I dedicate this book to two of the most important people in my life who have passed on:

My wonderful father, Pasquale Cuccurullo; his love, support, and encouragement are deeply missed since he passed away from lung cancer in 2004.

Also, my dear friend, Kathy Wong, MD. The spirit, integrity, and grace she brought to her patients and the field of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation is greatly missed since she died of breast cancer at the young age of 36.

This book is also dedicated to:

My husband Alec, my loving partner in life;

My four children Michelle, Alexander, Amanda, and Nicholas, who are the joys of my life;

My mother, Connie, my support system throughout my entire life;

My mentors and teachers, especially Dr. Thomas E. Strax, my inspiration in all aspects of medicine, both clinical and academic, and Dr. Ernest W. Johnson, my encouragement to take on a challenge;

And the residents of the JFK Johnson Rehabilitation Institute Residency Program, whose hunger for knowledge inspired the concept of this review book.

It is only because of the support and encouragement of these people that this project could be completed.