MS1: supplements to learning

Lys Ile Glu Leu · Feb 26, 2013

Does anybody have recommendations on study aids for MS1, such add additional books (non-textbook books, if that makes sense), flash cards, or Android apps, etc..?

Thinking about stocking up on some things in advance while my savings account is still reasonable.

Thoughts?

MedPR · Feb 26, 2013

Lysilegluleu said:
Does anybody have recommendations on study aids for MS1, such add additional books (non-textbook books, if that makes sense), flash cards, or Android apps, etc..?

Thinking about stocking up on some things in advance while my savings account is still reasonable.

Thoughts?

Gym membership and friends.

SLC · Feb 26, 2013

A lot of people buy first aid for the USMLE and use it as a guide for the things to really know well. You're going to learn a lot in the first two years, all of it relevant in one way or another I suppose, but only a portion of it relevant to the board examinations. Having a guide on the things to really focus on knowing cold is about the only thing I wish I'd done differently during my pre-clinicals.

As far as mobile apps go, there are a couple of threads floating around here where I've made recommendations on things I've gotten utility from during pre-clinicals. Mostly Epocrates, Eponyms, and Skyscape.

cliquesh · Feb 26, 2013

First aid for step 1, physiology BRS, rapid review Pathology goljan is all you need for a good board score.

Color Atlas of Anatomy: A Photographic Study of the Human Body was good for anatomy. It has pictures of dissected cadavers with labels. I thought it was really helpful for gross anatomy tests.

Histotimes CD-rom is good for normal histology. Your school may have a copy in the library.

If you want to be a true gunner, you could buy a year subscription to a question bank (such as usmle rx, Kaplan qbank, or usmle world) and do the corresponding questions in the qbank for whatever system you're learning about in class. Like doing all of the anatomy questions during your anatomy course, all of cardiology questions during cardiology, etc...I'm sure you'd get a high board score if you did that and it wouldn't take too much extra time.

NeuroLAX · Feb 26, 2013

SLC said:
A lot of people buy first aid for the USMLE and use it as a guide for the things to really know well. You're going to learn a lot in the first two years, all of it relevant in one way or another I suppose, but only a portion of it relevant to the board examinations. Having a guide on the things to really focus on knowing cold is about the only thing I wish I'd done differently during my pre-clinicals.

As far as mobile apps go, there are a couple of threads floating around here where I've made recommendations on things I've gotten utility from during pre-clinicals. Mostly Epocrates, Eponyms, and Skyscape.

I also have First Aid and use Epocrates and Eponyms on my phone. Haven't opened First Aid yet.

cliquesh said:
First aid for step 1, physiology BRS, rapid review Pathology goljan is all you need for a good board score.

Color Atlas of Anatomy: A Photographic Study of the Human Body was good for anatomy. It has pictures of dissected cadavers with labels. I thought it was really helpful for gross anatomy tests.

Histotimes CD-rom is good for normal histology. Your school may have a copy in the library.

If you want to be a true gunner, you could buy a year subscription to a question bank (such as usmle rx, Kaplan qbank, or usmle world) and do the corresponding questions in the qbank for whatever system you're learning about in class. Like doing all of the anatomy questions during your anatomy course, all of cardiology questions during cardiology, etc...I'm sure you'd get a high board score if you did that and it wouldn't take too much extra time.

Physiology BRS is awesome. I have a few other books from the BRS line as well.

The ____ Made Ridiculously Simple line of books can also be a helpful resource, particularly for microbiology.

I wouldn't waste my time or money with extra resources for histo. But that's just my opinion.

Other than the aforementioned resources, I really like browsing the net for resources from other schools. You can pick up some really helpful stuff from other schools, as well as YouTube (sparingly).

SLC · Feb 26, 2013

NeuroLAX said:
The ____ Made Ridiculously Simple line of books can also be a helpful resource, particularly for microbiology.

Be careful with the micro made ridiculously simple book, our Microbiology faculty warned us that there are a lot of subtle inaccuracies in there.

survivordo · Feb 26, 2013

Any study guides etc that you can get from previous years are invaluable! I would second pathology rapid review and brs physiology. Also Rohen's anatomy is great (pictures instead of drawings). Check out my blog (linked below) where I have a lot more suggestions.

Survivor DO

NeuroLAX · Feb 26, 2013

SLC said:
Be careful with the micro made ridiculously simple book, our Microbiology faculty warned us that there are a lot of subtle inaccuracies in there.

Yeah I'm aware. Already spotted a few. I use it mostly for its easy-to-remember mnemonics.

NeuroLAX · Feb 26, 2013

survivordo said:
Any study guides etc that you can get from previous years are invaluable! I would second pathology rapid review and brs physiology. Also Rohen's anatomy is great (pictures instead of drawings). Check out my blog (linked below) where I have a lot more suggestions.

Survivor DO

Thanks for the blog link. I'll definitely take a look 👍

I loved Rohen's. a lot of my classmates used the Netter's atlas but we get that on our ebooks CD anyway.

Lys Ile Glu Leu · Feb 26, 2013

Hey, everyone. Thanks for all the recommendations. I'll check em out. While we're still on topic (not that I thought this thread would deviate), do you find flash card sets useful/helpful, e.g., for anatomy?

SLC · Feb 26, 2013

Lysilegluleu said:
Hey, everyone. Thanks for all the recommendations. I'll check em out. While we're still on topic (not that I thought this thread would deviate), do you find flash card sets useful/helpful, e.g., for anatomy?

If you're a flashcard type person, then yes.

Might I recommend Rubin's Path (2000 free pathology flashcards, available on iTunes app store for free) as a good source.

I also often use Quizlet.com to make my own flashcards, then download the sets with Touchcards to my phone so I can review them on the go.

FrkyBgStok · Feb 26, 2013

If anything, i would recommend the BRS books simply because it is a concise and easy way to review the main points of material before a test.

corpsman33 · Feb 26, 2013

I agree with most of the recommendations above, but Netter's Flashcards were also awesome when quizzing yourself on anatomy.

NeuroLAX · Feb 26, 2013

corpsman33 said:
I agree with most of the recommendations above, but Netter's Flashcards were also awesome when quizzing yourself on anatomy.

I second this. Overall I found them to be a good time killer.

MedPR · Feb 26, 2013

Idk if all schools do it, but the school near me has a book fair for older students to sell their stuff. I got netters flash cards for $5, big costanzo physio for $10, and BRS physio for $7. Something to consider before you go and spend hundreds on stuff you can get way cheaper.

Sent from my SGH-T999 using SDN Mobile

Mr Kenobi · Feb 26, 2013

Is there much of a difference between First Aid for COMLEX and USMLE?

corpsman33 · Feb 26, 2013

Mr Kenobi said:
Is there much of a difference between First Aid for COMLEX and USMLE?

Yes. I believe the First Aid for the Comlex pertains solely to the Osteopathic principles that will be tested on the Comlex. The First Aid for the USMLE pertains to everything else (i.e. when studying for the Comlex you will also use the First Aid for the USMLE also).

Mr Kenobi · Feb 26, 2013

corpsman33 said:
Yes. I believe the First Aid for the Comlex pertains solely to the Osteopathic principles that will be tested on the Comlex. The First Aid for the USMLE pertains to everything else (i.e. when studying for the Comlex you will also use the First Aid for the USMLE also).

Thank you

Lys Ile Glu Leu · Feb 26, 2013

MedPR said:
Idk if all schools do it, but the school near me has a book fair for older scents to sell their stuff. I got netters flash cards for $5, big costanzo physio for $10, and BRS physio for $7. Something to consider before you go and spend hundreds on stuff you can get way cheaper.

Sent from my SGH-T999 using SDN Mobile

👍👍 I'll keep my eyes open for something like that. Thanks for the heads up.

NeuroLAX · Feb 26, 2013

corpsman33 said:
Yes. I believe the First Aid for the Comlex pertains solely to the Osteopathic principles that will be tested on the Comlex. The First Aid for the USMLE pertains to everything else (i.e. when studying for the Comlex you will also use the First Aid for the USMLE also).

Would you happen to know how First Aid for COMLEX stacks up against other OPP/OMM sources for board prep (e.g. Savarese)? I haven't looked at either so I don't have a grasp on their content.

angldrps · Feb 26, 2013

some good advice here:
http://www.drwillbe.blogspot.com/2011/09/if-i-were-to-do-it-all-over-again-tips.html
http://streetmd.blogspot.com/2011/08/how-to-prepare-for-usmle-step-1.html

corpsman33 · Feb 26, 2013

NeuroLAX said:
Would you happen to know how First Aid for COMLEX stacks up against other OPP/OMM sources for board prep (e.g. Savarese)? I haven't looked at either so I don't have a grasp on their content.

I haven't looked at either one yet (in fact I am just starting to look at First Aid for USMLE). But the general undertone I am gathering from most people on here and other 3rd and 4th years is that Savarese is where it's at......but I am just a lowly 1st year (at least for another 2.5 months.........😀) so who knows.

Lys Ile Glu Leu · Feb 26, 2013

angldrps said:
some good advice here:
http://www.drwillbe.blogspot.com/2011/09/if-i-were-to-do-it-all-over-again-tips.html
http://streetmd.blogspot.com/2011/08/how-to-prepare-for-usmle-step-1.html

Thanks for the link post. Awesome supplement to this thread, and answers my original question pretty well. 👍

cliquesh · Feb 27, 2013

NeuroLAX said:
Would you happen to know how First Aid for COMLEX stacks up against other OPP/OMM sources for board prep (e.g. Savarese)? I haven't looked at either so I don't have a grasp on their content.

I have both. I think savarrase is more complete, especially if you do the questions in the back. If you read savarese and do the combank and/or comquest omm questions, you should get most of the omm questions right.

First aid for the comlex is fine too. Just not as good for boards. It may be.more applicable to real life, however.

racerwad · Feb 27, 2013

I can't believe no one has mentioned Pathoma yet. http://www.pathoma.com/

Dr. Sattar breaks everything down into the basics in a clear and straightforward style. I have Goljan's as well and I've found Goljan's to be a little more thorough on a topic. Personally, I like having a clear framework and then adding on which is why I like the simplicity of Pathoma.

angldrps · Feb 27, 2013

racerwad said:
I can't believe no one has mentioned Pathoma yet. http://www.pathoma.com/

Dr. Sattar breaks everything down into the basics in a clear and straightforward style. I have Goljan's as well and I've found Goljan's to be a little more thorough on a topic. Personally, I like having a clear framework and then adding on which is why I like the simplicity of Pathoma.

Is this something you would recommend to an incoming M1? I had always read that most students don't start using Pathoma/Gojlan until second year.

angldrps · Feb 27, 2013

Lysilegluleu said:
Thanks for the link post. Awesome supplement to this thread, and answers my original question pretty well. 👍

glad it helped👍 I bookmarked these a long time ago so just sharing it with others in the same boat as me.

racerwad · Feb 27, 2013

angldrps said:
Is this something you would recommend to an incoming M1? I had always read that most students don't start using Pathoma/Gojlan until second year.

Most don't start until then, but I don't know that most are satisfied with having done it that way.

I wish that I had started sooner just because our path teaching isn't that strong. Other institutions may differ. I agree that one doesn't need to start board prepping from day one, but it does help to be more than superficially familiar with the study resources available once board prep time comes.

cliquesh · Feb 27, 2013

You could read pathoma or goljan now, as a premed, and understand it.

survivordo · Feb 28, 2013

cliquesh said:
I have both. I think savarrase is more complete, especially if you do the questions in the back. If you read savarese and do the combank and/or comquest omm questions, you should get most of the omm questions right.

First aid for the comlex is fine too. Just not as good for boards. It may be.more applicable to real life, however.

Agreed that savarese is where it's at. Do the questions (read it too if you need some further explanation) and memorize that page with all the tender points/chapman's points and you will be solid for the OMM section.

Survivor DO

NeuroLAX · Feb 28, 2013

survivordo said:
Agreed that savarese is where it's at. Do the questions (read it too if you need some further explanation) and memorize that page with all the tender points/chapman's points and you will be solid for the OMM section.

Survivor DO

Sweet. Having a concise chart in a board prep book sounds nice. I wouldn't have to carry around my lab manuals. Speaking of which, I have about 70 thoracic and lumbar points to memorize for Monday. At least most of them are bilateral.

ladybug1552 · Feb 28, 2013

Does anyone have any idea how much the prep books (specifically First Aid) change on a yearly basis? I found a cheap 2011 version on Amazon and am tempted to buy it but won't be taking Step 1 until 2015....

SLC · Feb 28, 2013

ladybug1552 said:
Does anyone have any idea how much the prep books (specifically First Aid) change on a yearly basis? I found a cheap 2011 version on Amazon and am tempted to buy it but won't be taking Step 1 until 2015....

Save your money, the newer versions have color images, and often change somewhat. The brand new book costs less than $45.00 most of the time, and it won't be "pre-loved" with markings and highlighter etc.

MedPR · Feb 28, 2013

SLC said:
Save your money, the newer versions have color images, and often change somewhat. The brand new book costs less than $45.00 most of the time, and it won't be "pre-loved" with markings and highlighter etc.

Med school books are awesomely cheap. Not $300 general chem books.

Sent from my SGH-T999 using SDN Mobile

ladybug1552 · Feb 28, 2013

SLC said:
Save your money, the newer versions have color images, and often change somewhat. The brand new book costs less than $45.00 most of the time, and it won't be "pre-loved" with markings and highlighter etc.

So would you recommend buying the newest version each year that it comes out? I was planning on buying a bunch of books for step 1 this spring and annotating/reviewing them over the course of ms1 and ms2.

SLC · Feb 28, 2013

ladybug1552 said:
So would you recommend buying the newest version each year that it comes out? I was planning on buying a bunch of books for step 1 this spring and annotating/reviewing them over the course of ms1 and ms2.

Yeah, I'd just buy a 2013 (2012 has a lot of errors) and use it for class. 2011 was the last year without color images, which probably isn't that big of a deal, but at the very least the histology is nicer that way.

ladybug1552 · Feb 28, 2013

SLC said:
Yeah, I'd just buy a 2013 (2012 has a lot of errors) and use it for class. 2011 was the last year without color images, which probably isn't that big of a deal, but at the very least the histology is nicer that way.

Will do, thanks!

cliquesh · Feb 28, 2013

MedPR said:
Med school books are awesomely cheap. Not $300 general chem books.

Sent from my SGH-T999 using SDN Mobile

Real medical books are like $400, but everyone uses review books now a days. It's kind of sad...sort of.

NeuroLAX · Feb 28, 2013

MedPR said:
Med school books are awesomely cheap. Not $300 general chem books.

Sent from my SGH-T999 using SDN Mobile

You actually paid that much for an undergrad chem book? Where did you buy it from?

MedPR · Feb 28, 2013

NeuroLAX said:
You actually paid that much for an undergrad chem book? Where did you buy it from?

Audio book narrated by Michael Jackson

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corpsman33 · Mar 1, 2013

Also, if anybody wants a good OMM book (not for boards, but just to learn OMM), then I highly recommend the Atlas of Osteopathic Techniques 2nd edition. I just got it after several classmates recommended it and I wish I had bought it from day 1. Absolutely incredible. It has step by step instructions for each technique accompanied by picture by picture illustrations.

I am pretty sure this book could teach a lay person to do OMM (minus the fine-tuned palpatory techniques needed to diagnose). I am definitely going to keep this book in my office from hence forth.

NeuroLAX · Mar 1, 2013

corpsman33 said:
Also, if anybody wants a good OMM book (not for boards, but just to learn OMM), then I highly recommend the Atlas of Osteopathic Techniques 2nd edition. I just got it after several classmates recommended it and I wish I had bought it from day 1. Absolutely incredible. It has step by step instructions for each technique accompanied by picture by picture illustrations.

I am pretty sure this book could teach a lay person to do OMM (minus the fine-tuned palpatory techniques needed to diagnose). I am definitely going to keep this book in my office from hence forth.

Do you not have step-by-step instructions with pictures in your lab manual? How is it any better (or different) than what I'm given for lab?

corpsman33 · Mar 1, 2013

NeuroLAX said:
Do you not have step-by-step instructions with pictures in your lab manual? How is it any better (or different) than what I'm given for lab?

I have no idea. What kind of lab manuel do you have? Who was the author?

NeuroLAX · Mar 1, 2013

corpsman33 said:
I have no idea. What kind of lab manuel do you have? Who was the author?

Just your standard run of the mill type lab manual that I presume was put together by the OPP faculty. It has step by step instructions with a picture or two for each technique. It doesn't go into detail like a textbook might.

corpsman33 · Mar 1, 2013

NeuroLAX said:
Just your standard run of the mill type lab manual that I presume was put together by the OPP faculty. It has step by step instructions with a picture or two for each technique. It doesn't go into detail like a textbook might.

Well I am not entirely sure. We were never given lab manuels, but were told to buy certain required textbooks. I guess if the lab manuels are really really well put together and thourough and comprehensive then they might be just as good, but I can't say one way or the other without seeing them.

But the Atlas of Osteopathic Techniques is incredible. It is extremely thorough and walks you through each individual step with picture guides for each and every step. I love it and I think it is a "must-have" for every DO.

NeuroLAX · Mar 1, 2013

corpsman33 said:
Well I am not entirely sure. We were never given lab manuels, but were told to buy certain required textbooks. I guess if the lab manuels are really really well put together and thourough and comprehensive then they might be just as good, but I can't say one way or the other without seeing them.

But the Atlas of Osteopathic Techniques is incredible. It is extremely thorough and walks you through each individual step with picture guides for each and every step. I love it and I think it is a "must-have" for every DO.

corpsman, do you happen to be under contract with the publishers? 😀

I kid. It sounds like an excellent resource for those that are looking to make a long-term investment. 👍

corpsman33 · Mar 1, 2013

NeuroLAX said:
corpsman, do you happen to be under contract with the publishers? 😀

I kid. It sounds like an excellent resource for those that are looking to make a long-term investment. 👍

I wish, but that sounds like a great idea. I should setup some kind of contract/sponsorship......I'll take 20% of each purchase I refer :naughty:

gmcguitar4 · Mar 1, 2013

@ survivordo I am officially a follower of your blog..all great stuff. thank you!

Kevin Baker · Mar 1, 2013

I highly recommend pathoma and think it's more useful than first aid for a MS1. Costanzo's physio book has been pretty good as well.

MedPR · Mar 1, 2013

Kevin Baker said:
I highly recommend pathoma and think it's more useful than first aid for a MS1. Costanzo's physio book has been pretty good as well.

You recommend paying for the pathoma subscription for 2 years? Why?

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