This first edition text developed and evolved to meet three pedagogical goals we deemed essential for those studying allied health and are pre-professional. The use of microbiology case studies were modified to maintain their value as tools that result in critical thinking and knowledge retention while providing a more realistic context for preparing future health care professionals. Consequently, the text has real life, personally-oriented microbiology cases appropriate for those in nursing, pharmacy, and other allied health disciplines (pre-med, pre-PA, CLS, etc.). This format presents material as a story about the patient as well as information regarding their family circumstances, personal characteristics, and individual motivations.