The curriculum that evolved into the ideas for this series was inspired by two talented and forthright students, Philbert Yau and Chuck Rosipal, who have graduated from medical school. It has been a pleasure to work with Dr. Ericka Simpson, a brilliant, compassionate, and dedicated teacher. It has also been an amazing experience expanding our team working with Dr. Pedro Mancias, one of the brightest clinicians and most talented educators I have encountered anywhere in the world, and Dr. Erin Stimming, an excellent physician, teacher, and inspiration. I am greatly indebted to my editor, Bob Boehringer, whose exuberance, experience, and vision helped to shape this series. Likewise, Cindy Yoo has been a dream with whom to collaborate. I appreciate McGraw-Hill's believing in the concept of teaching through clinical cases. My "family" at McGraw-Hill has been most gracious. I appreciate the support from my encouraging Chair Dr. Sean Blackwell and my educational Vice Dean Dr. Patricia Butler. I appreciate my feline companion Mithril, who is now in cat heaven, who would sit at my desk and purr encouragements while I was editing. Most of all, I appreciate my ever-loving wife Terri; and wonderful children, Andy and his wife Anna, Michael, Allison, and Christina for their patience, encouragement, understanding, and "sharing their father" with my students and writing.