The inspiration for this basic science series occurred at an educational retreat led by Dr. Maximilian Buja, who, at the time, was the Dean of the University of Texas Medical School at Houston. It has been such a joy to work together with Drs. DeBord, Wanger, and Mackenzie, all of whom are accomplished scientists and teachers, as well as the other excellent authors and contributors. It has been rewarding to collaborate with Dr. Anush Pillai, a brilliant faculty member. I would like to thank McGraw-Hill for believing in the concept of teaching by clinical cases. I owe a great debt to Catherine Johnson, who has been a fantastically encouraging and enthusiastic editor. It has been amazing to work together with my daughter Allison, who is a senior nursing student at the Scott and White School of Nursing; she is an astute manuscript reviewer and already in her early career she has a good clinical acumen and a clear writing style. At the University of Texas Medical School at Houston, I would like to recognize Dr. Samuel Kaplan, Professor and former Chair of the Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, for his support. At Methodist Hospital, I appreciate Drs. Mark Boom, Alan Kaplan, and Judy Paukert. At St. Joseph Medical Center, I would like to recognize our outstanding administrators: Pat Mathews and Paula Efird. I appreciate Linda Bergstrom's advice and assistance. Without the help from my colleagues, this book could not have been written. Most important, I am humbled by the love, affection, and encouragement from my lovely wife Terri and our four children, Andy and his wife Anna, Michael, Allison, and Christina.