Pharm books

[Roz]

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Anyone have any good suggestions on what pharm book to study from for the USMLE Step 1?

 

[DOctorJay]

it sounds like the people who have crushed Step I in the recent past have only used the pharm in FA. I may supplement with Lippincott but not sure yet.

-J

 

[(nicedream)]

I've been scoring around 90% on QBank pharm, and I used Kaplan notes and BRS flashcards, plus FA and Micro Made Ridic Simple for antimicrobials. Haven't taken the boards yet, but I'm pretty confident on it with those sources. I'll also go over FA eventually to solidify.

 

[DOctorJay]

have you looked at Lippincott at all? how does that compare to Kaplan? sounds like you're ready to crush pharm.

-J

 

[rockit]

I've read that the best starter pharm book is the Katzung and Trevor (Lange).

 

[(nicedream)]

I used Katzung for school, most of the time anyway - I definitely wouldn't recommend it for boards, as it's extremely in depth. I can't imagine covering the whole book - plus, the layout is not at all suitable for review or cramming; I like having a lot of lists and charts, and Katzung is mostly prose. I have baby Katzung too, but I still wouldn't use it for boards.

I used Lippincott for school sometimes, I liked it because of all the lists, charts, and diagrams. The only problem with it, was that there was often things not in it that would be on my exams. Also, it is annoying how they have the newer drugs in the "update" section in the back, and not together with their classes. At least that's how it is in my version. Otherwise I think Lippys is pretty decent if you don't have Kaplan and its organization works for you.

 

[Roz]

I was looking at "USMLE Roadmap: Pharm" to supplement FA. I really like Lippencott's, but it seems too big to read with the limited amount of time we have to study for the boards (6 weeks). Thanks for the suggestions!

 

[Taus]

question from an MSI (so it may be stupid)....

Why should one use anything else beyond First Aid if the general concensus among test takers is that pharm content in FA is all that is needed for the boards?

 

[rockit]

Because your class may test more than what's on the boards.

 

[Taus]

Because your class may test more than what's on the boards.

The OP was specifically asking about the boards.....

 

[(nicedream)]

question from an MSI (so it may be stupid)....

Why should one use anything else beyond First Aid if the general concensus among test takers is that pharm content in FA is all that is needed for the boards?

Well, you never know if the people that say FA was all that is needed happened to be strong in pharm, or just studs. It can never hurt to bulk up with other sources. FA seems kind of light to me - maybe the pharm questions aren't that in depth though, I don't know. Also, I think it depends how you stand in pharm before reviewing. If you have a weaker background in it, I don't think FA would be enough because it's meant as a review only. You're expected to fill in some spaces with prior knowledge.

That's just my feelings, I'm sure there's plenty just using FA and doing fine.

 

[Taus]

I definitely understand that...thanks

When it comes time for me to study I guess I'll judge it by seeing if there are any random pharm facts that I come accross in any of the practice question sources that can't be answered w/ FA alone.

 

[ssm82]

Anyone have any good suggestions on what pharm book to study from for the USMLE Step 1?

If you have step up or know someone who does, there's a nice table in the back with all the important drugs... if you're the kind of person who likes charts for pharm (like me) then its good to use... what i did was photocopy the charts, staple them, and study from them and first aid together.

 

[coolmavs]

Guys, anyone has used B&W for Pharmacology? What is your opinion about the book?