The curriculum that evolved into the ideas for this series was inspired by two talented and forthright students, Philbert Yao and Chuck Rosipal, who have since graduated from medical school. It has been a tremendous joy to work with my friend, colleague, and my ob/gyn program director, Dr. Bentor Baker III. It is also a privilege to work with Dr. Ross, who has been a steady hand in administrating the medical student clerkship for so many years. It is a personal honor and with extreme gratitude that I am able to work with Dr. John Jennings, a visionary, brilliant obstetrician gynecologist, leader, and friend. Also, I am awed by the many excellent contributors who continue to work under the deadlines and pleas of perfectionists. I am greatly indebted to my editor, Catherine Johnson, whose exuberance, experience, and vision helped to shape this series. I appreciate McGraw-Hill's believing in the concept of teaching through clinical cases. I am also grateful to Catherine Saggese for her excellent production expertise, and Cindy Yoo for her wonderful editing. At the University of Texas Medical School at Houston, I appreciate the support from my chairman Dr. Sean Blackwell, who is an amazing leader with a brilliant intellect, an unparalleled work ethic, and a generous heart that inspires beyond our department; and Dr. Patricia Butler who as Vice Chair for Educational Programs of our school exemplifies all that is excellent in medical education, and has served as a role model and mentor for me. I appreciate Yaki Bryant, who has faithfully and energetically served as the extraordinary student coordinator for literally thousands and thousands of students at the University of Texas Medical School at Houston. I want to acknowledge the many medical students who have helped to sharpen the focus of this book, especially Patricia Lenihan, who served as principle manuscript reviewer. Most of all, I appreciate my loving wife, Terri, and my four wonderful children, Andy and his wife Anna, Michael, Allison, and Christina, for their patience and understanding.