» Epidemiology: An Introduction

Epidemiology: An Introduction Reviews

Customer Rating:
Summary: The Most Boring but also the Most Helpful
Comment: This was the first Epidemiology book that I got my hands on when beginning graduate school 2 years ago. I absolutely hated the book and wanted nothing to do with it. However, now that I have my Master's in Public Health, I wish some of the teachers that I TA'ed for used this book in the school I transferred to. It's so ridiculously helpful for epidemiology majors that it should be a staple in every epidemiologist's library. It truly breaks down the concepts that are the bread and butter of epi, and teaches you what's truly necessary. The worst part is that it still remains dry and boring. Get through it if you're in public health - you need it.

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Customer Rating:
Summary: An outstanding introduction to epidemiology
Comment: I'm a doctoral student in epidemiology and I have become familiar with a number of introductory textbooks in epidemiology over the past few years. I think Rothman's book is one of the best of the lot. I found it particularly useful as a bridge between basic introductory textbooks such as Gordis' "Epidemiology" and Rothman & Greenland's "Modern Epidemiology". Rothman's introductory text does an excellent job of selectively covering important topics in epidemiology at a level of detail that is appropriate to its intended audience. The writing style is relaxed yet precise and lucid. His coverage of study designs and bias is particularly illuminating. Some topics such as the interpretation of diagnostic tests and screening are not covered. However, as an introduction to the principles and concepts of epidemiology, the book serves its purpose very well.

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Customer Rating:
Summary: Not Bad, Mr. Rothman.... Not Bad.
Comment: Rothman's introductory Epidemiology book is quite user friendly in that it is well organized, clear, and concise. Some students may run into some difficulties, however, if they rely solely on this book as their main resource for their graduate level work. Rothman only scratches the surface in some areas, which may be frustrating at times...The book certainly lives up to its title of being "An Introduction." Unfortunately, that means starving graduate students will have to splurge on "Epidemiology: The Body" and "Epidemiology: The Conclusion," if they want to gain a truly in-depth and comprehensive perspective. Unfortunately, these books, to my knowledge, have yet to be written. Nevertheless, Rothman's book is definitely useful for acquiring a basic understanding of the fundamental concepts in epidemiology.

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Customer Rating:
Summary: Best conceptual epi book published to date
Comment: To my knowledge, this is the best and simplest textbook in epidemiology that has been published to date. I could compare it with practically all the 'mainstream' textbooks that I have been using, more or less recent, and more or less detailed textbooks.
If a potential reader has already some familiarity with epi this is not the best reference in terms of details (R&G "Modern Epi" is far better), but it can definitely be considered the best reference available for epi concepts. Ideal to refresh a tired epi mind.
If a potential reader had no prime in epi, this is an excellent prime. A warning: if you are looking for a text 'for dummies' filled with smart tips and mechanical shortcuts, this book is probably not what you are looking for. Actually the main 'side effect' of the book is that it forces you to 'think,' furthermore with your own head.
The book is simple but never poor; it focuses on concepts through examples, what a reader needs to begin mastering the subject. One of the main ideas that I found useful is that formulas are not the goal of epidemiology: they serve the concepts & the context that frames the problem or question.
When you read a chapter a second or a third time, later in your studies, you realize how carefully thought and written this book is: I believe it is difficult nowadays (in any field) to find a textbook so sound and well constructed. I would definitely recommend it to anyone interested in epidemiology at any level.

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Customer Rating:
Summary: Thought provoking, direct, and well written
Comment: This is the best epid primer based on my growing experience with epid texts. It is concise and uses good examples. I refer to it regularly. The text also is a helpful companion to Modern Epidemiology (Rothman and Greenland).

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