Physiology resource

[AnalisCanalis]

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So, we're covering physiology in class at the moment and I'm simultaneously trying to optimize my learning with regards to step 1. I'm using big Costanzo as a primary learning tool, but after having heard people describe it as a "lazy" book I'm having second thoughts. I realize it is not an optimal resource in terms of reviewing(I intend to use BRS physiology for that purpose), but I wonder if I'm missing out by not using Guyton or Boron.

IMG and aiming for >260, if that helps.

 

[Guyton Killah]

Guyton is a must. The big one. We used to call it The Bible.

 

[Donald Juan]

I never really used the regular Guyton textbook, but I found the question book "Guyton and Hall Physiology Review" to be very helpful. Honestly, I wouldn't recommend doing physiology anyway other than with questions.

 

[saalik786]

i would recommend BRS physic + dr. najeeb lectures + practice Qs. these 3 resources, if mastered, should certainly keep you in the 260 range w/ regards to phsyio. there is no need to bother w/ big textbooks. rather, just do more practice Qs (usmlerx, kaplan q bank, Uworld, BRS physic qs, guy ton and hall physio review Qs, etc, pretest, etc.).

 

[AnalisCanalis]

Thanks for the input everybody!

i would recommend BRS physic + dr. najeeb lectures + practice Qs. these 3 resources, if mastered, should certainly keep you in the 260 range w/ regards to phsyio. there is no need to bother w/ big textbooks. rather, just do more practice Qs (usmlerx, kaplan q bank, Uworld, BRS physic qs, guy ton and hall physio review Qs, etc, pretest, etc.).

Is there any point in doing questions without having gone through any pathology? Are there any pure physiology questions on the real deal?

 

[DermViser]

Guyton is a must. The big one. We used to call it The Bible.

You realize he's trying to learn for USMLE Step 1, not just class, right?

 

[Donald Juan]

Is there any point in doing questions without having gone through any pathology? Are there any pure physiology questions on the real deal?

Yes, there are pure physiology questions, and it has tie-ins with pharmacology and pathology. Not that you need to go overboard or anything on strict physio resources, but when you are doing physiology I still think questions are the best thing.

I think you should definitely do BRS physio Qs; frankly they should be a breeze if you are doing physio in class right now. The Guyton and Hall Review is much more in depth. It has questions that were more along the lines of what I was getting in my class tests, and it will definitely give you a solid foundation. In addition, it has a ton of the "arrow questions" which a couple people on here have said they had on their recent board exam. I wouldn't recommend it to someone who had 2 months left of board studying, but if you want something that is more thorough and in depth than BRS, that's my recommendation.

 

[notbobtrustme]

The best prep for Step 1 is understanding physiology cold for your class then review the stupid details during your dedicated prep time.

 

[AnalisCanalis]

Yes, there are pure physiology questions, and it has tie-ins with pharmacology and pathology. Not that you need to go overboard or anything on strict physio resources, but when you are doing physiology I still think questions are the best thing.

I think you should definitely do BRS physio Qs; frankly they should be a breeze if you are doing physio in class right now. The Guyton and Hall Review is much more in depth. It has questions that were more along the lines of what I was getting in my class tests, and it will definitely give you a solid foundation. In addition, it has a ton of the "arrow questions" which a couple people on here have said they had on their recent board exam. I wouldn't recommend it to someone who had 2 months left of board studying, but if you want something that is more thorough and in depth than BRS, that's my recommendation.

Solid advice, thank you!

 

[Nephronlearner]

I am also a foreign student and I go to school that follows Guyton religiously. That book is HUGE, though, so unless you really have a lot of free time, I'd advise you to go with Costanzo (the book, not BRS). I managed to pass a very... 'Guyton heavy' course by using it so I imagine it should be sufficient for pretty much any physiology course.
After using Lippincotts, Costanzo, Robbins, Goljan, Pathoma, Moore and a few other highly recommended books in a bunch of different disciplines, I would say that Costanzo and Pathoma are by far the 2 best resources I have used in medical school so far.
Hope it helps!