FA 08 vs 09

[sendwich]

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Hi guys,

I'm currently using '08 FA version b/c didnt want to shell out more money for the '09 versions. As I'm going through the book (and comparing with what's up on USMLERx, and am getting worried. A question referred to something on page 174 (2009) that I found was in pg 149 (2008). I realize they could have just switched some stuff around but there is the potential that 10-20pages of additional info was added w/in 1 year. Does this mean I should go out and get the 2009 edition??? I'm taking the exam in 5 weeks so I still have time. but I've also already started annotated my version.

 

[hanky1982]

I have FA 08, and some of the students here have 09. I have looked at both quite extensively, and I have found that there are some differences, but not a ton. Like they will add an extra sentance, or a new diagram... also there is more space on the pages which has added to some of its length. I am keeping my 08 b/c I have annotated so much in it. If it is worth it to you to have the most "current" edition then get it, but medicine hasn't changed that much in one year. Again, they are small details as well as additional space and diagrams added to the new addition.

 

[Knicks]

I'm using the 2006 edition.

lol 😳

 

[Knicks]

oops, double post

 

[sendwich]

I've found a few additions, some 5-6 lines long. and helpful diagrams too. but like you mentioned, not a big deal (so far).

thanks guys!

 

[jackbauer]

I was planning to stick with 08 but flipping through the two side-by-side, there were actually a lot of changes to the 09 version. For example the list of endocrine hormone signaling pathways came up in my study group multiple times (i.e. it's much better in the 09 version). A lot of sections were moved into more logical places, a pretty good chunk of info was added, and I ended up buying the new one (and unfortunately not selling the old one). That being said, I bought it well before starting my studying period and I don't know if I would have switched after already marking up a different text

 

[sendwich]

I was planning to stick with 08 but flipping through the two side-by-side, there were actually a lot of changes to the 09 version. For example the list of endocrine hormone signaling pathways came up in my study group multiple times (i.e. it's much better in the 09 version). A lot of sections were moved into more logical places, a pretty good chunk of info was added, and I ended up buying the new one (and unfortunately not selling the old one). That being said, I bought it well before starting my studying period and I don't know if I would have switched after already marking up a different text

i've been going through the flash facts and FA's Qbank. When I come across a reference and go to my FA to find it, it freaks me out to find it 30 pages before of 50 pages after. Plus with the newer version, there's bound to be errors that haven't been caught yet versus 2008 being out longer so more errors are caught by now. The only thing holding me back from buying a new one is I've already started annotating and to re-annotate would just waste a lot of time. An alternative is to buy 2009 and cut out pieces of the "new info" and re-order my old FA. All this takes time I dont have. 🙁

 

[fruitloops]

You could actually get by with the 1996 version of First Aid because it serves as an index of information that you should be familiar with. It's not meant to be a summary of all the info on the exam. You'll come across everything while you're doing outside reading and working through your question banks.

 

[sendwich]

You could actually get by with the 1996 version of First Aid because it serves as an index of information that you should be familiar with. It's not meant to be a summary of all the info on the exam. You'll come across everything while you're doing outside reading and working through your question banks.

thanks!