The Inner Consultation Second Edition sets out the author's thoughts on how consulting skills and methods of teaching them have evolved in the 17 years since the book's first publication. It also develops the theme of 'curiosity' as the key requirement for patient-centred consulting and provides a practical consultation model with five checkpoints to work to advice for developing skills and suggestions for doctors to ensure they know the cues in the consultation that require their full attention. All general practitioners GP registrars and medical professionals will find this book essential and thought-provoking reading. 'The Inner Consultation has become one of the very few contemporary medical classics. This remarkable book focuses very clearly on both parties in the medical consultation. It is now well accepted that the consultation is the epicentre of general practice. Quality consulting makes us more effective and makes our task both more interesting and more worthwhile. I was deeply humbled when I re-read the book so that I could prepare these words. I had forgotten quite what an astonishing book this is - how beautifully written how wise and incisive and witty and fun it is. If you have never read this book you are in for a treat.' David Haslam Chairman Royal College of General Practitioners