Acknowledgments

The opportunity to write this book came to me as a very pleasant surprise. I was honored to have been asked to submit a proposal, and I was pleased beyond words to have had that proposal accepted. For this, I am forever grateful to Quincy McDonald, Senior Acquisitions Editor, at F.A. Davis. Quincy and I were a match from the beginning. We are both highly creative, innovative, and forward thinking. I thank him immensely for allowing me creative license in the writing of this text and for sharing my vision of what it could become. I also thank Quincy for his ongoing guidance and support to keep me focused and moving toward the end goal.

I cannot even begin to sufficiently express my gratitude to my Developmental Editor, Vicki Wilt, but I'd like to try. Within a very short time, Vicki and I had a way of working together, as well as a way of sharing, questioning, collaborating, and caring that has been an absolute pleasure. Vicki is a highly skilled and knowledgeable editor and a true professional. I don't know what I would have done without her. For example, in those instances when I got lost in the enormity of the subject matter, Vicki would be able to refocus me, to ask just the right questions, to make just the right corrections, and to get us back on track. Vicki is an excellent teammate, and I am pleased to now have Vicki as my friend as well.

Thanks go out to George Lang, Manager of Content Development at F.A. Davis, for understanding my approach to the subject of medical terminology and for using that to design a textbook full of color, photos, features, and excitement that will entice the reader to move thoughtfully and eagerly from page to page.

I'd also like to acknowledge the skillful work of Stephanie A. Rukowicz, Associate Developmental Editor at F.A. Davis, who has been so helpful with regard to guiding me through the journey of creating audio ancillaries for this book.

A special acknowledgment of thanks is extended to Amy Simpson of Graphic World for her immense patience, guidance and support through the final editing and proofing of this textbook.

Last but certainly not least, I must acknowledge my husband, Steven. Without his love, patience, and absolute faith that I could accomplish this task, the journey to its fruition would have been so much more challenging. In support, Steven did a myriad of lovely things for me during this time. He surprised me with tea or supper (many of each, actually), made sure I wasn't disturbed when immersed in writing, massaged the knots out of my upper back and neck after long periods of typing, and snuck little sweets and snacks into the house for me to discover when I finally took a break. These are but a few examples of his care and consideration, and I love him for them and for so many other reasons.