Book Description

Are You Ready for the Test?

Kaplan's PCAT Comprehensive Review, 2004 Edition comes complete with a targeted review of all the tested material on the PCAT plus Kaplan's highly effective test-taking strategies. With this powerful combination, PCAT Comprehensive Review, 2004 Edition can help you get the high PCAT score you need to get into pharmacy school.

Intensive Science Review

Book Description

The most CONCISE, COMPLETE, UP-TO-DATE, and USER-FRIENDLY review available
* Most frequently updated microbiology review
* High-yield review for courses, exams, and the USMLE
* 600+ USMLE-format sample questions
* Complete USMLE-type exam with all questions in case-based format
* Clinical applications emphasized
* Summaries of important microorganisms for rapid review
* Revised and expanded coverage of HIV, hepatitis viruses, and immunology
* Informative tables and figures ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Excellent
I used this book primarily during my microbiology course. I did reference it while I studied for Step 1 also. The end of this book that contains "Summary of Medically Important Bacteria/Virus/Fungi/Parasites" is a great resource to have. Get this one early and read it, then reference it as needed for your board prep.

Medical Microbiology and Immunology
Warren Levinson is a genius! This book is absolutely brilliant. I would recommend it to almost anybody who doesn't like dumbed down books like Lippincott. Levinson's Microbiology is clear and comprehensive. It tells you exactly what to focus on, and cuts out extraneous details. The immunology section is even better! You'll love this book. The questions are even fantastic in helping you remember all the bugs, and the quick summary reviews at the end make this book worth your while. One recommendation for the next edition is to add more clinically relative laboratory perspectives. Make tables and keep reviewing until the day boards comes.

Excellent book for boards
This book is an excellent source for the boards. It reviews important topics that are important to know and gives you an advantage. I liked the format of the book and it made studying painless and more enjoyable. I also used the following:
Microbiology Study Guide: Key Review Questions and Answers
(ISBN: 0971999635) by Patrick Leonardi
I used both books for the USLME and it defintely helped me pass the USLME with ease. I felt both books gave me an advantage over other students taking the test. Both books are a must for passing. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Katzung is the book of choice for medical students, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, and any other health care student who needs a thorough review of pharmacology. This new edition has USMLE-type questions, case studies, and new information on herbal supplements. --Carolyn Lewis ... Read more

Reviews (7)

great
This is what I used for pharm class in medical school (even though I bought the 'Big' one too). It's clear, simple and is great to use in your course and then again when studying for boards.

Excellent and complete book
This is the perfect book for using concurrently with a medical school pharmacology course. It is more complete and accurate than Lippincott and it contains amazing figures and graphs that help to delineate the differences between similar drugs, for example the catecholoamine receptor agonists.

It would be difficult to get through this whole book if you started from scratch a month or two before the boards, but if you used it along with your pharmacology course then it is excellent for review. Each chapter is followed by useful board-type questions that help you assess how much you have absorbed.

In addition Lange offers this book in a size guaranteed to satisfy every customre. If you use this book during the year and then study for the shelf using their "USMLE Road Map: Pharmacology" you will have a very easy time memorizing the facts from this smaller book, because it corresponds nicely to this medium-sized text.

I think that this book is very well-organized. Possibly more importantly I think that the index and the appendixes make looking up drugs and side effects very easy which makes this book a great reference to keep even after you've taken Step I. It's still on my shelf and I have used it for reference during my third year clerkships.

Katzung's Pharmacology: Examination and Board Review
This book is a great book in that covers all the material you need in a proper pharmacology course, as Lippincott is very deficient. As a review book, the style in which it is written makes it a bit difficult for review. Each drug should be covered separately, and all its effects should be included with it. The book should also contain better tables, listing both drug effects and adverse effects: since certain drugs are better than others in the same group, and some drugs are used for different purposes. It would make it a bit easier to review, since it is supposed to be a review book. In other words, the book is written nicely with excellent figures, but the tables are unthoughtful and deficient for reviewing purposes. One COMPLETE table of all drugs should be placed in the back of the book as well, listing drug effects and adverse effects for a quick review. Katzung and trevor didn't do such a great job with organising this book, so you must use it and make your own tables and notes... proper ones... so that you may be able to quickly review.

Katzung's Pharmacology: Examination and Board Review
Oh, and the questions are good, though highly detailed and picky. Use another question source as an adjunct to maximise thinking more broadly about the pharmacology topics; to help you get the bigger picture.

A More 'Realistic" choice than the full version
I originally bought the full textbook version of this (Katzung's Basic and Clinical Pharmacology). I thought it was a great book, full of good information. If you are in a scenario where you have the time to read it, it is a great purchase!
Now, if you are reading this, you probably want something more concise than "Basic and Clinical Pharmacology". Katzung's Examination and Board Review is a good start. It seems to be a good compromise between a full textbook and a review book that is little more than an outline. This book can be used to learn intial concepts as well as review them. It is a good choice for someone who needs to learn the material, but doesn't have the time to read the "big book". I highly recommend it for medical students/ ... Read more

Book Description

A must for the USMLE Step 2! This key resource in the popular First Aid series is packed with information likely to be tested plus exam preparation and test-taking strategies needed for the Step 2 exam. The Fourth Edition features over 200 illustrations, completely revised high-yield facts for each subject tested, quick reviews of relevant basic science concepts, the latest statistics on Step 2 pass rates, current ratings of test preparation resources, and vignette-style questions with answers, all in the unbeatable First Aid format. ... Read more

Reviews (17)

Definitely worth the money
I found this book to be very helpful in my studying for step 2. I felt like the book did a good job of breaking down the presentation, differential dx, diagnosis, and treatment of disease. As always with the first aid series, the mnemonics are helpful. I really liked the rapid review section that allowed one to quickly review all key concepts from each section. The emergency medicine section was also extremely helpful. One drawback would be the lack of a surgery section as surgery is one of the subjects tested on the boards. Overall, I think this is definitely worth the money. Another book I found to be helpful was Boards and Wards.

Better than the previous
First Aid for the USMLE Step 2, on its new edition brings readers preparing for the Step 2 of the American Boards a better book than previous issues. Content has been revised and expanded, and, although worse than the Step 1 equivalent, it is still the best book available to prepare for Step 2. It is excelent for last minute review, and also contains a very helpful analysis of other available board review books. Major problem is the abusive use of abbreviations that are not explained in the appendix.

Check out the 4th Edition
According to some friends who graduated over the past couple years, the previous editions of First Aid for the USMLE Step 2 were not worth the money; so I almost bypassed this new edition while browsing in the bookstore, but I'm glad I glanced through it and then decided to buy it. I used this book in conjunction with the Underground Clinical Vignettes by the same authors (kind of pricey at about $200 for the set, but surprisingly worth it; the cases are--usually--keyed to the main text). After spending a total of approximately 120 hours with these books (about four hours a night for the month prior to the exam), I raised my score from 194/79 on Step I to 228/92 on Step II. To me, that was well worth the +/- $250 it cost to purchase the package.

This book saved me on Step 2
Quite simply the most high yield text for Step 2. It's all there, and it's in a manner that's not terribly painful to get through multiple times. I used this and one question book for Step 2 with great results.

Could be better.
This book comprises the pretty comprehensive chapters of Dermatology, Neurology and Statistics. Obg is okay there. Surgery amd IM are weak. However, It is still worth to be considered. ... 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

Book Description

This popular study guide and review provide a quick survey ofthe field of biochemistry, covering the essentials that students needto know. Includes board-type questions to give students experience forwhat they will encounter in actual examinations. Now thoroughly revisedand updated throughout, with much new material on cholesterol andsteroid metabolism, nutrition and protein synthesis. Plus, the authorshave included a unique cross-referencing system to the book's companionvolume, Harvey and Champe's Lippincott's Illustrated Review ofPharmacology. ... Read more

Reviews (31)

Concise and easy to read!
I am starting medical school in the fall and after being out of school for a year, I wanted to brush up on my basic biochemistry knowledge. This book allows for concise review without having to dig through a huge text. It highlights the important points in a well organized manner. I suppliment when needed with my old biochemistry text, but haven't even needed to do that much. It is a must for anyone needing a good outline of important biochemistry topics in a clear format.

The Most Comprehensive Review Book
When I started to study this book I did not have any idea of biochemistry at all. It was almost 8 years after I had taken the course in medical school and honestly I barely passed it. This book gave me all I needed and actually thought me biochemistry from the basics to the top. I have never seen a review book more complete and flawless than this book. The only issue is, the book is lengthy and needs a lot of time to read and these days biochemistry does not show up in USMLE Step 1 very often.

Must have for biochemistry
This book was excellent for my biochemistry class and for board studying. I used it mainly as a reference during my board studying. It has great diagrams and references to biochemical diseases.

Excellent Biochem book for med school!
Excellent textbook. Thorough, but succinct. Definitely enough to ace your med school biochem and the boards.

best review ever!!
This is my all time favourite pre-clin. book. It's a must have! Highly recommended. Easy to use and understand. Master this book and you will know what there is to know in order to pass exams. ... Read more

Book Description

The best board preparation and review - from the premier center of psychiatry education, research, and treatment. A concise and accessible book for course review and board certification and recertification. Features a bulleted approach to all techniques for diagnosis and treatment and board-style questions with detailed answers. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

not enough
Pros: You can use it as a broad guideline to prepare for Part I/PRITE but it has to be supplanted by the synopsis or other texts. Solid info on major DSM d/o, psychopathology, psychopharm, CL psychiatry, special populations, health-care delivery, risk issues and neurology.
Cons: The questions are too basic and short-stemmed and do not reflect the complexity of the board questions. Your old PRITE papers will be more helpful for the practice. Some of the figures are questionable and do not tally w/ the major texts. Child and social sciences sections are inadequate and too sketchy. Psychotx sections inadequate and ill-organized for review.

Great resource for psychiatry review & preparing for Boards
This book is REALLY helpful. Each of the 83 chapters gives a comprehensive yet succinct review of a specific topic with an eye towards the "must know" facts. The chapters are grouped into 5 sections: 1) test-taking strategies, 2) psychiatric diagnosis and conditions, 3) neurological disorders, 4) treatments, and 5) special topics in psychiatry. Plus there is a Q & A section with 400 practice questions and answers explained. The psychopharm stuff is thorough and very up-to-date. I especially like the short "Suggested Readings" at the end of each chapter, which has been a great resource for those topics that I wanted to review more thoroughly. The test-taking strategies give great pointers and outline what to expect during the exam, as well as how to avoid common errors. This book is a no-nonsense, nuts-and-bolts practical guide to passing the Psychiatry Boards, and a gold mine for saving time in the process. Overall, an A+++. ... Read more

Book Description

This best selling book delivers the most current, complete, and authoritative pharmacology information to students and practitioners. All sections are updated with new drug information and references. New! Many new figures and diagrams, along with boxes of highlighted material explaining the "how and why" behind the facts. ... Read more

Reviews (14)

This is the greatest book for Pharmacology!!!!!!
This book was my bible for Pharmacology. Even though "Goodman and Gillman" contains everything there is to know about the subject, which medical school student needs to know all of that. The book first starts each chapter with a review of fundamental physiology of the normal body. Next it describes the drug and its effects on the body. Next comes the clincal pharamcology of the drugs. The understanding of pharmacology from reading this book is unparalleled.

The "Bible" for Medical school pharmacology
Katzung is brilliant. This text was an absolute bible for my med school pharmacology course & on rotations. If it's not in the Katzung book you probably don't need to know it. An absolute must to do well on the boards.

Fantastic book, but too unwieldy for medical students.
This book contains way to much information for students in a semester-long pharmacology course. The book is accurate and in depth, but contains way too much detail for medical professionals.

Great Facts For a Crime Writer's Research!
I write about drugs, crime, and prison. Most of Appleton and Lange's work is a MUST book to have by my side. Running Out Of Road is a story about the DANGERS OF DRUG ADDICTION. Thanks for your helpful book! Robert M Appleton :-)

best practical pharm text out there
This book has been a great reference for me as I've gone through medical school. Clear, well written, and with excellent illustrations, the information is easily accessible and quite practical. It may be a little advanced for beginner students, but it's an absolute must have reference for someone with a need to know pharmacology. ... Read more

Book Description

The CSE survival guide! This preparation guide for the Clinical Skills Exam (CSE) includes the most frequently tested patient cases, discussions of each case, as well as test-taking strategies and must-know facts. The CSE will be mandatory for all U.S. and Canadian medical school graduates beginning with the class of 2005 and is currently mandatory for all international medical graduates seeking U.S. medical certification. ... 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 (3)

very helpful
It is in 250 pages, with margins to take and make your own notes (a feature I used and enjoyed). It is in two parts and 18 chapters. The first Neuro Presentations (coma, headache, dizzy, dementia, ataxia). The second is Neuro Disease (vascular, infectious, trauma, demyelinating, metabolic/systemic, movement, Neoplastic, epilepsy, sleep, spinal cord, neuromuscular, pain, pediatric). Each chapter has 4-7 cases. Each case is about 2-3 pages in length. Cases are very interactive and provoking; the questions are followed by the answers/explanations. The case is built in the following manner: history and exam, summarize it, localize (not all), differential diagnosis, obtain further info, narrow the differential diagnosis, management, and prognosis.
In addition, there are informative concise reviews related to the case, for example Status protocol.
I used this book during my oral board preparation, and I found it very helpful. I agree with the two previous reviewers from June 2004.

Indispensible for Neurology Part II Boards
Fantastic review that helps you think in the style that is tested on the oral boards. An ample amount of cases in which to practice. Not bogged down with irrelevant details. A must-read prior to Part II boards.

Epilepsy Fellow
Cases are organized by topic, and each has sections on presentation, exam, summary, DDX, evaluation and treatment. Very thought-provoking, and, I'm told, much like the actual process of taking the oral exam. ... Read more

Book Description

This is a 5 volume set of the newest editions of the now famous ExamKrackers MCAT Manuals. You'll find everything that you need to know to score your best on the MCAT. For the first time, these books are sold as a five volume set with a top quality, full length practice MCAT included as a bonus. 980 pages of color and black and white illustrations on text book quality paper. 31 thirty minute topical exams in MCAT format. Over 1400 MCAT questions in all. This 5 volume set is certain to become the top selling MCAT study set this year. ... Read more

Reviews (15)

Just got my scores!
As a non-science major, I used these books and the AAMC practice exams and scored a 13V 10P 10B S on the April 2002 MCAT. These are wonderful books, especially if you're self-studying (if you haven't considered this option, DO IT! It is possible to study on your own, do well, and save HUNDREDS of dollars in the process!!) The books are easy to understand and emphasize important information you need to know for the MCAT rather than getting bogged down in tons of facts that won't be on the exam anyway. Best of all, there are mini-exams and quiz-type questions throughout the book, so you can constantly assess how you're doing and know which areas you need more work on. The message boards on the examkrackers website are also a GREAT help for any self-studier because you can post questions and the writers of the materials respond in less than 24 hours. I strongly support these books! USE THEM AND MAKE STUDYING FOR THE MCAT AS PAINLESS AS POSSIBLE! :)

Everything you need is here
I cannot recommend this set highly enough. I used these books and virtually nothing else to study for the MCAT. In fact, I recommend that you NOT use anything other than the ExamKrackers books (backed up by your textbooks as necessary when you need a particular topic clarified). They present absolutely everything you need to know -- and, more importantly, they tell you what you DON'T need to know. The MCAT covers an overwhelming amount of material as is, and these books tell you what not to waste your time studying. Every time I picked up a different company's study guide, I was sorry almost immediately due to their wealth of irrelevant content and confusing organization.

The ExamKrackers books present their information with full-color drawings on glossy pages, written in colloquial language that holds your attention. Formulas that must be memorized are written in bold red centered font and compiled at the end of each chapter. If a topic is particularly important, it tells you so; if a topic is background and won't be tested directly, it tells you so. Helpful mnemonics and diagrams abound. The book on general math skills and verbal reasoning provides real, very helpful strategies. Even if you don't find their mascot, Salty the Kracker, amusing, his presence helps lighten the mood, which in turn helps you maintain your concentration.

The ExamKrackers books were absolutely indispensable for my MCAT preparation. When I bought the set one month before the MCAT, I felt completely overwhelmed by the task of studying for the MCAT. Using these books (and devoting my entire spring break to them), I was able to wrap my brain around all of the necessary subject matter. I'm not a science major and I started taking the premed classes less than a year before I took the MCAT. Do these books work? Judge for yourself: I scored 14P 13V 13B S.

Must Have
I awarded this book a 4 since nothing I believe can be perfect and this book comes quite close to that distinction. It's well organized and I never felt my study plans confused while going through this book. Secondly it cuts the stuff and extra details the MCAT would never test. This is the major point where all other prep company's falter. Just remember to keep steady over your study schedule and over all the info presented in the book. Everything is presented in an easily comprehensible manner and can be grasped with comfort.

Good Luck.

Great review materials
Having graduated from college in 2000, I was a little rusty in my science knowledge. This study package was just the key to bring me back up to speed. All the material is presented in a simple yet effective manner, so even people with little technical background can grasp it quickly. Concepts are also emphasized according to "must know" and "recommended." That way, you know where to distribute your studying time. I would even go as far to say that this package is better than the materials that Kaplan and Princeton Review provide because it's concise and straight forward rather than a huge, discouraging phonebook. As far as the practice problems go, they're good for review and brush up as well as introductory learning, but if you're weak in any area, I'd suggest you go for the supplementary "1001 questions" books also available from examkrackers. Beyond confidence in one's mastery of the material, practice is the only way to ensure a high score. That's what I did to compensate for my shortcomings in the verbal section - I bought "101 passages." In terms of time commitment, I studied one chapter a day in two subjects with verbal and a break interspersed every couple of days (which took a total of about a month). After completing the examkrackers stuff, I just did some practice tests that I ordered from aamc.org (along with two kaplan tests). I took the April 2004 MCAT, and I'm hoping for a score in the high 30's.

ExamKrackers or Kaplan?
If you're a pre-med student you've likely heard rants and raves (and maybe a few jeers) about both ExamKrackers and Kaplan. Is ExamKrackers better than Kaplan? Not necessarily, just a bit different in the approach to teaching the material and methods. ExamKrackers books provide a bit of humor. As such, ExamKrackers books tend to do a great job at maintaining student interest. On the other hand, some students may get nervous that the relaxed, joking attitude may affect their scores negatively. What's your personality type and learning style? Like a bit of humor? Go for ExamKrackers. More the serious type? Go for Kaplan.

ExamKrackers also has a great website at which you can ask the author questions. A great resource. Yet another benefit of ExamKrackers is that you can purchase books for separate sections. Are you a science whiz and only need work on the Verbal and Writing sections? Or, did you major in English and are weak in Bio? No problem. You only need to purchase the ExamKrackers books on those subjects which you require. ... Read more

Book Description

This book provides a current and concise overview of mammalian and human physiology.Examples from clinical medicine have been integrated throughout the chapters to illuminate important physiologic concepts. The book includes more than 700 attractive and informative illustrations.A valuable self-study guide, which features content summaries, objectives, essay questions, and multiple-choice questions, is provided at the end of the book and is an excellent tool for students when reviewing for the USMLE and other examinations. ... Read more

Reviews (12)

A good, concise & easy-to-revise summary of clinical aspects
This book is one of the best Physiology books around. Although not primarily aimed at medical students, as it skimps slightly on the explanatory aspect, it is unique in the sheer amount of information it conveys. Not only that, it is very easy and quick to revise (for the day before the exams.) The amount of clinical information conveyed is very good and its section on endocrinology is unparallelled.

Premier Physiology Textbook
This is the premier physiology textbook on the market, by far and away the best physiology textbook in the world for physicians and medical students. It is concise without being too brief and detailed without being boring. Whereas Guyton contains lots of extraneous words, every word in Ganong is designed to convey the maximum amount of information. This book is ideal for medical students; it allows the rapid assimilation of concepts with the appropriate level of depth. An added benefit is the fact that this book is revised every other year meaning it is always current. This text also has chapter review questions (Both short answer and MCQ) with answers (for the MCQ questions).

very great book
It is very good book .
It has very comperhensive & detailed infomation for what you want to know in medical physiology . It helps me greatly in my med. study .

A great book on physiology
Ganong's book on physiology is the best physiology book I have encountered. It was difficult to read at the time, but all the details were important, and the knowledge helped me through many subjects later. It contains all the information you will ever need on physiology, and the index is extensive.
If you want a fast-read, easy book, this is not it.

You must master this book
If you intend to hit the 95th percentile or higher on the USMLE you must master the material in this book. Step 1 is the most important test of your life and if you try to get by with "First Aid" and the BRS book, you will be crushed by the competition. If you aren't interested in a competitive residency then it doesn't matter what you study. If you are interested in Radiology, Ortho, Plastic, Derm or Optho programs (which all demand applicants of the highest cognitive ability) then this is even more essential.

Yes it is longer than most resources so get an early start and start outlining by the start of your second year. In fact, I would suggest First Years start memorizing as soon as they can. Don't forget STEP 1 is the most important exam that you will face far more important than the SAT or MCAT. I might even go so far to say that if you are a senior of junior in Undergrad and belive you can get into medical school and believe that you have the cognitive ability to do one of the hard residencies, then buy this book now and try to read 10-20 pages every day until D DAY arrives at the end of second year because if you blow step 1 then it is over and you will be doing medicine or path or family. FYI for Biochem master that book written by the guy from at Stanford, Pharm-Katzung, Path-Big Robbins Anatomy-Moore will suffice but Gray would be better.

Read all those and you will destroy your competition.

Good Luck with step 1!!!!! ... Read more

Book Description

_______

This review is ideal for medical students & residents who are looking for the ultimate board review book for the **USMLE Steps 2 & 3**. Students who are preparing for these exams and are thinking about a residency in medicine, as well as internal medicine residents will ALSO be way ahead of the game when it comes time to sit for their **MEDICINE BOARDS**, that one last boards you’ll take in your third year of medicine residency. This book is concise, thorough, and fully-outlined, so you will clearly see the relationships between all the concepts you’ll have to know. It also features tons of great MNEMONICS you’ll thank your lucky stars for.

Speaking of stars, we know you’ll appreciate our ample use of formatting, especially the use of ***STARRED ITEMS*** which highlight all the recently asked and most commonly asked material on the exam. You should know that this book is an excellent companion to the Frontrunners’ INTERNAL MEDICINE 2004 Q&A REVIEW: Self-Assessment & BOARD REVIEW, which features over 1200 Q&A to prepare you for your boards.

If you’re a mnemonics fan (and who isn’t when there's so much to know?), or like the ones here, then you’ll definitely want to check out TURBO MNEMONICS FOR THE BOARDS 2004: Memory Aids to Commonly Asked CLINICAL Material You GOTTA Know for the USMLE & Medicine Boards. It features OVER 400 truly excellent mnemonics that, we promise, will make your life a whole lot easier. At the same time these resources are outstanding study aids for medical students, residents, internists, and other health care professionals who simply want the best no-nonsense review of internal medicine. Originally designed as the syllabus for the FRONTRUNNERS' INTERNAL MEDICINE BOARD REVIEW COURSE, this book remains today much of the same core material for the board review course, which has seen unparalleled pass rates among its students on the boards. The course has been widely and enthusiastically received for its unconventional, no-nonsense approach to the review of internal medicine.

All major subsections of the exam have been represented with each section bearing its own chapter. Aren’t you tired of reading and rereading (or even falling asleep!) amid long-winded paragraphs from standard textbooks that never make it clear what’s important to know for the exam? So were we, and that’s how this book came into being. This book is completely outlined, so that the relationship between concepts is CRYSTAL CLEAR—no more guessing! You’ll also find tons of key mnemonics you’ll definitely be using on your exam, along with CONTRIBUTIVE FORMATTING through the use of bolds, underlining, italics, boxed-in points, and of course, the ***STARRED ITEMS*** to help call your attention to particularly important material, that the boards like to ask--an outstanding way to capitalize on those last few hours before your exam.

Having said all this, we also realize that there are individuals who have, over the years, grown weary of tedious self-study and who want to take advantage of a sit-down, "feed-me" style of board review, with all the same core material, slides, cases, and more, even if the syllabus can come to them. For this reason we continue to offer our formal WEEKEND MARATHON BOARD REVIEW, covering 18 hours of intensive internal medicine review of all the subspecialties over 1 Sat/Sun. 9 hours each day. Fast paced. High yield items only. Typically the first weekend in August. Don't miss it! Call 866-MDBOARD or 866-IMREVIEW for enrollment details and dates or to order any of our OTHER board review materials, including: 1) TURBO MNEMONICS FOR THE BOARDS, featuring > 400 anagrams and other mnemonics to markedly improve the efficiency of your board review studying; or 2) the Q&A REVIEW, featuring > 1200 Q&A, see the "Quick Order Form" at the very end of this book or just call 866-MDBOARDs or!866-IMREVIEW to order OR inquire. ... Read more

Reviews (15)

We're ALREADY Recommending It
My friend and I studied together last year, using Nail the Boards as our primary study aid, and we both did really well. There was a ton of stuff on the exam right from the book, and a well-organized, completely-outlined format saved us a lot of time. The mnemonics were great we got a lot of points on the exam from those alone. Tables and algorithms were equally well-chosen. The index is well-designed too and made it easy for us to look up specific topics where we were weak. She and I would recommend this review book for sure. The 2002 edition is actually even better. I'm recommending it now to my second and third year residents who are preparing for THEIR exam and am very happy I learned about the book before my exam.

EXCELLENT REVIEW ! * * * * *
I used this book for my step 3 and did very well, so I'm recommending it highly to any of my friends or anyone still looking. I used the starred items to cram a couple hours before the exam and got a ton of points just from those! I also used ALOT of the memory aids from the book on my exam! My friend used it for her step 2 as well and did great, but for step 3 I can definitely say you GOTTA have it.

THANK MY LUCKY 'STARS'...
I TRULY want to 'thank my lucky stars'. I went thru all the starred items in the book, which are all the most commonly-asked material on the boards, then went thru everything in detail, and finally reviewed the starred items only 2 days before the exam and scored 98%ile on my USMLE 3. I got TONS of questions just from those starred items. So, truly, I'm thanking my lucky stars. The 2nd & 3rd year residents are using it for ther medicine boards curriculum as part of our in-house board review. I guess I'll be ahead of the game. Anyway, I'm giving it a HUGE RECOMMEND.

EXCELLENT BOOK
This is an excellent book. This book was a major part of my success on Steps 2 AND 3. I support it whole-heartedly. From my experience, if you want to PASS USMLE STEPS 2 AND 3, this book is a MUST. Guaranteed, you will do much better than your fellow-mates.

Without a doubt, the best
Without a doubt, the best feature of this book is the STARRED items (*) which basically gives you all the commonly asked material on the exam. For me, it was a gold mine. I went thru all of the starred items the day before my exam. I know I got an extra 20-30 points on my STEP 3 from those items alone. Like one of the other reviewers, I also thought the Frontrunners q&a companion was a great way to prepare. It also had alot of stuff right out of the exam. ... 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

Reviews (14)

Great Anatomy review
This book is great for a review for first year exams as well as for boards - I highly recommend

Not good, not bad
This book had so many rave reviews that I had to buy it. However it appears to be US centric and geared towards the USMLE not gross anatomy. It is incredibly brief and does not contain the depth of anatomical detail that is needed to pass British or Australian medical school exams. Aside from the lack of sufficient detail the diagrams are just average. There are a number of other textbooks that are better, for a book of approximate size I recommend Last's Anatomy, which is exceptional. In my opinion this is not a bad text, but it's not that great either.

Great review, needs pictures
Great review for the USMLE Step 1. Good price. I think it could use more pictures. Good organization and with useful details. If you are going to get this book you should get an Atlas (Netter is the best). A good buy.

Excellent book for the boards
I found this book to be a must buy for the USMLE Step 1. It helped me focus in on key aspects of the material. The book helped me remember facts easier and with less stress. However, I also used the following book which is also on amazon.com:
Spinal Anatomy Study Guide: Key Review Questions and Answers
by Patrick Leonardi (ISBN: 0971999600)
The second book helped me to be ready for some of the type of questions encountered on the USMLE Step 1. I was recommended this book from a friend and he was right on target with the Spinal Anatomy Study Guide. Get both books, worth the money.

If you cant stand looking at an informative picture, buy it!
This book is cerainly a disgrace for BRS in general. Unlike the beautiful Biochemistry and Physiology BRS, this Anatomy book is really a disaster at least reputation wise for the BRS. Yu don't believe me, just buy it and you will NOT want to study from it. The most crucial thing in Anatomy is a good diagram, but there are few diagrams and they are horrible anyways! ... Read more

Book Description

The best-selling question and answer pharmacy review book! Includes over 1,500NAPLEX® exam-style questions with concise answers and explanations, 30 “Patient Medication Profiles” (cases), and a CD-ROM with a practice test, including Q&A and cases not found in the book. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Good Reference Book
I purchased the last edition of this book, but decided more people would read the review for this edition. The book is an excellent review of Pharmacy. Note that I did not say an excellent review for the NAPLEX. This book has more information than you will need to pass the exam. However, if you are worried about your skills or would like to brush up this is an excellent reference. Try not to get too hung up on the questions you miss. Also advice for students taking the NAPLEX soon, don't take the pre-NAPLEX. It's a waste of 50 dollars. Chances are you'll pass the NAPLEX look at the statistics. ... Read more

Book Description

Are you ready for Step 2 CK of the USMLE?

USMLE Step 2 CK Qbook from Kaplan Medical -- -the leading provider of test preparation for medical licensure -- provides you with 850 high-yield exam-style questions, plus Kaplan Medical's highly effective test-taking strategies.

Prepare
with high-yield medical content tested on the exam.

Practice
with hundreds of test-like questions and a complete explanation for every answer choice.

Pass
with Kaplan Medical's powerful strategies for effectively managing your time and minimizing stress. ... Read more