Good Resources for Independent Study

[Krismeese]

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Hello fellow pharm. students and practicioners!

So, I am 3/4 of the way through my P1 year and I feel that I have learned just enough to get a feeling of the enormity of material and knowledge that I do not have, but will need to accrue before practice or residency. Also, I think learning /practicing these skills now could be helpful when it comes time, post-graduation, where we are no longer being spoon-fed information.

I am thinking about starting up a research regimen to get a head start on subsequent years. Maybe just a couple hours per week of looking into, getting an overview of, a particular disease state, standard treatments for that disease state, and the characteristics of medications standardly used for that condition, and then database it somehow for future reference.

Anyone else looking at doing (or has done) something similar and have any helpful suggestions as to what has or has not worked for you?

Also, what resources out there would you consult?. I have been scanning the abstracts of various medical journals, ASHP journal, etc. However, they often write of investigations, cutting edge, or alternative therapies, which is useful, but at this point, I think finding the basic patho-physiologies of disease states and their standard/traditional treatments might be more appropriate.

Also, any suggestions for remembering, and keeping all this stuff we learn at the front of our minds for easy recall? I am finding that slightly difficult, maybe that will be slightly mitigated when I get the opportunity to connect clinical topics to actual patients.

Anyways, Sorry for the brain-dump of questions 🙂, Thanks!

 

[WVUPharm2007]

Hit up the pathophysiology books. Something like Dipiro. Look in your school's library.

 

[twester]

Try adding some detail to the studying you already have to do. If you're studying the MOA of a class of drugs, take a few minutes to look up the dosages and side effects. If you come across something you don't understand, look at a reference book for clarification and a deeper understanding. Learning disconnected facts doesn't really accomplish a lot, but if it applies to something you already have to learn it can be meaningful.

Writing assignments can always be deepened. Get two references per point instead of one. Pose questions of your own and then get the facts to answer them (depth always makes an impression on the people who read those assignments - as long as everything is relevant and comprehensible). Papers are annoying, but they're supposed be learning opportunities as well.

That kind of studying takes more time, but you sound like you're game for more self-directed learning.

As far as reference materials go, I find my school's library to be an invaluable resource. We have many online reference databases available to us at my school - StatRef, Micromedex, Lexi-comp, Clinical Pharmacology, PubMed, Web of Science, just to name a few. I hardly ever pull a reference book off a shelf anymore, it's all online - which is nice because I can study anywhere with an Internet connection (which is everywhere, basically). If you haven't been introduced to a librarian at your school, take the opportunity to introduce yourself. Librarians are our friends! 😍

Good luck!

 

[Caverject]

Hit up the pathophysiology books. Something like Dipiro. Look in your school's library.

I didn't realize Dipiro made a pathophysiology book...

 

[Aznfarmerboi]

i dont think diprio has a pathophys out and their therapeutic book isnt exactly ideal for self learning as there is no sense of direction. Rubins path is not a bad place to start. I wouldnt get into anything too deep though because in your p2 year, the professors might stress some areas and not others depending on what they deem important. The best thing for a head start on your next year is to go back through the basics like knowing your algebra (biopharm and kinetics), or expansion of your pharmaceutics math for compounding. If you are not too much into that, look into pharmacy law as they always teach the same stuff.

 

[ZpackSux]

Why read outdated text books.

Go read Guildelines... like IDSA guidelines..and see what treatment recommendations are recommended for real life practitioners.

Or read "Chest" ...

 

[sdn1977]

Yeah - I think you're coming from the enormity of what you see from a P1 perspective.

At this time of your last year, you'll be amazed at how much you know without needing notes, study materials, etc.. You'll need to keep up with new diseases or treatments, but you'll be able to get that when you read the journals which will go over the pathophysiology & previous treatment options.

I'd say....after you get out - subscribe to a broad selection of journals - ASHP, Journal of Pharmacotherapy, etc....& read (you don't have to subscribe - I read these in my hospital's medical library) - Am J Medicine, Chest, Ann. Int Med, and infectious disease publication.....etc... whatever your interest is.

Don't worry - it will all come in good time.

 

[Krismeese]

Thanks for the advice guys!. You are probably right, it might not be the best course of action, was just trying to find a way to tie all of these random things we are learning in P1 together into something that is more practical (spoken like a true ex-engineer eh?)