First Aid for Basic Science: Organ Systems and General Principles

[JamesBond15]

---

Members do not see this ad.

What do people think about FA for basic science: Organ systems and General principles books?

I have the regular First Aid book and I find that it is just bare facts. But I need more explanations to actually understand some of the concepts. (I knew them once, but need a refresher). So I am thinking of using the 2 First Aid basic science books when I need more info. I flipped through the books and I really like their style.
I am worries about the bunch of errors I keep reading about.

Has anyone used them? What did you think?

(I searched and read previous posts on this type and I am looking for new insight.).

 

[futuredoctor10]

I have heard there are alot of errors in the First Aid Organ Systems book. I have not used it, but similar reviews are on Amazon, and I think I read on SDN that there are many conceptual errors not even on their Errata page.

I would be curious if anyone actually has the book and their thoughts on it though??

 

[MrBigglesworth]

Browsed through the book awhile ago in the book store and saw errors. I don't know if there is a new copy out now or not...

Maybe stick with trusted board review books?
(brs phys, high yield anatomy/neuro).. RR path/biochem?

 

[secants]

I managed to stumble upon the two books - principles and organ systems through some database my school subscribes to. Anyway, I skimmed the preface and the second edition states that they "carefully" reviewed every page and implemented a lot of user suggestions and are trying to emphasize integration of material. I'll probably take a longer glance after my finals and let you know how useful it is.

 

[futuredoctor10]

Oh true, now that they have a 2nd edition maybe they fixed the mistakes from the first one and made improvements. After your finals, I'd be interested to hear your thoughts- that would be helpful. Thanks!

 

[topsurgeon2010]

Oh true, now that they have a 2nd edition maybe they fixed the mistakes from the first one and made improvements. After your finals, I'd be interested to hear your thoughts- that would be helpful. Thanks!

new edition has some very subtle but important errors just from glancing through that most people wouldnt even pick up on unless they knew their stuff already..the biochemistry chapter alone is riddled with such mistakes..definitely not as many as the ridiculous amounts of mistakes as the 1st edition..i'd wait for 3rd edition to come out or at the very least wait for errata to be posted over the next several months...stick with trusted sources that have been out for multiple editions

 

[futuredoctor10]

oops/pl delete

 

[futuredoctor10]

new edition has some very subtle but important errors just from glancing through that most people wouldnt even pick up on unless they knew their stuff already..the biochemistry chapter alone is riddled with such mistakes..definitely not as many as the ridiculous amounts of mistakes as the 1st edition..i'd wait for 3rd edition to come out or at the very least wait for errata to be posted over the next several months...stick with trusted sources that have been out for multiple editions

Ok sounds good, I think I will avoid the book altogether for now -- unless they post a very comprehensive errata in the next couple months, I will stick to more widely used/accepted resources!!!

I can't believe they STILL have so many errors in the 2nd edition -- even if subtle!

 

[topsurgeon2010]

Ok sounds good, I think I will avoid the book altogether for now -- unless they post a very comprehensive errata in the next couple months, I will stick to more widely used/accepted resources!!!

I can't believe they STILL have so many errors in the 2nd edition -- even if subtle!

yeah its pretty disappointing..book has potential but not there yet...just within 2 pages of glancing through it i remember noticing some mistakes (I have informed first aid team)..from what I remember there was absolutely no mention of phosphofructokinase in their discussion of regulation of glycolysis..haha thats the main enzyme of glycolysis..pretty serious omissions especially for those who may not know it well and are depending on that source..and some subtle errors like incorrect ATP calculation for kreb cycle...yeah basic things like that are incorrect..sad

hopefully 3rd edition will be better

 

[futuredoctor10]

yeah its pretty disappointing..book has potential but not there yet...just within 2 pages of glancing through it i remember noticing some mistakes (I have informed first aid team)..from what I remember there was absolutely no mention of phosphofructokinase in their discussion of regulation of glycolysis..haha thats the main enzyme of glycolysis..pretty serious omissions especially for those who may not know it well and are depending on that source..and some subtle errors like incorrect ATP calculation for kreb cycle...yeah basic things like that are incorrect..sad

hopefully 3rd edition will be better

Haha wow -- no mention of PFK, incorrect ATP calculcation... every book has some mistakes but those are glaring obvious errors!

By the time the 3rd edition comes out, it will probably be too late to use, but I hope it is fixed because I am sure these books would become as popular as a "more detailed" First Aid if they were high yield and error-free!

 

[Everglide]

I own the 2nd edition. I regret getting talked into buying it by a friend. Along with the errors, it actually leaves out a lot of important stuff present in FA for USMLE, kind of strange they would go that route.

Seems like an attempt at increasing the bottom line by using the trusted FA brand name.

 

[futuredoctor10]

I own the 2nd edition. I regret getting talked into buying it by a friend. Along with the errors, it actually leaves out a lot of important stuff present in FA for USMLE, kind of strange they would go that route.

Seems like an attempt at increasing the bottom line by using the trusted FA brand name.

Cool thanks for your input. Seems like there has been enough negative responses about the book, that it is definitely worth avoiding-- until they fix all of the mistakes, which will be after I take Step 1. And that is odd they would not include important info in First Aid!

 

[JackShephard MD]

Has anyone else used these?

I'm wondering just how many errors there are in this book. People saying there are a lot but there haven't been many specific examples and still no errata on their site.

 

[mdeast]

Has anyone else used these?

I'm wondering just how many errors there are in this book. People saying there are a lot but there haven't been many specific examples and still no errata on their site.

I tried using it for 1st/2nd year studies, but fell into other sources (Pathoma, BRS Phys, etc.), which I felt were more high yield. Anyway, FA should be your boards study book of choice. Basic Science Organ Systems can be helpful for studying during the year.

 

[Phloston]

I've actually been wondering about the usefulness of these texts as well, but I had never made any true considerations to buy them only because I'm already too far along with my studies.

I would say for the time being, we should all stick to what's been proven successful. For instance, HY-Neuroanatomy and HY-Cell & Mo Bio have been proven effective, but HY-Histopathology and HY-Biochemistry haven't (I actually own all of these, and the latter aren't great).

So for FA, I would play it safe and just stick to what they're known for: the "normal" FA. If you need remedy in other areas, use BRS Pathology or whatever else you have already heard is good but that also suits your needs.

Keep in mind, these publishers/authors know that once one or two texts is/are hugely successful, they'll just continue pumping out new books for more $$, even though students don't realize the newer ones aren't what's made them famous.

 

[MudER]

I'm using the general principles one, I really like it as it goes a step beyond the regular FA. However, I'm also using other books along with it e.g CMMRS with the micro section. I think the general principles book is excellent if u use it with other sources. I wouldn't recommend the organ systems one, it lacks a lot of important info.

 

[JackShephard MD]

I tried using the Organ Systems book, it's very good.

I don't know why people are so down on these books. They provide a pretty solid overview of material, and for those who say "First Aid is enough", these books are the perfect companion before you start dedicated time.

Haha wow -- no mention of PFK, incorrect ATP calculcation... every book has some mistakes but those are glaring obvious errors!

By the time the 3rd edition comes out, it will probably be too late to use, but I hope it is fixed because I am sure these books would become as popular as a "more detailed" First Aid if they were high yield and error-free!

They have PFK on their chart and it is one of the few starred "important" steps. Honestly, the book isn't meant to be complete like a textbook, instead it's a great overview with all the key material.