Within the framework of scientific and research excellence witnessed by the College of Medicine at our university, one of its students has recorded a remarkable academic achievement. This accomplishment confirms the presence of a conscious critical mindset among our dear students and embodies their transition from the stage of passive reception to active contribution in correcting global medical knowledge. Student Ahmed Abdul Hussein Ruwaih Al-Zaidi, a sixth-stage student at the College of Medicine, has managed—for the second time—to discover a scientific error in one of the approved medical textbooks. After previously identifying an error in an Obstetrics and Gynecology textbook, he has now discovered a precise scientific contradiction in the renowned global surgical textbook, Bailey & Love’s Short Practice of Surgery (28th Edition). This book is considered one of the most important references for medical students and surgeons worldwide and is also adopted by our university for teaching General Surgery.
The student’s observation came after scrutinizing the "Vermiform Appendix" chapter (p. 1340). In the context of diagnosing Ureteric Colic as a differential diagnosis for appendicitis, the text stated that reliance should be placed on the "Urogram" examination. This procedure is considered relatively outdated compared to modern diagnostic developments, as it is less sensitive, influenced by kidney function, and may fail to detect small or non-calcified stones.
In contrast, the same book indicated the correct information in the "Urinary Tract" chapter (p. 1475), aligning with modern global protocols. It confirmed that a Non-contrast CT scan is considered the "gold standard" for diagnosing ureteral stones due to its high accuracy in detecting all types of stones, determining their location and the degree of obstruction, and its ability to detect very small stones—even those as small as 2 mm—with the exception of stones resulting from Indinavir treatment.
In a responsible scientific initiative, the student contacted the publishing company and the book's editor-in-chief, Professor Ronan O’Connell, Past President of the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, documenting his observation with evidence and page numbers. The response came directly from the Professor, praising the "assiduous attention to detail" demonstrated by the student. He officially confirmed that the text in the appendix chapter will be amended in future editions to become more accurate and comprehensive ("appropriate imaging"), in alignment with the scientific observation submitted.
Thus, our university and the Deanship of the College of Medicine congratulate this qualitative achievement, which reflects a high critical sense and a scrutinizing medical mentality. It confirms that our students do not merely study global sources but contribute to their development and correction. We wish student Ahmed Abdul Hussein and all our dear students continued excellence and success in service to our beloved country, Iraq.
