Best Pediatric Books – 2022 Review

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If you are in the market for a pediatric textbook, you will probably agree with this statement:

Finding the best pediatric book without breaking the bank can be a time-consuming and challenging task.

With all of the pediatric books available today, it can be easy to feel a smidge overwhelmed with finding a good pediatric textbook or pocket guide. With the help of some expert pediatricians, I decided to put together this overview of the top pediatric books and textbooks to help others who are looking to amp their pediatric knowledge with quality information.

Best Pediatric Books

Is it worth investing money on an expensive, comprehensive pediatric textbook? Or will a simple pediatric pocket manual suffice? Read on to learn about the best pediatric books for every situation to get the highest quality pediatric book for your need.

1. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics – Editor’s Choice

A legendary series for over seven decades, the Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics is a world-class reference for pediatric medicine. Building on a storied history of teaching the fundamentals of pediatrics, the Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics continues to be revised to meet modern day challenges in pediatrics and a changing technology landscape. Featuring content from a wide range of leading minds in pediatrics, the Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics is a core reference in any serious pediatrician’s library.

As one might expect, the Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics continues to deeply cover a wide range of topics related to the care of the pediatric patient. Delivered in an updated two-volume layout, the Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics covers everything from basic biological principles to relevant psychosocial and community challenges in pediatrics. With over thirty new chapters and expansion of international pediatric topics of interest, the Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics is helpful as both an overview text and a volume to dig deep on a specific area of interest.

To meet the new age of online education, the Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics also includes an eBook with the paper volumes. The eBook is accessible from a multitude of devices and enhances the paper volumes with useful features such as search.

2. The Harriet Lane Handbook – Best Pediatric Pocket Guide

The Harriet Lane Handbook is a classic when it comes to bedside pediatric manuals. Originally created by pediatric residents, the Harriet Lane Handbook has evolved into a timeless treasure of pediatric pearls that is concise and easy to use.

Edited by faculty at Johns Hopkins, the Harriet Lane Handbook has undergone over 20 revisions and contains a wide range of information for practicing pediatric medicine at the bedside. With recent updates in the sections on procedures, pediatric calculations, lab data, genetics, and pharmacology, the Harriet Lane Handbook is delivered in an outline format and continues to be relevant and useful.

This version of the Harriet Lane Handbook also includes an eBook that enables searching and access to other interactive information.

One complaint about the Harriet Lane Handbook is that it feels disorganized and jumps around too much. Also, the images and tables in the Kindle version are reportedly of low quality. And, with all of the information that has been added to the Harriet Lane Handbook over time, it has become more of a portable textbook than the pediatric pocket guide it was originally intended to be. Nonetheless, the Harriet Lane Handbook is an excellent resource for on-the-go pediatric information.

3. Pediatric Primary Care

Pediatric Primary Care, published through multiple editions, stakes its claim on being a view of pediatric primary care through the eyes of the seasoned nurse practitioner editorial team. Covering the range of pediatric patients – from infant to adolescent – Pediatric Primary Care is a comprehensive look at issues related to primary care in children.

Subjects covered in Pediatric Primary Care include standard medical topics such as pediatric development and pharmacology as well as more generalized topics such as regulation, Quality and Safety Education for Nurses (QSEN), practice management and global health. Special emphasis is placed on preventative measures that, when implemented in daily life, can help reduce pediatric medical issues down the road. To convey the material, Pediatric Primary Care uses text complemented by illustrations and algorithms. Pediatric Primary Care also helps pediatric practitioners better understand what medical issues are not well-suited for pediatric general medicine, who should be involved with referrals, and the timing of such referrals.

Many people will find Pediatric Primary Care to be somewhat dry reading and the text to be small. Also, the book is heavy given how much information is packed into it and the Kindle version is reportedly not good enough yet to be an adequate replacement. If you are looking for a well-organized and comprehensive pediatric primary care book, though, check out Pediatric Primary Care.

4. Zitelli and Davis’ Atlas of Pediatric Physical Diagnosis

While some people feel that technology will one day obviate the need for physical exam skills, that day is still in the future. Until then, the physical exam is a cornerstone of pediatric diagnostic and management plans and the Zitelli and Davis’ Atlas of Pediatric Physical Diagnosis leads the pack of pediatric physical exam books in covering the art.

With 5+ editions under its belt, the Zitelli and Davis’ Atlas of Pediatric Physical Diagnosis is a comprehensive physical exam atlas for pediatric medicine. Featuring over 2,500 images and photographs, the Zitelli and Davis’ Atlas of Pediatric Physical Diagnosis is a trusted resource from minor findings to advanced and subtle clinical exam findings. Leveraging the expertise of leading minds in pediatrics, this pediatric physical exam book includes coverage of standard conditions in orthopedics, ID and gynecology and specialty topics such as neonatology and genetic malformations. Not only is Zitelli and Davis’ Atlas of Pediatric Physical Diagnosis useful for the practicing pediatric attending or clinician, but it also offers useful information for pediatric board review.

Most practicing pediatric clinicians see bread-and-butter conditions on a daily basis rather than the wide range of extreme pathology found on the edges of pediatric medicine. With that perspective, the comprehensive scope of Zitelli and Davis’ Atlas of Pediatric Physical Diagnosis will be overkill for many pediatric practitioners. Given that pediatric board images are supposedly pulled right from this pediatric physical exam book, however, Zitelli and Davis’ Atlas of Pediatric Physical Diagnosis is worth getting for board review or for anyone who wants a relatively timeless atlas of pediatric physical diagnosis.

5. Tarascon Pediatric Outpatient Pocketbook

Tarascon is well-known for the line of popular and informative pocket guides that it produces across many specialties in medicine and the Tarascon Pediatric Outpatient Pocketbook fits the bill. An excellent choice for a quick pediatric reference for outpatient pediatric care, the Tarascon Pediatric Outpatient Pocketbook is full of useful nuggets of pediatric medicine information.

The Tarascon Pediatric Outpatient Pocketbook relies on a combination of text, tables and algorithms to deliver the information in a high-yield manner. This Tarascon Pediatric Outpatient Pocketbook is not meant to be used as a comprehensive, in-depth pocket reference but rather a quick reference to jog one’s memory about a specific pediatric topic. Because of the way it is laid out and the density and relevance of information it contains, the Tarascon Pediatric Outpatient Pocketbook is a useful pediatric pocket book no matter what stage of training one is at.

While the scope of information that can be found in a pediatric pocket guide like the Tarascon Pediatric Outpatient Pocketbook does not change often, it does change. Unfortunately, the Tarascon Pediatric Outpatient Pocketbook has not been updated in some time which makes it unusable as a pocket resource for newer pediatric guidelines. Also, the font is quite small which will make it hard to read for some people. Despite these issues, the Tarascon Pediatric Outpatient Pocketbook is a great pocket resource for novice and experienced pediatric clinicians alike.

6. Smith’s Recognizable Patterns of Human Malformation

First of all, a pediatric book like Smith’s Recognizable Patterns of Human Malformation is not for everyone in pediatrics. Most pediatric practitioners may have an interest in this subject but, in the course of wellness checks and routine pediatric medicine, do not see pediatric patients with rare disorders very often. However, if you are someone who does see kids with genetic malformations – or you are a clinician who wants a mostly timeless reference to pull out when the occasional use presents itself, then Smith’s Recognizable Patterns of Human Malformation is the way to go.

Smith’s Recognizable Patterns of Human Malformation is the go-to pediatric textbook on malformations. Whether the presentation is due to environmental causes of genetic etiologies, Smith’s Recognizable Patterns of Human Malformation pretty much covers it all. Written by authorities on the subject, Smith’s Recognizable Patterns of Human Malformation features over 1,500 graphics, illustrations and photos touching on all areas of the subject. Smith’s Recognizable Patterns of Human Malformation also helps frame the visual aspects of malformation with helpful content to enhance the diagnosis and management of abnormalities.

By design, Smith’s Recognizable Patterns of Human Malformation is primarily meant for use with pediatric patients with genetic abnormalities. The casual pediatric clinician will not have much use for this pediatric textbook, making it expensive for what you get. Regardless, Smith’s Recognizable Patterns of Human Malformation is a great resource for anyone working in the realm of malformation and genetic issues in children.

7. Wong’s Essentials of Pediatric Nursing – Best Pediatric Nursing Book

Since the early 1980s, Wong’s Essentials of Pediatric Nursing has been a go-to reference guide for people needing a pediatric nursing reference book. Today, over 10 editions later, Wong’s Essentials of Pediatric Nursing continues to deliver current evidence on pediatric nursing topics through a relatively easy-to-read style.

Wong’s Essentials of Pediatric Nursing utilizes various teaching approaches to convey relevant information, including systems-based, developmental and whole-body approaches. For the active pediatric nurse, the helpful case studies are complemented by care plans to help turn pediatric medical information into practical and applicable advice. Building on the raw pediatric medical information in the book are areas covering considerations around the quality of patient outcomes. Wong’s Essentials of Pediatric Nursing also touches on genetics, pediatric cancer, the role of family in the health of a pediatric patient, pharmacology, and hot topics in pediatric research. Little tips and action items throughout Wong’s Essentials of Pediatric Nursing provide actionable tidbits for clinical practice.

The text in Wong’s Essentials of Pediatric Nursing is quite small and can feel repetitive at times. Also, the Kindle edition is reportedly not very good and the organization of the text itself could be improved. Nonetheless, Wong’s Essentials of Pediatric Nursing is a staple when it comes to pediatric nursing textbooks.

8. Neonatology – Best Neonatology Book

While the idea of caring for the smallest of people can be quite scary at first, one can master the art of neonatology with preparation from a good neonatology book. If you are one of those people looking to master the art of caring for the little ones, then Neonatology is a pediatric book you should check out. With an editorial board that features international neonatology experts, Neonatology is both comprehensive and efficient.

Designed as a pocket guide, Neonatology has been a well-regarded reference covering all topics in neonatology for over two decades. Featuring both basic and advanced concepts in neonatology, this neonatology pediatric book is well-organized through its outline format. In addition to covering core topics, Neonatology also touches on advanced procedures in neonatology, infectious diseases, and less commonly encountered neurological disorders. The text is supplemented with helpful tables and images and detailed sections on immunizations and pharmacology also serve as useful references.

Neonatology is a true gem for students and newly minted neonatology attendings and practitioners. As one advances in their neonatology experience, the information conveyed will seem light at times, making it less helpful as a rapid reference. Nonetheless, Neonatology can be beneficial as an adjunctive rapid reference no matter how skilled one is at the art of caring for neonates.

Pediatrics & Pediatric Books – An Overview

Pediatrics, practiced by pediatricians, is the art and science of dealing with medical issues related to children. While children that fall within the branch of pediatrics are usually under the age of 18, there are pediatricians who will see adults who were prior pediatric patients with ongoing chronic diseases that started during childhood under the pediatricians care.

The road to becoming a pediatric doctor is not short one. A significant amount is invested in order to even be qualified to start the road to becoming a pediatrician. From getting good grades to spending hard-earned money on the best MCAT prep guides to get into medical school, many sacrifices are made to purse the noble profession of taking care of children.

Once in medical school, one has to grind day in and day out to do well and have a chance to compete for a pediatric residency spot. After four years of medical school, one has to match into a pediatrics residency and successfully complete that over the course of three years. Anyone interested in a pediatric specialty such as pediatric critical care or pediatric oncology will then have to pursue additional training as a fellow before being certified in that pediatric subspecialty.

Pediatric nursing also follows a challenging and labor-intensive path through nursing school and additional specialization in pediatrics.

Top Pediatric Books – Formats to Consider

Pediatric books come in all shapes and sizes, and finding the right pediatric book for the job will save you hours of time down the road. But is the investment worth it, especially given the additional money that needs to be spent on equipment such as a top-quality stethoscope or high-quality scrubs for work? In most cases, the knowledge you will get from learning from the best pediatric books will give you a foundation that will endure for years to come. Here is an overview of the predominant types of pediatric book formats available so you have a better approach to choosing the best pediatric books for you.

Textbooks
The best pediatric textbooks form the core part of any serious pediatrician’s library. Typically comprehensive in nature, these pediatric textbooks are updated periodically. While they are usually frequently referenced in the early stages of pediatric residency or training, they are also volumes that serve as references for pediatric medicine information that can be used no matter what stage of training one is in.

Pocket Guides
With the rapid increase in the amount of information in pediatric medicine, lugging a textbook around the hospital or clinic is simply impractical. From this need, the pediatric pocket guide was born. Pediatric pocket guides contain detailed information about relevant pediatric clinical conditions condensed into one to two pages of small print that easily fit into one’s scrub pocket or white coat. While pediatric pocket manuals are no substitute for the depth of knowledge provided by an in-depth textbook, they are great for jogging one’s memory and helping with recall of tidbits of knowledge while at a pediatric patient’s bedside.

Rapid Reference
Taking the pediatric pocket guide even farther, pediatric rapid reference manuals are an even more compact way to get point-of-care nuggets of information at the bedside. Usually restricted to information like formulas or medication guidelines, pediatric rapid reference guides are meant to be used in the heat of the moment of a specific condition when accessing more detailed information will be too difficult.

Specialized
There are times when you want or need to go into detail on a specific pediatric topic such as the physical exam or Emergency Medicine. While one can go out and find a top Emergency Medicine book to do so, it can be low yield when one is primarily looking for pediatric information. Depending on the topic, it is often possible to find pediatric books specifically aligned around specialized topics, even if the material is not updated frequently.

Pediatric Books – Still Relevant?

In the age of easy access to online pediatric medicine information, it is fair to ask whether pediatric books are even relevant anymore. After all, isn’t it just faster and more efficient to pull up information online?

There is no arguing with the speed and accessibility of online pediatric knowledge. However, as helpful as online resources are for getting rapid information when necessary, they are not always trustworthy as accurate resources and should be treated as such when important pediatric clinical decisions are being made. In fact, the top pediatric thought leaders frequently only contribute in aggregate to the leading pediatric textbooks and guides, making them the default references for the standard of care in pediatric medicine.

Also, at this time, many of the most important pediatric textbooks and books do not have online equivalents with all of the power of user-friendly searchability and note-taking.

Because of this, pediatric textbooks and books continue to have an important place in the world of pediatric knowledge.

Best Pediatric Books – Final Thoughts

While finding the best pediatric book for your needs can appear challenging, it does not have to be with a framework in place to evaluate the top pediatric textbooks and pocket guides in relation to your specific . needs. With luck, this article will help you find the best pediatric book for you – whether you are just starting out in your clinical career or brushing up on decades of pediatric experience.