UKZN Emeritus Professor Julia Botha’s book, Master the Mystery of Medicines (Understanding Pharmacology) aims to make pharmacology more accessible to Medical students.
It covers the important basics of the subject in a clear and simple way, and also includes aspects not normally explored by students but which are very important once they are qualified. For example, among its 272 pages and 22 chapters is a chapter entitled Do we use medicines wisely? The book is beautifully illustrated by Dr David Muckart, a retired surgeon from UKZN.
Based on Botha’s teaching over many years, the book shows how one can understandand then work out much of pharmacology. ‘I have generally found standard books to be too complex, detailed and overwhelming for beginners. Hopefully this will get them interested so they can learn more along the way and really enjoy what is actually a fascinating subject,’ she said.
As Professor Salim Abdool Karim states in the foreword: ‘This book makes pharmacology much more accessible for Medical, Pharmacy and Nursing students and will appeal irrespective of one’s level of pharmacology or medical knowledge. It is a must read for students and health professionals seeking to master the mystery of medicines.’
Botha dedicated the book to the memory of her remarkable friend, Dr Bongani Mayosi, who she taught many years ago when she was a young lecturer. He went on to become a leading cardiologist and researcher, and shared her love for helping students to succeed.
To make it affordable to students the book is available at the remarkably low price of only R90 from Adams and Van Schaik Bookstores and from the website.
Words: Nombuso Dlamini
Photograph: Supplied
