Books for Classes

[wjs010]

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Just another quick word about FC. While much (not all) of FC is directly out of FA, there are many topics that are spread over many pages in FA and FC consolidates all this into one card pertaining to that topic. For example, there is info about S.pyogenes on FA pages 150, 250, and 350 (those page numbers are made up), but FC puts all of it on one card called "S.pyogenes". So instead of having to look through the FA index to read everything about S.pyogenes, you just need to read the FC card.

I probably could've explained that better, but I hope you get the point. FC consolidates info and makes it much easier to review things all at once.

So FC is better than FA?

 

[IH8ColdWeath3r]

Hard to say. If you ask me, I would say yes, but what do I know, I have barely even touched FA. I like the diagrams and the organization of the material in FA. There are also people who are the traditional book, pen, and paper type that prefer that over digital notes. So, it really depends on the person. One person earlier said they had a hard time sticking with FC and doing it every day (especially during busy exam weeks), so you have to take that into account.

I like FC a lot and would recommend it from day 1, even though I didn't start it until second semester because I didn't know about it and heard about it from a friend. But I also have FA and use it as a reference sometimes. FA is only $40 whereas a year of FC is $400, but it can hurt to get both. Btw, if you are concerned about the money, all I have to say is .....DROP ($440) IN THE BUCKET (~$240K)

 

[dyspareunia]

So FC is better than FA?

If I had to choose one or the other I would choose FA. With that said, FC is not meant to replace FA. FC is just another resource to use during M1/M2 and I think it's a very convenient supplement to coursework.

 

[DrEnderW]

If I had to choose one or the other I would choose FA. With that said, FC is not meant to replace FA. FC is just another resource to use during M1/M2 and I think it's a very convenient supplement to coursework.

Strongly agree.

I would use FC starting first year and you can assess how you feel about the digital cards and presentation of the material. Moving into 2nd year, decide if you'd like to solely use FC or pick up FA. As another poster mentioned, FA is excellent for the diagrams, charts, and clear presentation. It's awesome for micro, IMO.

 

[DermViser]

I've seen a lot of threads about board prep and have a general grasp on what to get. However, what about books for classes, like if we want a little more than class handouts for the different subjects.

do you recommend any specific books, and can you say which subject they are best for? I've heard costanzo for physio and BRS for biochem, but i'd like to get a better idea about books for classes that isn't from 2004 ( search function, lol) . Thanks alot.

I would recommend board review books.

So for example:
Biochemistry
- Rapid Review Biochemistry (Lippincott's Biochemistry is great for coursework, but too much for board review)

Physiology
- the longer Physiology book by Costanzo

 

[postbacpremed87]

I would recommend board review books.

So for example:
Biochemistry
- Rapid Review Biochemistry (Lippincott's Biochemistry is great for coursework, but too much for board review)

Physiology
- the longer Physiology book by Costanzo

Derm -

Did you like Rapid Review Pathology by Goljan

 

[DermViser]

Derm -

Did you like Rapid Review Pathology by Goljan

I actually really did. It was great to use Rapid Review along with the Goljan audio because it really explained the pathophysiology behind disease, so you can see things in an integrated manner, which is crucial for USMLE Step 1.

These days, I guess most people are using Pathoma but I don't know how much it has replaced Rapid Review as a resource.

 

[Roxas]

Can anyone here comment on Robbins (big vs. little or neither) for path? I found an older thread on the topic but would like to hear some current opinions.

 

[IH8ColdWeath3r]

Can anyone here comment on Robbins (big vs. little or neither) for path? I found an older thread on the topic but would like to hear some current opinions.

Won't be necessary for 1st year. Some of my friends used to quizzes from Robbins for path but at our school (the same place you got in I believe?) the introductory path course first year is very specific to what the professors have in their handouts. Still, I would recommend pathoma to see overlap but anything else is unnecessary. Like I said, wait until school starts before buying anything.

 

[ph7]

It seems that we should wait till class starts to buy texts, why so?

 

[Elevencents]

It seems that we should wait till class starts to buy texts, why so?

Because you don't know what texts will be needed or not? I never bought textbooks in undergrad until a week into school and then rarely found the need for them.

Not to mention you can get discounts once school starts rather than paying full price and have them lay around all summer.

 

[postbacpremed87]

For someone who hasn't had biochemistry yet, what would be the best book for medical school purposes?

Edit: DermViser - so Lippincott's General Textbook for detailed studying and then a board review book should be sufficient?

 

[DrEnderW]

It seems that we should wait till class starts to buy texts, why so?

You'll get books free for joining certain organizations, discounts on others, or M2/3/4s selling old books for cheap. Furthermore, your class may have some online to access. Amazon Prime (free for students) gets you anything in 1-2 days once you start so there's no rush.

 

[DrEnderW]

For someone who hasn't had biochemistry yet, what would be the best book for medical school purposes?

Edit: DermViser - so Lippincott's General Textbook for detailed studying and then a board review book should be sufficient?

Yes - Lippincottt Biochemistry would be the go to book for in depth details.

 

[dyspareunia]

For someone who hasn't had biochemistry yet, what would be the best book for medical school purposes?

Edit: DermViser - so Lippincott's General Textbook for detailed studying and then a board review book should be sufficient?

Lippincott was good for biochem, but FA and your class notes might be sufficient. They were for me and I never had biochem before.

 

[postbacpremed87]

Is anyone familiar with Ross - Histology A Text and Atlas? I was able to pick this one up at a heavily discounted price.

 

[BestDoctorEver]

@DermViser and others... Should I also buy FA Q&A or should I only buy the book?

 

[UTsksk]

I'm doing Netter's for overview before lab (spatial relationships/rough idea what to look for) and I have a copy of Rohen's Color Atlas for after lab and to study for practicals. I think that combo should work well.

Careful with netter's. His pics are too perfect and clean so when you look in the body and don't see the muscle that's supposed to be there, don't worry. During my master's I used netter's and I liked it. Definitely using it again for 1st year. Nothing beats placing the book on a stand and getting your gloves dirty.

 

[DrEnderW]

Is anyone familiar with Ross - Histology A Text and Atlas? I was able to pick this one up at a heavily discounted price.

It's okay - our prof used if for additional images to go over in lab. Decent but definitely wouldn't be my go to. I'd get whatever atlas your school recommends. You could use Ross for an additional set of images.

UVA histology website is were the money is at.