Integrative approach to microbiology and Step 1

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Hey guys,

I wanted some advice about learning micro...my microcards annotated with CMMRs tidbits have been pretty awesome with its vignette but I think what makes micro hard...and I suppose interesting, is the way information is presented to you and classified. The point I'm hitting at it is the integrative or comparative side of micro- differential diagnosis for a particular disease.. For example, in 1st year, we have been taught pathogens based on bacteria, viruses, microbes and their associated mechanisms of transmission and diseases. Some of the flowcharts are helpful but then you realize there are other ways to classify pathogens. Immuno was taught as immunology mechanisms without much regard to integration other than being taught in general mechanisms. And then second year, I assume you get the organ system approach.

I was wondering if anyone had advice about which resources online or books are good to consult to get this integrative picture. Kaplan micro and immuno (the lecture book) have INCREDIBLE tables at the end that gives you a system based approach (i.e.- type of infection-->case vignette/key clues-->common causative agent or growth requirements-->such and such bacteria) and many other comparative classifications (i.e.- invasive factors, toxin production, Lab dx, growth requirements)...these tables are pure GOLD because after learning micro for the first time, you get all the pertinent category comparisons. CMMRs and FA are good in that they cover some of the mneumonics and tables (i.e. toxin production and other common mneumonics such as TORCHES etc...), but I feel like Kaplan's tables are even more money (in terms of comprehension and vignette clues) coupled with some tables in Levinson Micro.

The point is: Micro then doesn't become a one-bug->learn everything scramble as much of learning one general aspect (i.e. transmission, systemic disease, mode immunopathogenesis, structure) , its importance, and the relevant associated pathogens. Basically, it gets your brain thinking in a more comprehensive approach to learn micro.

Maybe I'm being a bit paranoid as to how the Step 1 tests you and how many buzzwords they give you (i.e.- neonatal meningitis and bam this disease), but what is your advice about tackling micro from this angle and what resources (i.e.- kaplan tables) helped you to learn this. I guess from how my class has been testing micro, we have been getting as little as a one or two details (i.e.- just the toxin name).


Thanks.

Why do so many med students call books, resources, etc. "money?"

Like, it's a book. It doesn't sound cool to call it "money."

Carry on.

LOL yeah in retrospect that was pretty nerdy, but yeah any thoughts my SDN homies on some advice

bump

I'd be happy to give you advice, but honestly, I can't really decipher what you're trying to ask...