Veterinary Medicine in Economic Transition by Malcolm Getz. Hardcover, 288 pp. ISU Press, Ames, Iowa 50014-8300. ISBN 0·8138-1814·1. 1997. Available through ISUPress, 2121 S. State Avenue, Ames, IA 50014·8300. $44.95, price subject to change without notice.

This book is well written for the intended , audience, and is highly recommended by the reviewer for reading by practicing veterinarians, veterinary students, veterinary educators, and state legislators. The author takes veterinary medicine from the warmth of the image of the Gentle Doctor to the cool impartiality of economic analysis. This treatment gives the reader an excellent grounding in the perspectives that someone without a veterinary bias might use in viewing the current economic status and the future of veterinary medicine in the United States. Historical changes ' in veterinary medicine and current trends of veterinary practice receive excellent coverage. The section subtitled "Prognosis" on pages 176-178 provides food for thought regarding influences and pressures on the profession.