When it first appeared Giuseppe Tomasi di Lampedusa's Il Gattopardo (The Leopard) was criticized for lacking structural coherence and for including digressive and superfluous narrative material. Such an appraisal, however, does not stand up under analysis. In arranging the individual episodes of the plot Lampedusa twice relies on a sophisticated pattern of chiastic ordering to throw into prominence the novel's central themes and to reinforce symbolic associations. The patterns of concentric symmetry compensate for the effects of the intentionally static quality of a plot that consists more of a sequence of moods and meditations than of specific actions. Lampedusa plays down linear development and compels the reader to seek the novel's unity in its thematic and symbolic structures. Seen from this perspective, IlGattopardo might well be celebrated rather than censured for the complexity of its structural coherence.

No abstract

No abstract

No abstract

is a consultant to the FBHC. She has a pharmacy degree, corporate sales and marketing experience and currently oversees two NYC medical education companies, creating and implementing strategic and needs-based marketing communication programs and product launches. She also heads the Paris office of WorldWide Medical Group developing global CME programs. Ms. Zuckerman consults for the FBHC on strategic planning and direction; she speaks on various issues including web-based marketing, direct-to-consumer education, outcomes measurement and the value of global CME.Abstract There are numerous challenges that face global continuing medical education (CME). These challenges have resulted from the impact of on-going and important research; development and introduction of new therapeutic regimens, medications, procedures and devices; emerging new technologies; a need expressed by clinicians worldwide for some form of continuing medical education to enhance their competency; and the economic realities of funding such continuing medical education activities.To effectively address these issues, CME providers, educators, governments, societies and commercial supporters throughout the world must collaborate to improve, encourage and nurture worldwide CME. Integrity and moral judgment must continue to be at the vanguard of CME while balancing economic factors. Some of the challenges inherent in the current global healthcare environment that must be tackled include:. redefining CME with a progressive eye to the evolution of healthcare and its impact on healthcare education . economic realities of funding CME . the role of commercial supporters in CME . new technologies and trends in healthcare and their impact on CME.These challenges, and more, demand a realistic, ethical, honourable and collaborative effort by the entire CME worldwide community to not only ensure a 'win' for all parties involved, but more importantly, to effect and improve patient care outcomes. REDEFINING CMEFurthermore, specialty societies by country or continent are evaluating CME needs as are specific countries that see a need for