The second edition of this concise, easy-to-read title is designed for clinical teachers looking to refine their approach to teaching professional attitudes and basic skills to medical students. The core sections on communication skills, physical examination, and clinical reasoning have been fully updated; and the book has been expanded to cover such topics as the role of the social and behavioral sciences in clinical care, quality assurance of patient care, and the rationing of medical resources in clinical practice. On all topics, the renowned author clearly and adroitly offers keen insights gleaned from his long career, explaining the importance of these topics and how students form their own opinions about them.