10/10/2007
Diagnosis: Good read
A revived Rice University Press issues its first new title
BY JESSICA STARK
Rice News Staff
Alcaptonuria. Botulism. Clostridia. Those aren't the ABCs of a hit medical drama; they are three of 154 cases from the new book "Images of Memorable Cases: 50 Years at the Bedside," published by Rice University Press.
It won't be hitting the bookstores; rather, it will hit the information superhighway Oct. 15 at ricepress.rice.edu. "Images of Memorable Cases" is the revived Rice University Press's first title.
With technology developed by Rice's Connexions program, the university press is able to publish scholarly works online, viewable for free. Through Connexions' partnership with QOOP Inc., print copies will be available on demand in three bindings: softcover, laminated textbook and clothbound with dust jacket.
The digital press selects manuscripts the same way a traditional press does, but is able to publish academic titles deemed by other university presses as too expensive or too limited in audience to print. Before the innovative approach of Rice University Press, a book like "Images of Memorable Cases" might not have been published because it features nearly 200 color images of medical conditions and disorders, so it cannot be affordably printed by conventional means.
"We hope that this book, published through a digital press with print-on-demand capabilities, serves as a compelling model for an economical alternative to traditional academic publishing," said Charles Henry, Rice University Press publisher.
"Images of Memorable Cases" was peer-reviewed elsewhere and brought to Rice for publication on its digital platform. The book is the first of Rice's Long Tail Press imprint -- books published by Rice but rigorously reviewed and accepted by other publishers who were unable to publish the book because of cost.
A life's work in pictures
"This book represents the life work of one of America's most distinguished physicians," Henry said. "The Rice University Press takes considerable pride in bringing this thoughtful and compassionate study to light."
The book is a study of the art and science of medical diagnosis as practiced in traditional bedside medicine. Written by Herbert Fred '50, professor of internal medicine at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, and Hendrik van Dijk, it is drawn from Fred's extensive experience during 53 years of medical practice.
"With few exceptions, these images are related to patients I have personally seen as a full-time medical educator," Fred said. "They are presented nonthematically and as unknowns, the same way patients typically show up in the hospital, clinic or doctor's office."
Readers are invited to examine the cases, which are presented with pictures and brief descriptions, then turn the page to find Fred's diagnosis.
"The images and brief vignettes beautifully illustrate how the correct diagnosis requires only an inquiring and open mind," said David Graham, chief of the Division of Gastroenterology at Baylor College of Medicine. "It should be required reading for all medical students and house staff."
Publishing worthy books online
Closed in 1996 but revived last year as a digital publisher, Rice University Press is exploring new modes of academic publishing. Rice Press titles are published online, incorporating multimedia elements that help advance scholarly communication. Rice's titles are available on demand in print format as well. This new business model for academic publishing opens new means of academic expression and returns financial viability to the equation.
"Recent years have seen university presses dramatically scale back their publishing or go out of business altogether," said Fred Moody, editor-in-chief of Rice University Press. "We hope to make it possible to publish all academic titles that merit publishing, no matter how small the market for them. 'Images of Memorable Cases' is a perfect example of the kind of book that deserves to be published because of its intellectual merit but that struggles to find a publisher because of the economics of the industry."
In December, the press will publish "The Via Gabina Villas," by Walter Widrig. In January, it will publish "Houston Reflections: Art in the City 1950s, '60s, and '70s," by Sarah Reynolds. Currently, Rice University Press plans to publish five more titles in 2008.
Authors who wish to submit book proposals to Rice University Press may contact Moody at fred.moody@rice.edu or 206-855-0933.
