July 9, 2009

Peter Yellowlees, professor of psychiatry and director of the Health Informatics Program at UC Davis Health System, is the author of a recently published book designed to guide patients on how they and their doctors can make use of health information on the Internet.

“Your Health in the Information Age: How You and Your Doctor can use the Internet to Work Together” is aimed at the millions of Americans who search for health information on the Internet for themselves or their loved ones. Because much of the information is notoriously unreliable, Yellowlees’ book teaches patients how to search more effectively and efficiently, and find high-quality material that is relevant to them.

The book was reviewed favorably in the July 1, 2009 edition of the Journal of the American Medical Association.

The review states that the book “takes on the monumental task of offering an excellent exploration of the exponentially expanding world of e-health for readers already searching health information on the Internet as well as newbies.” The review also states that “given the immense scope of the Internet, this book offers an in-depth commentary on all aspects of e-health.”

The JAMA review concludes by saying that “Your Health in the Information Age” “is an academic and insightful look into the exciting and nascent world of online health care. Whatever your views on the flaws and failures of the U.S. health-care system, you have to admit that things are changing. Make no mistake: online care is a game changer.”

Yellowlees has lived in England, Australia and the United States, and is an internationally recognized expert in health on the Internet. His current projects involve virtual reality using Second Life, telemedicine, e-mail, and video consulting and bioterrorism responses. He has written more than 150 scientific articles and four books, and has lectured in more than 20 countries.