Book Description

This book contains 1001 fully annotated physics questions in the MCAT format organized by topic. The range of difficulty is from easy to very difficult. There are questions on every physics topic that might appear on the MCAT. ... Read more

Reviews (5)

Great Physics Practice
I really found this book very, very helpful. I thought it covered every topic on the MCAT. Some of the questions were a little easier than McAT, and some seemed a little more difficult than MCAT, but they all seemed like McAT questions to me. You can't beat the online help offered with this book. THe author himself answers your science questions. Two enthusiastic thumbs up from me.

Don't buy this book!
I was extremely disappointed in this book. I bought it used online and regret wasting my money. This book does not resemble the MCAT at all, and there are blocks of questions which are virtually identical to one another, except for some of the numbers being changed. I also noticed a bunch of errors which was another frustration. I am now using my textbook, College Physics for practice questions.

Good way to prep for Physics
I used the 1001 physics book and a national prep course to prepare for my MCAT. I scored a 12 on the physical sciences. I found the 1001 physics book to be accurate in the science and a strong pedagogic tool for learning the concepts. There were some (but really very few) typos in the book, and I didn't find them myself, but they were posted on the examkrackers website and appear to be updated regularly. Additionally, Examkrackers provides a bulletin board where Jon Orsay himself actually responds quickly to science questions that relate to the book. Mr. Orsay explains on this site that the 1001 books are designed to teach MCAT science and that passages allow you to answer questions without knowing the science. That's why these questions are not passage based. He actually suggests using a different book if you are already scoring 10s in the science section and he says that you should definitely supplement this book with a review book and full length exams. Anyway, I thought the book was pretty good, and I don't think I would have done so well without it.

Fair review questions.
This book contains many questions in basic physics for the MCAT. All relevant topics are covered; however, I feel that this is not the best book for review. The main objection I have is that the question format is NOT what appears on the MCAT. Most MCAT questions are based on a reading passage and very few of the Examcracker's questions are in that form. Those that are based on a passage are very simple when compared to the real MCAT questions. I scored well on the physics section but it was because I worked through real MCAT practice exams. Do not use this book as your sole source for physics preparation. I've said this dozens of times to friends, "If you purchase a 'comprehensive' review book make sure you also use old college books, old college notes, and work through old MCAT exams."

Hard ones, Easy ones.
The style of the questions get you thinking conceptually. For each topic the difficulty ranges from easy to extremely difficult. The difficult ones can be intimidating if you don't realize that they won't likely be that hard on the real thing. The explanations are concise, and often reveal when an overly difficult question is out of the MCAT league. ... Read more

Book Description

The Professional Review Guide for the CCS Examination, 2005 Edition contains:study tips, a comprehensive resource list, a review section with multiple choice coding questions that review a broad range of competencies.This valuable manual also includes coding case studies for coding review for the CCS examination, a mock examination that strives to mirror the CCS Examination. The mock examination includes 60 multiple choice coding questions reviewing a broad range of competencies, 21 medical record coding cases, 11 outpatient records, 5 Ambulatory surgery, 3 emergency room, 3 other, and 10 inpatient records.The appendices include:Official Guidelines for ICD-9-CM Guidelines for Coding and Reporting, Commonly Administered Drugs, Lab values, and a new listing of updated ICD-9-CM coding changes for 2004Use the book and the Interactive CD-ROM to practice interpreting documentation and applying clinical knowledge in assigning codes to diagnoses and procedure for a variety of patient settings including: Inpatient, Outpatient surgery, Emergency Room, Physician office, and Long term Care. ... Read more

Book Description

This second edition of Boards and Wards: A Review for the USMLE Steps 2 & 3 offers the information necessary to conquer the USMLE.This essential review book, written in a succinct, high-yield outline format, features 75 brand new, board-formatted Q&As and covers each discipline of medicine appearing on the USMLE Steps 2 & 3, including dermatology, radiology, and ophthalmology. ... Read more

Reviews (6)

Great for day-before exam review
I strictly used this as a quick review before my shelf tests in 3rd year. I think it hit a lot of high points and gave me as much as I wanted the day before an exam. With any review book, there is going to be stuff that's missing, but overall I'd buy this book and highly recommend it for the 3rd year medical student.

The ultimate review book.
Boards and Wards is probably the best "in a nutshell" review book on the market. While it may not cover every topic under the sun or go into painstaking details, the book provides a very no-nonsense review for most of the topics you can expect to see on Step 2 and 3. Also, because this book is so concise and relatively small (I can squeeze it into the front pocket of my white coat), it is the ultimate timekiller for when you have some free time on the floors.

If you could take Step 2 and 3 as open book exams with only Boards and Wards as your reference, you could probably score in the 90-95th percentile. Highly recommended.

Great for spare time on the wards.
Small and concise. Great for the spare time you have on the wards so you can make the best use of your limited time. Very complete and hits most, not all, subjects well. Easy to read and organized well. Excellent diagrams and algorithms. The practice questions are great as well.

A great addition
I definitely recommend this book not only for your step 2 studying, but for your time on the wards as well. In terms of using is in conjunction with my rotations, I found that it was most helpful as a last minute review. I don't think that you could solely use this book to study for your rotations, but once you've used another series like Blueprints, this provides excellent review. In terms of studying for the boards, sections that stood out were internal medicine, surgery, and ob gyn. I also found family medicine helpful as I had not completed this rotation prior to taking the boards. One drawback is the lack of an emergency medicine section as EM is tested. Overall, I highly recommend this book and think it will definitely facilitate your studying for step 2. I also recommend First Aid.

not very organized ... lacks crucial information
While this book might appeal to the reader becuase of its size ( around 300 pages ), I found that it can be more organized. The information is not presented in the best way for Neither Step 2 nor Step 3.
Although it has some nice chapters ( radiology ), it is lacking detailed information about crucial subjects ( sexually transmitted diseases, although mentioned in a table , it is not presented in a suitable fashion for the USMLEs, the psychiatry is not very organized either ) .
This book is an average book, and you are better off with other books ( crush the boards, Swansons ..etc) ... Read more

Book Description

150 pages of questions, answers, and explanations covering all possible topics in MCAT organic chemistry, both stand alone and 'mini-passage-based' questions, b&w illustrations.This book contains 1001 organic chemistry questions covering all the organic chemistry topics tested by the MCAT. Each question is in the MCAT multiple choice format. Questions are arranged by topic, and range from basic to extremely difficult. Typically, questions on a given topic begin easy and become progressively more difficult. Answers with explanations and formulas are provided.
... Read more

Reviews (5)

Perfect practice problems for MCAT
Practice is the key to the MCAT. Review is an essential first step, but is only part of the complete preparation for the MCAT. ORGO 1001 will help you guys ace the Biological Science questions. Everything from stereochemistry to lab techniques is in this book. There are over 90 stereochemistry questions alone. This book won't guarantee a 15, but it may help raise your score a couple points.

hastily prepared and poorly researched
This book is simply a collection of simple organic chemistry problems. These problems are not passage or concept-based, and thus very poorly model MCAT-style questions.

Good points:

*1000 problems covering many topics which are best mastered through practice, such as stereochemistry, lab techniques, resonance and spectroscopy

Bad Points:

*Not worth what paid for. There are more, _better_ questions in your text-book. Sad, but true.

*The questions that resemble those found on the exam are few and far in between.

Other: If you're in the hurry phase of MCAT prep. you may find it useful to know that each question in this book takes about 20 seconds to do.

Great Review
I used this book and found the questions to be very close to the type used on the MCAT. While there are a few typos I found this book a great way to review for the exam. Of this type of resource I found this to be the best one for OChem.

Not the best book
I bought all of the examcracker books- some were good, but this book was obviously hastily prepared- there are numerous typos as well as redundant questions. The title of the book makes it seem like you're going to get thorough practice in organic chemistry but all of the questions are too short and straightforward to be relevant to the MCAT. Unfortunately, I don't know of any good book for MCAT organic chemistry- it's certainly not this one, though.

Great way to review.
This book provides an excellent way to review Organic Chemistry. The question types are very similar to those found on the MCAT (altough they are not passage based). The content overlaps precisely with what could be tested on the MCAT. Although there is a little repetition of concptual content, it makes you realize how few question types can actually be asked on the real thing. ... Read more

Book Description

Follow the leader.Math for Meds has helped nearly one million nurses and other health care professionals become safe practitioners of dosage calculations.This classic resource continues to blaze the trail into a ninth edition, with its ratio and proportion method and building-block organization.Hundreds of full-color images of drug labels, syringes, and equipment complement the range of calculation competenciesfrom reading medication labels to calculating flow rates for heparin infusion.The straightforward language has also been retained, as the ninth edition preserves the tradition of making the complex understandable. ... Read more

Book Description

Since it was first published more than a decade ago, Health Behavior and Health Education: Theory, Research, and Practice has become the leading resource in the field of health promotion and education. This thoroughly revised third edition provides a comprehensive and in-depth analysis of health behavior theories relevant to health education and includes the most current information on developments in theory, research, and practice.

... Read more

Reviews (2)

Health Behavior and Health Education: Theory, Research, and
As I waded through this textbook I at first felt that I had selected the wrong book for my teaching needs. The book is generally a review of current literature in the field of Health that would be an excellent resource for a graduate student who is about to tackle their thesis or dissertation. Contained within the chapters of this book is an extensive overview of what already exists in the field and certainly would be useful in helping a graduate student begin his or her research. This book would also be useful in helping a student who may be searching for a topic to study and research that may have been previously studied but then was found to be needing further work or follow-up. Upon completing the book I realized that although not necessarily perfect for my current needs of working with middle and high school students, it did provide support for things I am doing with them in my classes and broadened my scope as a health educator by making me think in terms of my role in school health education as compared to the roles of other health researchers and practitioners.

Theory based research
This text is a comprehensive review of health related theories. It provides the reader with anlayses of several health behavior theories and extensive bibliographies. To the student who is interested in health behavior research, this text is an important first step because it gives many examples of how specific theories, concepts and constructs are used in research studies. ... Read more

Book Description

Includes more than 1,400 exam-type questions with concise answers and explanations. Arranged by topic area and complete with two comprehensive practice tests reflecting the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists format, the book includes test-taking strategies and a bonus CD-ROM (PC only) with the questions and answers in electronic format. ... Read more

Reviews (8)

A&L 5th Edition Very Disappointing!
I purchased this review to help prepare for the ARRT Reinstatement exam following my return to the field, and though I felt that it covered the core content well I was extremely disappointed that so many of the questions, both in the book and on the CD-ROM, had incorrect answers. The expanation of the answers even explained HOW the *correct* answer was incorrect!! Maybe the editors should have taken a little more time! I became very frustrated with this and gave it up for a (more expensive and much more worth it) Kettering Review. Would never recommend this review... especially to new grads taking the ARRT for the first time!!

Buy it for the CD-ROM.
I just took the registry exam in April of 2004. Honestly, I didn't use this book all that much. There are so many typos that it is hard to read and some of them change the meaning of the questions. Some of the questions contradict each other. Some say to use gonadal shielding on all exams on all patients - even pelvis routines. Others will say the right answer is to only use it when the gonads are within a certain distance from the primary beam or when shielding won't interfere with imaging the pertinent anatomy. That makes it difficult to study. I did use the CD-ROM that was included. It helped me to know how I would do on the actual exam. For instance, it helped me to know that I needed to slow down and read the whole question.

Mary
Just took the registry in May 2004. This study guide was of very little use. The questions on the real registry are structured totally different than the way the book presents the material. Very little positioning questions or anatomy on the real registry. Only about 40% of the registry questions are covered in this book. Keep your textbooks and save your money.

Amazing Text- 60% of test questions were word for word
I was a little apprehensive about taking the computerized exam, but after studying out the the PREP text and taking the exams in this book, i felt confident. However, when i took the test, i realized that i had seen the majority of questions from the practice tests. I knew the answers before i finished reading the questions. I passed the registry easily. On the other hand, there are several versions of the computer test and other class members of mine received far different questions. All and all the book gave a great feel for the quality and level of difficulty of test questions. HIGHLY RECCOMMENDED.

DISAPPOINTED--4TH ED.
Our program has used this review book for 3 editions and liked it. Our students who began using the new 4th ed. complained that there were NO references to Bontrager in the anatomy and positioning sections. We use Bontrager as our primary textbook and the elimination of this major radiography text as a reference is disappointing and puzzling. Our students are also encouraged to buy Merrill's and the majority do. The students use the 9th ed of Merrill's and the refs are for the 8th ed. Merrill's has been out for over a year. The majority of refs were for a new book by Cornuelle. How are students suppose to find information in a text that is only in the library and one that is not a major textbook in use at this time (at least we know of nobody who uses it)? The author has done a major disservice to radiography students. As a result, we will not use this text any longer. ... Read more

Book Description

Written by students for students, this high-yield guide helps them make the transition from the classroom to the hospital wards. Thoroughly revised and updated, this comprehensive book explains what to expect in each required rotation and provides sample notes & reports, medical facts, formulas, and protocols. Features the latest student ratings of available review resources. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

One clerkship director's thoughts
Bhushan and Le have created a guide that is most useful as an introduction to the ward experience for medical students. They discuss particulars about each rotation and this information is certainly important for students to read before each rotation. Although I do recommend this book to my students, I also encourage them to use another book entitled the 101 Biggest Mistakes 3rd Year Medical Students Make and How to Avoid Them. This latter book is the only book I know of that helps students recognize the major mistakes that are made during clinical clerkships. By using First Aid for the Wards and 101 Biggest Mistakes 3rd Year Medical Students Make and How to Avoid Them together, students will place themselves in a position to do their best work during their clinical clerkships.

EXCELLENT BOOK ALSO FOR THE CSA.
I bought this book to use as a review for the Clinical Skills Assessment (CSA)(the pratical texy that all the FMG have to do in Philadelphia). It was great because it helped me to practice writting clear medical hystories, in the same manner I had to write in the real (CSA) test in english. It was also very good because it list the major symptoms, signs and differential diagnosis of the more common clinnical problems. By the way, again useful for the CSA, because they request us to give the dif diagnosis in these test.

I highly recomment this book as an adjunt for the preparation for the CSA. Of couse, should be useful also for the wards.

Don't forget also to use: Mastering the OSCE/CSA: Objective Structured Clinical Examination/Clinical Skills Assessment...

It helped me...
I found this book to be quite helpful in alleviating those third year jitters. So much of the third year is spent trying to figure out your role on the team, and how to look like a star. This book gives some useful pointers.

If you have liked other books from the First Aid series, this book will also be well liked and used. Well written and to the point.

Each chapter gives pointers for a particular clinical rotation - explaining the role of a student as well as who the typical other team members will be. Also, gives a general breakdown of what to expect for a typical day.

Each chapter then has some vital clinical information that you need to know for each rotation. The chapters end with a review of which text books are most helpful for you to read.

Good book!

Firs aid for the wards
Poor presentation & known facts only.Nothing new ... Read more

Book Description

Over 1600 review questions and an interactive CD-ROM are provided in this book to help you review for the AHIMA RHIA and RHIT certification examinations. ... Read more

Book Description

1001 Questions in MCAT Chemistry provides practice questions in all chemistry topics covered by the MCAT. The questions and explanations are designed to teach the student to think intuitively. Like the MCAT, conceptual thinking is encouraged while lengthy calculations are discouraged. Memorization of basic formulas is required, but usually will not, in itself, provide the fastest method to finding an answer. Questions are conveniently arranged by topic. Question difficulty ranges from easy to very difficult. Questions are formatted exactly like the MCAT. Answers and explanations are provided in the back of the book.
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Reviews (5)

Good but not as good as others are implying
I think this book is great if you are preparing for the DAT. But I don't think this book will give you 30's for the MCAT. Granted, you need to know how to answer these types of problems. But you need to practice real passages. I would strongly encourage you to acquire the Princeton Review Science Workbook. They come with the course but you can usually buy them used off of students who completed the course and the MCAT. Go to a messageboard for MCAT students etc. Aside from the real MCATs that AAMC releases, the Princeton Review book will help you. Ideally, you should use the Examcracker books first to hone your skills of the basic sciences. And then you should use the Princeton Review Science Workbook to apply those skills.But in now way will these books by themselves automatically equip you to handle the MCAT.

Fair review for MCAT chemistry.
This book contains many questions in basic chemistry for the MCAT. All relevant topics are covered; however, I feel that this is not the best book for review. The main objection I have is that the question format is NOT what appears on the MCAT. Most MCAT questions are based on a reading passage and very few of the Examcracker's questions are in that form. Those that are based on a passage are very simple when compared to the real MCAT questions. I scored well on the physical sciences section but it was because I worked through real MCAT practice exams. Do not use this book as your sole source for chemistry preparation. I've said this dozens of times to friends, "If you purchase a 'comprehensive' review book make sure you also use old college books, old college notes, and work through old MCAT exams."

Definitely worth your time and money.
I believe Examcrackers produces the best MCAT prep materials. I made the mistake of taking another prep company. It took me quite long to realize the other prep company did not prepare me at all. I used this book to help me understand the concepts for the g. chem on the MCAT.

Begin to think like the AAMC
I challenge anyone to find a better series of teaching tools than the 1001 series from Examkrackers. I have been collecting all of the available MCAT prep material for the last two years and I am very adamant when I say there is a lot of bad/misguided/bs out there for sale. The authors of the 1001 books have gone to great lengths to make these books excellent learning tools.

The 1001 series are not passages like the real MCAT, they are problems that allow you to hone in on your weaknesses and fix them. The mini-passage format allows the user to get accustom to the MCAT style of questioning. If you are able to understand all 1001 questions in this book, then there is no reason not to score perfect on the MCAT Physical Science section.

The 1001 books are about the concepts and they force the student to think intuitively. This, my friends, is how to succeed on the MCAT.

MCAT THINKING
While this book is better than most MCAT guides on the market, it does have some flaws. PRAISE: The questions are excellent! Just like the MCAT! FLAW: Often the questions pertain to information not previously mentioned or reviewed in the previous passage. EXAMPLE: A question from the first section involved answer choices of London forces, hydrogen bonding, and dipole-dipole moments. None of these terms or concepts were discussed previously! SO: Basically you need to have a good foundation before you get this book. Once you do buy the book, IT DOES TEACH YOU HOW TO THINK LIKE THE MCAT!!! Just remember to review the knowledge elsewhere! ... Read more

Book Description

The second edition of this leading phlebotomy text is thoroughlyrevised and updated to reflect what's most current in the field. As anintroduction to the collection and handling of blood specimens,Phlebotomy Essentials is unsurpassed in its coverage and detail. Acomplete overview of A & P, and strong emphasis on phlebotomy theoryprovides a solid foundation to learn from. The text's easy-to-followformat includes multiple headings to separate and highlight importantmaterial. Cogent discussion of standard precautions, transmission-basedprecautions, point-of-care testing, and the latest procedures andsafety equipment keeps readers up-to-date. Helpful pedagogy includesobjectives, key terms, suggested lab activities, and review questionsfor each chapter. An Instructor's Manual is also available. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Great book for learning
We use this book in our school's Phlebotomy and Medical Assistant program. It is complete, and has been used by several other schools and Phlebotomy certification associations. ... Read more

Book Description

More than just Board review for USMLE, Steps 2 & 3, Blueprints can help you during clerkship rotations and subinternship. They are especially helpful when studying areas outside your specialty. Physician assistants, nurse practitioners and osteopaths find Blueprints a helpful companion to their study materials as well.

Concise, accurate, clinical high-yield content covers all you need to know for the USMLE and rotations

Includes USMLE style questions with full explanations provided in the answers

Updated with the help of residents to maintain a student-to-student approach

Key Points in every section highlight the most important, high-yield information for each topic

Color-enhanced design increases the usefulness of figures and tables ... Read more

Reviews (2)

medical- Surgical review book
I have used this book all semester and plan to use it for next semester also. It is very well written. It is alot easier to understand then a textbook. I found it easier to study from this book, along with my notes, then reading a text book. It breaks down everything for you into a outline. Good book I've already ordered another review book for Pediatrics

Worth their weight in gold!
This book and the rest in the series(they have all you need for BSN program) were irreplacable to me in my BSN studies. I just graduated one of the hardest programs in the state with a 3.642 GPA. The Lippincott series really made a difference. I didn't have them my first semester, but second semester with the books my grades jumped! The professors were not familiar with the books but I followed along in class with them page by page. A great investment and now a perfect reference tool ... Read more

Book Description

Everything you need for exam preparation is right at your fingertips Inside, you'll find hundreds of new and thoroughly revised questions that assess the latest diagnostic methods, medications, and management techniques. It's simply the best way to keep you absolutely up to date with all of the concepts relevant to primary health and family practice. Take advantage of the opportunity to now earn up to 79.5 hours of valuable AMA Physician's Recognition Award Category 1 Continuing Medical Education (CME) credits from Kaplan Medical! Simply follow the instructions in the book to apply for CME credit upon completion of each chapter or the full text. ... Read more

Reviews (28)

Excellent Review for USMLE STEP-3
If I could rate this book higher, I would. Although written for the Family Practice Boards it was an excellent review for USMLE STEP-3. All the areas that are presented appear on the USMLE exam. Of course one will have to suppliment this book with other sources, but not much. It was particularly helpful with the accompanying questions. It seems like alot of pages to read, but the style makes it fast reading, and consequently comprehension. If you have limited time, funds, even medical knowledge--this is the one book to purchase

Swanson's Family Practice Review
Overall the book has a great format. It covers topics well and it is interesting to read -- unlike many others. It addresses why the right answers are right and the wrong answers are wrong for the multiple choice questions. Some books only address the right answers. CAUTION: there are quite a few errors and it is not up to date on many topics. Hormone replacement therapy does not protect from heart disease. Many references are from the late 80s, some from mid to late 90s and occasionally 2000 or later. If the reader has been keeping up with the recent changes in the medical field these errors will be obvious. I still like this book because it is easier and more fun to read than others. If you need this for more than just review and plan to use this to learn family practice -- get a different book. Be very cautious of those other reviewers that gave this book 5 stars.

Good concept but loads of errors - buyer beware
I have never written an Amazon review but I thought I'd share my reservations about this book that I got to prepare USMLE step 3. As many others have commented, the concept is excellent, the case-questions-summary format really good to facilitate retention of the material. However, I am amazed at the huge number of mistakes that this manuscript contains. Some of the errors are so bizarre that they are unlikely to fool anyone, for example the recommendation to treat hypertension with "betablockers with intracarotid sodium amytal" (!!) (p.26, apparently they mean intrinsic sympathomimetic activity). Others are much more dangerous for your exam and your potential patients, like using "a PTT of 1.2 to 1.5" to monitor warfarin (should be PT or INR, p.35), stating that "one random glucose exceeding 125 mg/dl" defines diabetes (p. 95, should be two), treating status epliepticus with 50 mg dextrose (should be 50%, p.126), saying that "MCV<100" characterizes megaloblasic anemia (should be >100) etc. etc. In the adult medicine section I picked up an error like that every 4 pages or so - so imagine how many I must have missed!
In summary, I think this is a good concept bogged down by what I assume is sloppy proofreading. I would not trust this book to review material I am not very familiar with and I returned the book. I hope they'll do better in the next edition.

Great Review
Great Step III or Family Med review book. Very dense but excellent content. Note that some of the HTN guidelines are based on JNC VI (Joint National Committee on Detection, Evaluation, and Treatment of High Blood Pressure) and JNV VII was published in Fall of 03 so a few of the recommendations have been adjusted.

A CME Rip-off
Potential buyer's of this review book should be aware that it was published in 2000 and is seriously out-of date.

I thought that the advertised web site would make up for that deficiency by being more up to date . . . it is not.

Most disturbingly, the advertised "75 hours in Category 1 CEM credits" are simply not available. When I sent in my check to register for these credits, it was returned "address unknown."

Stay away from this rip-off! ... Read more

Reviews (4)

One for the coffee table
I don't normally put my medical textbooks out for display, but I like to use this one as a conversation piece. Each chapter is well reasoned, concise, and suprisingly entertaining. The chapter entitled "Pharmacology of Hetastarch and Pentastarch" had me weeping. Med students - this book will help you fly through boards. Lay people - this book is a suprisingly good read. You know, I don't know this "Ron Faust," but I'm sure we would be instant friends if we ever met. I'd love to share a bottle of courvasier in front of a warm fire and discuss the finer points of anesthesiology with this man. My wife is sick of me talking about him.

A Medical School Must-Have
The Anesthesiology Review is the most comprehensive and informative text for medical students and anesthesiology residents. I am finishing up my third year at Duke Universtiy Medical School. I wish that all my text books were as easy to read and made subjects such as 'automatic internal cardiac defibrillator procedures' interesting.

This book changed my life.
Who said anesthesia textbooks had to put you to sleep? Before I read this book, I thought Succinalcholyne was something you put in your pool. Ron Faust is the Dale Earnhart of modern medicine. "Anesthesioligy Review"? I don't think so. Try "Anesthesiology Bible." Five stars? How bout 10!

"great book for boards"
this is the best review book out there. each topic or key word has its own chapter. the chapters are only 1-2 pages long. great to read in the or, covers many of the topics for the boards, ... Read more

Book Description

The most current, comprehensive question-and-answer review of diagnostic medical sonography for national certification examination preparation. This popular review covers all facets of ultrasound, including basic physics, vascular sonography, ob/gyn, transvaginal, transrectal, adult and pediatric echocardiography, and neurosonography. Includes hundreds of images and 12 pages in full color. ... Read more

Book Description

Designed as a study aid to review for the Physician Assistant National Certification and Recertification Exam. It contains over 1200 questions, detailed explanations, a 200-question practice test and is packaged with a CD-ROM in the back that contains all of the questions and answers in an electronic format. ... Read more

Reviews (7)

Useful but not without plenty of typos and other errors
I passed the NCCPA board exam using this book and 2 review books on Internal Medicine. I did not even review the NCCPA blueprint (which you should not do by any means). I put in a total of 4-5 weeks of good study. This book certainly covers all the terrain you will need in terms of scope. The questions are excellent and the answers are thorough enough. By the time you finish this and take the 200 Question test at the end (I scored 95% after reviewing the whole book...but would have done much worse without the former)you will certaily feel stronger with your general knowledge.

My criticism are limited to typos and mistakes in terms of right answers in the answer key. For instance you will answer "B" and the correct answer is supposedly "A"; you read through the explanation and it does NOT accord with choice"A" but in fact "B" or maybe "C". That was often the case but just reading through the answers made it obvious which choice was correct so don't give up on buying this book just because of that. Its worth the purchase. The CD was a waste of time however. It contains the identical 200Q test at the end of the book (which itself contains not new Qs but the same as those in the book, only randomly selected).

The actual test has a 30 minute computer orientation period which is not counted towards your exam time so don't worry. It is an intuitive and straightforward user interface. I took 5 minutes to know how to use it and so will you. Last comment - for a review book that supposedly prepares you for the test there was NOTHING on hypertension - go figure! GOOD LUCK!

priceless study guide
Use this guide along with Current Medical Diagnosis and Treatment, Current Surgical Diagnosis and Treatment, plus a comprehensive board review course and you'll pass everytime. My husband and I ,both very specialized P.A.'s, have passed 3 times each ,plus the additional surgical boards, and are now getting ready for the 4th round! There have been questions on the exam that were right from the book EVERY TIME!! So, the above new grads are indignant about the occasional misinformation, but the reality is that this is a GUIDE not a bible, and that one must study TO the exam-which is rarely a reflection of practice.

Buyer Beware
This review concerns the 4th edition. As a new graduate, I am using this text, amongst others, to prepare for the PANCE. First of all, it is a productive study tool for that purpose, but despite what Anthony Miller, MEd, PA-C (one of the editors) states in an earlier review (see above), it is still littered with incorrect information. The authors state that 75% of the info is new, and maybe it is, but that doesn't alter the facts. Some of these answers and explanations really make you scratch your head frustration and disbelief. In addition, some of the sections, the pharmacolgy section in particular, are filled with irrelavent trivia. Its almost as if the author of that section was deliberately trying to impress us with his command of obscure information, not directly related to clinical practice... Also, some of the question writers insist on using the old fashioned terms for diseases or syndromes, rather than the newer term that describes the pathophyiology. Some of the sections contain very outdated clinical practice information, the pulmonary section in particular. I found the use of the term "rale" particularly annoying. It's just a small thing, but that tells me the writer is not one who keeps up with current practice.

It's really frustrating to look up all 5 answers in Current or Cecil's, find that they concur about the correct response, and then read the answer and explanation in this review and find it totally different.......

This text IS a good review for the PANCE, but only if the student is good enough to recognize the incorrect/out-of-date information and adjust their thinking accordingly. A marginal student might be led astray by this text. So buyer beware..........

Confusion included
Appleton & Lange's Outline for the Physician Assistant Examination is seriously deficient in content regarding the NCCPA Examination Content Blueprint, there are many subjects from the blueprint that are not covered in this review. It also does not cover up to date treatment practice guidlines. It is also seriously riddled with incorrect information when compared to many medical textbooks such as Current's Medical Diagnosis & Treatment and Harrison's. The combination of these deficiencies will erroneously lead the aspiring PA into confusion and error on the exam. Even using the USMLE books will not be enough of a guide so I suggest that all subjects in the blueprint be reviewed individually with other sources and corrections made by the student into this book before attempting the exam.
Hopefully a new book edition that is edited more thoroughly using more accurate sources will become available soon since this one is already three years out of date.

Impressive
I have critiqued many of the PA review books available today. Only two are being recommended for my clinical year students to prepare for End of Rotation exams and the NCCPA exam. This is one and the other is Appleton and Lange's Outline Review for the Physician Assistant Examination by Albert F. Simon (Editor), Anthony A. Miller (Editor).

Roger D. Jones, PA-C
Clinical Director
Bethel College PA Program ... Read more

Reviews (5)

Weak Content & Distracting Format
I used other sources for pictures and questions, but I stuck mainly with this book as my primary reference for ABP review and it served me terribly. It goes into too much depth on some issues (even wasting time and print telling you that certain tidbits are not worth knowing), and not nearly enough on some others. The mnemonics are neither useful nor amusing, and only serve to distract you from what meaningful content it does contain. Most topics are covered weakly and there are plenty of factual errors as well. It may help you get a couple questions on the exam; and time spent reading it is not wholly wasted; but there are many other sources that would help you much more and keep you on task and give high-yield info along with the needed depth. Don't get it.

Excellent study guide
I used this book as my sole review book and found it comprehensive yet easy and fun to read. Almost all the topics mentioned appeared on the actual exam or PREP review questions. The appendix was especially helpful for confusing items- for example how to remember the different erythemas (migrans vs. chronicum migrans, etc.).

The question books were also great study tools. The question types (best answer, matching, graphs) are similar to those that appeared on the board exam.

I highly recommend this book as a study guide in addition to the PREP questions prepared by the AAP.

Great for adult learners
I was very skeptical of this book due to what I perceived as heavy marketing.It was the second book that I got for the boards (the first was one of the AAP book store books) but the first book had so many mistakes in it and was so dry that it was not very useful for me.So I bought this book and loved it.Although it also had many typos, when I emailed the authors they were extremely responsive as well as aware that their editing hadn't been as good as they had expected.That said, this is a huge book with tons of information in it and the typos and errors are minimal considering all that had to be done to produce this book!

I am a hard worker but could never learn just from reading Nelson's or doing PREP questions.Hands-on, applied work is the best way for me to retain.This book is in such a different format, with such a different focus, that it was perfect for me and I only wish that I had spent my time in residency reading this book instead of trying to do "3 pages of Nelson's a day".

Put aside your prejudices (this is NOT type-A, gunner sort of it-has-to-hurt-to-be-real-work reading) and try this book.

By the way, I read it three weeks before the exam as my sole review, was terrified, and passed on my first try.

Definitely gets you some points on the exam!
As the other review noted, there are some typos in the book, which should have been noted, esp. since this is the second edition, but thie book IS definitely WORTH THE MONEY! If you consider that if you don't pass, you have to retake the exam, and that very few % of repeat test takers pass, then a small investment in this book is well worth it!

It tries to make things funny, or at least somewhat humorous, and it does mention some tips on topics and questions that WILL appear on the exam. There are a few places where he mentions "Watch out on the boards for X, Y, z" and sure enough THESE WERE ON THE TEST! It's also fairly comprehensive in it's breadth, and it's easy to read.

Some of the humor was a bit beyond me (mentioning older TV shows or movies) but really, the memory aids and the "freebies" (warnings on types of questions) are definitely a help!

There's not that much review material out there for the peds boards, but this one is a must! It's like First Aid for the USMLE STep 1, this time for the Peds boards!!

Laughing his way to the bank...
The idea of this book is a fine one- a concise volume to use as a study guide for the boards, peppered with humor to make an arduous task more enjoyable.Where the author fails is content and execution.The book opens with a passage about meaningless mnemonics, yet it's full of them.There are plenty of misspellings and untruths; at this price I'd expect better copy editing.Finally, and most importantly, I didn't laugh once. ... Read more

Book Description

Are you ready for the DAT? You will be.

2 Full-Length Practice Tests

• Detailed Explanations for Every Answer

• Intensive Science and Quantitative Review

• Reading Comprehension Practice Test

• Effective Strategies to Maximize Your Score

Special CD-ROM Features

• Full-Length Practice Test

• Complete Explanations for Every Answer

• Personalized Interactive Performance Analysis

The Only Virtual Reality PAT

• Realistic Perceptual Ability Test

• Exclusive PAT Exercises

• Computerized 3-D Figures You Can Rotate and View at Different Angles ... Read more

Reviews (11)

A little disappointed
The software seemed to crash a lot and I didn't get much help from the company. Once I got it to work (a few times) I could not practice any section I wanted from the one computer test they give.

Also, when I took the real DAT yesterday, the real DAT computer format was much different than Kaplans. The screens, reading comprehension, and the important question review screen, etc. were not the same.

Kaplan only gave me one computer test too. Their book cover seemed to imply 2 full tests! (I guess they are counting the paper one in the book (a little deceiving...so BEWARE of that).

I could not print out questions from the computer and it was difficult to go through their review screens to get to the questions I missed. There are NO TOPICS for the qestions so it was hard reviewing a little bit more about the questions I missed in my college text books.

One important thing was my scores on the real DAT were lower than my Kaplan scores. My overall was 18/19 PAT and my Kaplan was 21/22 PAT. If I were to do it again, I would depend more on my college text books.

The text reviewed some sciences, and general math. Not bad, but not great. I found myself going to my college text books for more explainations.

Overall, I don't think I can recommend it.

Hope to see you in dental school in 2001 :)

Very Satisfied from Good Study Guide
The Kaplan DAT book was a good study guide to use to prepare for the DAT - especially when compared to other brands. By studying mainly the review book, a few textbooks for reference, and the TopScore CD, I was able to perform very well on the exam.

The Science section was very thorough and helped prepare me for what showed up on the exam. The Biology was heavy in detail which actually posed to be a problem - many of the areas which I spent time studying did not show up in great detail on the exam. But hey, better safe than sorry.

The reading section was very accurate in mimicing the reading section on the exam. The math was close as well - TopScore did a better job with math questions however. The Kaplan book did cover some great math skills.

The PAT is the only area where I wish the book worked more with. The DAT was much more difficult than I had expected - especially for angle ranking. I would suggest the more practice the better.

Aside from the PAT (which still helped greatly), the book is a great buy. I recommend it for anyone willing to work hard for this exam.

An added note, I performed much better on the DAT than the Kaplan exams. The book helps with keeping motivation high.

Canadian DAT read this review
There are limited reference books for the Canadian DAT, which is quite different from the American DAT (the Cdn DAT has soap carving for manual dexterity testing and does not have organic chem and math on the exam).
Primarily, I used the biological science, chem, reading comprehension and PAT sections for review and practice. The last time I learned the content in university was about 8 years ago, but I found that the biology and chem reviews were comprehensive enough and prepared me enough. However, I need to point out that this is a thinking test and questions on the exam are tricky and does not necessarily ask for straight memory work and when it is recall type questions, it tends to be obscure detail you wouldn't think you'd need to remember in such detail. The reading comprehension and PAT were helpful, but again, it doesn't give enough practice. I found the suggested approach to doing the PAT in this book was useful.
I did not like the CD. Reading comprehension on the CD didn't do anything for me because it wasn't representative of the format (the reading selections were unusually short) and the rotating objects in the PAT section were not helpful to me, at least)
My advice is to do more timed practice exams. Do as many as you can.
As for the Canadian DAT, I also used practice exams from IQ Publications (not the greatest because there isn't much out there for the Canadian DAT market, but has decent practice exams). Their book on soap carving you should definitely get, but don't get their soap carving kit (the exacto knife is different than the one used in the actual exam), get the one from the Canadian Dental Association plus extra soap pieces.
The Canadian DAT was a relatively difficult exam, but I did relatively well (I am competitive with same scores as the applicants who got into dental schools in Canada--the ones that gave entrance statistics anyways). My review came from this Kaplan book and intensive practice before the exam. Of course, don't forget practice, hard work, and discipline! I studied 3 - 4 months in advance, but I was busy with my daytime job. Probably studied only 1/2 to 1 hour weekdays, a little longer on weekends. Closer to the week before the exam, I studied the entire evening. Good luck!

Weak Biology Section!
According to the guide at dentalschooladmission.com the biology section is weak and I agree since I have the Kaplan book! You need another guide for biology. Also, the CD test is not too representive of the DAT format but our choices are limited in software products.

Michael

Not worth the money
I bought this book along with TopScore CD. I looked at the reviews and thought this is a wonderful book for preparation for DAT. Well, it is not even close. The content in this book is not enough for the real DAT, especially the biology part. Fortunately I found this out before the test and I had to postpone the test one week later than I scheduled. I bought the Schaum's Outline for Biology and Chemsitry (two review books) and studied those two books intensively in the last week before DAT. Here is my scores: Bio 22, Gen 28, Org 25. I do think the Schaum's Outlines saved me from a big failure. I am glad that I didn't trust this book. And Schaum's books are amazingly inexpensive. That can save you about 20 bucks. And I am not selling my used Kaplan book here because I don't think it's that useful. Good luck with your test! ... Read more

Book Description

The market leader among all books for Step 3, Crush is an easy-to-use and effective high yield review for USMLE Step 3. The concise presentation is perfect for the busy house officer who needs a review that hits all the commonly tested concepts. The coverage also weaves in the case-based scenarios that are important part of Step 3. ... Read more

Reviews (24)

Fantastic review for Step 3!
Really glad I used this book for Step 3 review. Like most residents, I had very little time or energy to devote to studying for the exam. This book can be read over a few days and contains strictly high-yield info presented in an easy to digest manner. This author really understands the way board examiners think and ask questions and presents the material in a way that is designed to help you pass. I would recommend this book to anyone who is preparing for the exam!

dont buy from Amazon
Tried to buy this book from Amazon. After nearly one month waiting, they said it would delayed another 2+ weeks. However they did offer me free 2 day shipping, trouble was I never knew when they would ship it?? Went to Wal-Mart.com (which I HATE Wal-Mart), was sent in one day, got the newest edition, received it good condition for same price. AMAZON.com SUCKS!!

Highly regarded book for Step 3
I was in Dr. Brocert's graduating class in medical school so perhaps I am slightly biased; but I will say that Dr. Brochert was a superior student, and this book has become highly regarded.

In my personal experience, it was a useful aid in my studies for passing my final step of the USMLEs last year in 2003.

Best prep for the boards
If only Brochert had a Step One book when I was still in med school. 230 on Step II and 245 on Step III using his books.

not as good as claimed!!!
This book should have been better named as, 'crush step 2'. Step 3 is an entirely different exam. Whatever is written in this book is 'common sense'. I recently took USMLE STEP 3 field trial after reading this book. not effective.

the point is that do not be crazy about this book. Blueprint series is much better than this. It has spelling mistakes in it and at times it gives you the wrong information. Step 3 is more management oriented than diagnosis oriented and this book tells you too little about the management. I found NMS review for USMLE STEP 3 closer to the step 3 format. ... Read more