Dr. Alan Desmond Signs Book Contract

Reprint from the Bluefield Daily Telegraph
Dr. Alan Desmond, Audiologist and director of Blue Ridge Hearing and Balance Clinic, recently signed an agreement with Thieme Medical Publishers to publish and release his new book. Spokespersons from both Bluefield Regional Medical Center and Princeton Community Hospital, where Dr. Desmond is on staff, said they are unaware of any other medical person affiliated with their facility who has written a medical textbook released by a publisher. The book, Vestibular Function: Evaluation and Treatment, is a textbook intended to be used in training programs for Audiologists, Ear, Nose and Throat Physicians, Neurologists, Primary Care Physicians and Physical Therapists. The book will be released internationally in the spring of 2003.

The book is designed to teach medical specialists the most effective techniques to diagnose and treat complaints of dizziness, vertigo or loss of balance. Dr. Desmond’s previous works include Balance Disorders: A Short Course for Primary Care Physicians, which is currently in its second printing. He has also published several articles and book chapters related to the management of patients with dizziness and imbalance.

Thieme Medical Publishers, located in New York City, Stuttgart, Germany, and Singapore is one of the world’s leading publishers of medical textbooks and journals. Thieme was founded in 1886 and was the first publisher to specialize in medical books. Dr. Desmond was most interested in having Thieme publish his book because they are the only publishing house to cater to all specialties related to dizziness and imbalance. According to Thieme spokesman, Brett Denning, “The treatment of vestibular disorders has advanced dramatically over the last 30 years, and Dr. Desmond is recognized as one of the preeminent experts in this field. He has created an outstanding book that will appeal to specialists and students in many different fields. Dr. Desmond has contributed to other texts produced by Thieme and we are confident this book will be successful throughout the world.”

According to Desmond: “This book is the culmination of a 20 year career, primarily devoted to providing accurate diagnosis and effective treatment to the common problems of dizziness and balance disorders. Dizziness is the third most common complaint heard in most physicians’ offices, yet there are very few facilities equipped to manage these patients effectively. I have had the unique opportunity of working with and learning from some of the worlds foremost experts on vestibular disorders. The medical community here in Mercer County has also been very supportive, and that has allowed us to offer procedures typically found only at major university medical centers. The evidence is overwhelming that the ability to obtain a specific diagnosis leads to more effective treatment and faster resolution of symptoms. By writing this book, I hope to provide more physicians and allied health professionals with the information they need to provide more effective care.”

Desmond has been active in the education of health care specialists for several years and has lectured throughout the country. He regularly hosts visiting professionals and students from universities in the region who are interested in observing his treatment protocols.