Medicine, Second Edition is the essential companion you need. This is the only textbook that fully prepares you for the realities of modern hospital practice — from the complexities of acute patient management to the challenges of running an efficient, high-quality hospital service. Secure your copy now from McGraw-Hill Education, the trusted name in medical publishing. Add to cart today and start elevating your hospital medicine practice.