So what all do I need to buy for school?

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TexasTriathlete

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I know every school is going to have a little bit different recommendations about what books to buy, so I'd like to get a feel for what everybody uses. I also want to save up and buy these before loans come in. That way, when I get my loans, I can pay off a chunk of my car. Even if it means buying the books one-by-one, here and there. So what suggestions does everyone have?

Textbooks?
Board prep material?
Medical equipment?

What kinds of things would be safe to go ahead and pick up right now? That is, I know some books will be different from school to school, but some things are going to be pretty universal. What should I start looking at?

I already have a Netter's.
 
you need a Wii, wikipedia has all avaliable text.
 
I know every school is going to have a little bit different recommendations about what books to buy, so I'd like to get a feel for what everybody uses. I also want to save up and buy these before loans come in. That way, when I get my loans, I can pay off a chunk of my car. Even if it means buying the books one-by-one, here and there. So what suggestions does everyone have?

Textbooks?
Board prep material?
Medical equipment?

What kinds of things would be safe to go ahead and pick up right now? That is, I know some books will be different from school to school, but some things are going to be pretty universal. What should I start looking at?

I already have a Netter's.


My recommendation is to know your learning style first before you plunge ahead with expensive textbooks. Are you the type that will NEED reference textbooks to study and learn/prep for exams? Or can you get by with lecture notes, board prep materials, and occasional use of reference textbooks (either online, or library)

Also talk to your upperclassmen about the books that the majority find helpful.

Textbooks are expensive (and can add up quickly) so it is best to find out which ones you absolutely need, and which ones you don't.

With that disclaimer, I think having a Robins Pathology Textbook at some point (not immediately) will be helpful.

There are lots of board review books out there that can aid in your study - High Yield, BRS (board review Series), Boards and Wards, etc. Check them out (or borrow some from friends) before you commit to buying. Also before you buy your osteopathic textbook ... take a good look to see if it is useful, or if there are other books out there that are better. Overall, I think having board review books for pharmacology, microbiology, and pathology will give you the biggest bang for the buck.


As for equipments ... having a good stethoscope, 2 (or more) white coats, a penlight, and a reflex hammer, will get you started. You will find a Maxwell pocketbook helpful (and fits nicely in your labcoat) once you hit clinical years. It is questionable whether you need your own otoscope/opthalmoscope (it is helpful because it will allow you to practice more often so you will feel comfortable using the otoscope to find that tympanic membrane and the opthalmoscope to find the red reflex, the optic disc, and the blood vessels). It is also questionable whether you need your own blood pressure cuff (non-digital type). It is also questionable whether you need a tuning fork but it is rather inexpensive and nice to have.

Stock up on ramen, mac and cheese, and other cheap/easy make food (for days when you don't have time to cook and too poor to eat out/take out)
 
I know every school is going to have a little bit different recommendations about what books to buy, so I'd like to get a feel for what everybody uses. I also want to save up and buy these before loans come in. That way, when I get my loans, I can pay off a chunk of my car. Even if it means buying the books one-by-one, here and there. So what suggestions does everyone have?

Textbooks?
Board prep material?
Medical equipment?

What kinds of things would be safe to go ahead and pick up right now? That is, I know some books will be different from school to school, but some things are going to be pretty universal. What should I start looking at?

I already have a Netter's.

I think you really should just talk to people from your school, since it varies so much. Some schools may buy things for you (with 300 students/class, mine just springs for the reflex hammer and tuning fork, apparently others get a stethescope) , some may absolutely require things, and some are more of a suggestion.

As far as paying off your car... it really depends on how much you owe (i'm not asking for a #). You want to see what kind of budget you live on from month to month before you use any lump sum of your loan check. You don't want to end up short.
 
I think you need to stop worrying about school until you get there. Every single school has different requirements in terms of texts and equipment. Also, you should get away from your computer for a while. You're averaging ~500 posts per month, meaning you're spending an awful lot of time on SDN. Enjoy your free time while you can. You'll have plenty of time to worry about this stuff when you get to school.
 
Here's my master plan...

I am going to start buying books ASAP. Maybe one every month or something. I'm also going to hit up my family to participate. I think I could get my mom and dad to get a book or two each for me.

So let me re-phrase... If I were going to buy only, say, 10 books, which 10 should I buy?
 
I am always away from my computer. Luckily, I can post from my blackberry while at work or whatever.

Also, thanks to applying and interviewing, going out and partying just isn't in my budget these days, so this stupid website is my main form of entertainment. At least until tri season starts.

But that's fine with me. I'm 30, and was a bartender for 6 years. I think all that is out of my system now.

And I'm not so much worrying about school as I am about money. With my car loan, I'm really going to have to plan ahead for this and that means starting now. I'm going to need to spread out my purchases over a long period of time.

So what books are pretty much universal?
 
Let me reiterate what everyone has said, wait until you get a book list from school. Every school uses slightly different texts. Also, what texts you need depends on what classes you're scheduled for (e.g. some schools start with phys, while other start with biochem. Some go right into systems, some incorporate pharm, some incorporate path into histo). Wait and see.
 
Here's my master plan...

I am going to start buying books ASAP. Maybe one every month or something. I'm also going to hit up my family to participate. I think I could get my mom and dad to get a book or two each for me.

So let me re-phrase... If I were going to buy only, say, 10 books, which 10 should I buy?

10 books? You are a madman...

1) First Aid for USMLE Step 1
2) Rohen

Also, I just got a wii and highly recommend it 👍

thats is all.

If you start studying before classes start, I'm going to come over there mind punch you, Dr T. style.. foo!
 
Not going to study, because I'm going to be working all the time. But financially, this is something I need to do. Thanks!
 
Here's my master plan...

I am going to start buying books ASAP. Maybe one every month or something. I'm also going to hit up my family to participate. I think I could get my mom and dad to get a book or two each for me.

So let me re-phrase... If I were going to buy only, say, 10 books, which 10 should I buy?

Please don't waste your money yet- talk to upperclassmen to see what you'll really need for which class, etc. I didn't buy books for some of my classes, and did very well on them and only used powerpoints from lectures.
 
Also, many books are generally available through your library's institutional subscriptions (AccessMedicine, MDConsult, etc...) so you might want to wait to see which ones are available to you for free to begin with so you don't end up buying those. For example, Harrisons is available through AM, but is ~$160 to buy the hardcopy in stores.

Things that won't be available through institutional subscriptions are again, FA for USMLE step 1, Rohen aka dead body book aka color atlas of human anatomy, and as someone mentioned before robbins path is good to have.
 
Rohen's...

Color Atlas of Anatomy: A Photographic Study of the Human Body (Hardcover)

by Johannes W Rohen (Author), et al.

Is that it?
 
That's the one. Also, I recommend Gray's Anatomy for Students- but look through it at a bookstore first to see if you like the format. Images are phantomed to show layers, and it has great illustrations and tables for studying.
 
I've seen Gray's before, and its kind of weird, but it seems like it would be pretty useful. I'll take another look at it before I make a decision.

Musculoskeletal anatomy, I know pretty well. I don't know much innervation/blood supply though. The way Gray's is set up seems like it would be great for learning all the nerve roots and ****.
 
I've seen Gray's before, and its kind of weird, but it seems like it would be pretty useful. I'll take another look at it before I make a decision.

Musculoskeletal anatomy, I know pretty well. I don't know much innervation/blood supply though. The way Gray's is set up seems like it would be great for learning all the nerve roots and ****.

Personally, I like Moore - Clinically Oriented Anatomy better, but I still didn't use it during anatomy; powerpoints and notes were more than enough. It's up to you though, either is good to have just as a supplement
 
I'd wait to see what your school recommends..

I bought all the books on the recommended list, and even that was dumb.

One thing I WOULD suggest is to get a set of the Netter flashcards.

I have a color atlas of anatomy I might be willing to sell you...I've got Netter's, and a week of anatomy left. I'm still trying to figure out if I want to keep the color atlas or not.

I would seriously wait...and consider selling the car, or trading it in, etc...

Board Review Series has become my friend.
 
Lemme see. the few "must-haves".

Anatomy:
Rohen's. Forget Grays, Netters, etc. If you only get one, use Rohen's. I wouldn't bother with a textbook. Use class notes. Thieme is good, too.

Histology:
Wheater's is a MUST.

Phys:
BRS. costanza should be knighted.

bact/immuno:
MRS series.

First Aid.

Path:
BRS.

those were my "go-to's". For anything else, I used class notes or a BRS book for the most part. I just didn't have time to read all those extra words in the required texts. BRS was much more succinct and had everything I needed. And was cheaper. Take advantage of free sites like WebPath too.
 
Not going to study, because I'm going to be working all the time. But financially, this is something I need to do. Thanks!

No...this is something you do NOT need to do. Save your money. Spend it on something else. As above, get yourself a stethoscope, a pen light, a reflex hammer, maybe a tuning fork, and MAYBE Robbin's Pathology.

I might also suggest an XBOX 360 if you can't get your hands on a Wii.
 
You may want to start saving up and have a "book fund" set aside, but I'd wait until you can talk with some current students about which books they found useful. There's gotta be some GA-PCOM students here who can chime in.

I'd probably say you're safe with Rohen's atlas, if you want to have an atlas with actual cadaver pictures to be able to refer to. I used mine a lot during anatomy.

Anatomy: We used Gray's anatomy, but I'd probably hold off until you talk with students or can compare it to another book, especially since you already have a decent anatomy background. Not a bad book, it's just organized weird in certain places that makes reading it not much fun.

Path: Robbins Pathological Basis of Disease is good, and a BIG book with LOTS of info in it. They also have a couple smaller/condensed versions of the book. A medium size one (we call it Mama Path), and a small handheld book ("Baby Path") that's very condensed, but ok for reviewing after looking at the bigger versions.

Physio: We have the Textbook of Medical Physiology by Guyton and I like it. It's a fairly easy read and organized pretty well and to the point.

Embryology: The Developing Human by Moore. I HATE this book. Can not stand it. To me, it's just written strange/bad....one sentence will say something one way, and then two or three sentences down it will say that same thing again slightly differently so that it causes you to pause for a second and question yourself on what you just read, so the whole time reading it I'm going back and forth.

I got a copy of "Langman's Medical Embryology" from someone and from the little I've looked through it I think it's written better.

Dictionary: I'd probably recommend Stedman's, I'm not happy with my Dorland medical dictionary. Just seems like when I look up something and a friend w/ Stedman's looks up the same thing they usually have the better definition/explanation.

But I'd also say definitely save up, but wait to see which books you'll need exactly. Whatever you do though, get 'em online, can usually find decent deals instead of going through the publisher.
 
Great info. Thanks guys.

My uncle is a microbiologist at Stanford (in the medical school), so I'm going to see if he can dig up any old medical microbiology textbooks.

I also just bumped into a doc who works out at my gym. Her and her husband are both LECOM-Erie grads, and she said that she's going to look and see what she still has lying around.

If I'm smart about this, I could end up spending very little.
 
I might also suggest an XBOX 360 if you can't get your hands on a Wii.

Are you guys serious about the Wii? I don't get it. I mean I have a PS3 and a 360 but i dont see myself playing too many videogames while in med school if it takes up as much time as everyone says...
 
Are you guys serious about the Wii? I don't get it. I mean I have a PS3 and a 360 but i dont see myself playing too many videogames while in med school if it takes up as much time as everyone says...

I'm not sure if I would have made it through med. school without my x-box and gamecube! nothing like videogames to take you mind off school. Frankly, the amount of time you have to do other things besides study has a lot to do with how well you study and/or how intelligent you are. Everyone's a little different.
 
I have a $4000 bicycle and a pair of running shoes. That's my wii.
 
I have a $4000 bicycle and a pair of running shoes. That's my wii.

Nice, what do you ride? This will be the third season on my Felt, and I picked up a pair of Asics Kayano 13s for offseason training, they're hardcore sweet.
 
If PCOM-GA runs anyway like PCOM-Phila then you'll get a free littman cardio III complements of SOMA, a white coat complements of probably someone, they will have you order your diagnostic set from the bookstore at a discounted price, and give you the names of textbooks that are required. Here, you have to buy the diagnostic set, ophthalmoscope/otoscope pair for primary care skills which you have every term, you'll need a BP cuff, and tuning forks, reflex hammer. Required meaning that there are required readings that are fair game for exam questions. The only book that has been absolutely required has been Robbin's but depending on the style your anatomy professors use, Moore's Clinically Oriented Anatomy is all you need if you find that reading is how you learn best combined with a good atlas. I preferred at photographic atlas because the vessels/nerves look much different in a cadaver than in an artists drawing, especially helped in head and neck, and since practicals are on cadavers...it makes more sense. Netters/Grants are essential for learning things like the brachial plexus, branches of the external carotid, etc. Buying textbooks now may be dangerous because professors typically go with the most updated versions, but for things like Histo and development, older books will suffice because there are certain things that you will learn that haven't changed in 100 years. As for board review, wait until you learn the material before you decide how you need to relearn it for boards. Oh yea, and a good coffee maker or stock in red bull, if you don't drink it now, you will ,ha.
 
Nice, what do you ride? This will be the third season on my Felt, and I picked up a pair of Asics Kayano 13s for offseason training, they're hardcore sweet.
I have an '06 Felt B2. DuraAce/Ultegra mix. Nothing special on the wheels, but they're adequate. I really like this thing.

Bcon902: thanks for the info.
 
The first 2 years of med school you really don't need that many books!
I used Netter and that was it! Notes and lectures are more than enough.
If you really need to use a book you can borrow one of your classmates, or check one out at the med school library. Test questions tended to come from the class notes and lectures! You can save a lot of money by not buying worthless books. I too would wait and then ask 2nd years in your program which books are most useful, if you're a book person. (I think I did have a pathology atlas though too for histo)

I ride a '07 Trek Madone 5.2 SL with Ultegra/Dura Ace on the road and race mountain bikes XC.👍
 
I have an '06 Felt B2. DuraAce/Ultegra mix. Nothing special on the wheels, but they're adequate. I really like this thing.

Very nice. My training buddy rides a B2, real solid ride. I like the flat aero bars that Felt put on there, plus the DA/Ult mix makes for easy gearing.

My Felt is an '06 S32, nothing earth shattering but it was the only thing I could afford 3 years ago, so now I just make adjustments every year to make it more my own. Last year it was an Ultegra 27 cassette and Ult pedals, this year it'll be some Zipp404s and a Giro TT helmet. Can't wait til the first race in Memphis May 18.

I ride a '07 Trek Madone 5.2 SL with Ultegra/Dura Ace on the road and race mountain bikes XC.👍

Sheesh, not holding anything back there huh? Those Madones, no matter which model you get, are definitely some of the best on the road right now. In a decade when I'm done with school, maybe I'll be able to start thinking about getting something that fun to ride 🙂
 
I got lucky :luck: and during fellowship raced Mtn bikes for a bike shop....the shop sold me my Madone for cost...otherwise no way can you get a Madone on a fellow's salary. This spring I will get a new Mtn bike, but probably will buy a 29er frame and build it up myself instead of getting a bike through the shop. (the shop only gives deals with Trek/GF). You biker/tri guys should checkout the state of Wisconsin...great cycling and tri state and even offers Ironman Wisco....
 
Just wondering, are medical texts like undergrad, where there is a new version every year (which you really don't need).
 
I'll let one of the experts take that, but I am pretty sure that old editions will be fine for medical school, because they are mostly just used as supplements. That is, you won't have a reading assignment where you have to "Read pages 116-148, and then answer questions 1-18", or anything like that.

If I understand how most schools work, they give you a massive syllabus full of notes and stuff, and that's what you need to learn. You will then refer to your texts if there's something you don't understand from just the course notes.

As for my bike... the funny thing for me is that I didn't even know how to ride two years ago. In I guess Spring of '06, I decided to buy a cheap MTB and teach myself. Then a few months later, I'm saving up for the Felt. Great investment too. I've gotten every cent out of this thing, and then some.
 
Keep in mind depending upon what school you go to, you may not need to buy very many books. Through 1.5 years, I have bought a total of 4 books. 1)Netter 2) Mosby's PD book 3) An EKG book 4) Robbins Path

I understand your idea of helping with finances, which is a good idea, but you may quickly realize that the school's budget for books will far exceed anything you would even think of spending. Just my 2 cents.
 
Just wondering, are medical texts like undergrad, where there is a new version every year (which you really don't need).

Yup, same rip-off scheme......errr.... I mean business model.

Especially if you're in a traditional lecture pathway, it's probably less of an issue as you're going to have lecture notes/outlines and using the book for clarifying.

But from the ones I've seen, not many differences.
 
Come second year, how much can I expect to spend on board prep stuff?

I've seen on Kaplan's website, they have a USMLE Step I program that's like $35,000. What the ****? I'm not sure I'd shell that kind of jack out even if it guaranteed that I'd get a 270. What kind of material seems to be effective?

To be honest, I would like to blow the doors off step I. COMLEX and USMLE. But what the hell could they possibly show you that costs $35,000?

They've got other courses and stuff too. I'd imagine that most students just get a few books and go to town on them?
 
Come second year, how much can I expect to spend on board prep stuff?

I've seen on Kaplan's website, they have a USMLE Step I program that's like $35,000. What the ****? I'm not sure I'd shell that kind of jack out even if it guaranteed that I'd get a 270. What kind of material seems to be effective?

To be honest, I would like to blow the doors off step I. COMLEX and USMLE. But what the hell could they possibly show you that costs $35,000?

They've got other courses and stuff too. I'd imagine that most students just get a few books and go to town on them?

200 for the books, and the rest is to bribe whoever you are supposed to bribe.
 
Hey Tex, I did my first Tri on a '81 Motobecane. That thing was ~29.5 lbs. if I remember right.

Got my interview at DCOM tomorrow...!
 
Come second year, how much can I expect to spend on board prep stuff?

I've seen on Kaplan's website, they have a USMLE Step I program that's like $35,000. What the ****? I'm not sure I'd shell that kind of jack out even if it guaranteed that I'd get a 270. What kind of material seems to be effective?

To be honest, I would like to blow the doors off step I. COMLEX and USMLE. But what the hell could they possibly show you that costs $35,000?

They've got other courses and stuff too. I'd imagine that most students just get a few books and go to town on them?

Our school worked out a deal with Kaplan for comlex review that all of the books and online resources, plus classes given on our campus costs $1100. I think their normal price is around $1500. They also have packages that are cheaper that don't include classes, and have different books. I don't know what you saw for $35,000, maybe you were on an area where a school could purchase it for all of their students??? Anyway, check with the students at your school. Sometimes they pay for it for you.
 
Where can you find pen lights? Thanks!
 
I'm a second year and I recently discovered Goljan's rapid review pathology book. I bought big Robbins last year and have used it some, but I really wish I had this Goljan book last year when we started systems. I'd say it covers the same quantity and depth of material as BRS, but with some good high yield pictures and nicer looking charts. So, when path starts, take a look at it.

You have to have a netter's of course. You'll be looking at that thin The dead body book is also a good one.

Other than that you pretty much have to wait and see what they are going to give you for each course notes-wise, and figure it out as you go along.
 
If I understand how most schools work, they give you a massive syllabus full of notes and stuff, and that's what you need to learn. You will then refer to your texts if there's something you don't understand from just the course notes.

I don't know about "most" schools, but that isn't how my school is. notes aren't handed to you, for the most part, except for a few professors. that said, I bought 5 textbooks at the beginning of the year (first year), and I only use two of them on a somewhat regular basis (Mosby's PE and Robbins Path). I find board review books more helpful, if any books at all. I will second the recommendation for Rohen's over another anatomy text- my roommate has a copy, and it's the one I prefer over Netters/Thieme.

I am not a sit down and read a textbook learner. if you are, you'll need more books than I do. I do most of my studying from class lectures, and the internet. There are plenty of med schools that have their resources online, and they are often more helpful than books for me. we also have a lot of texts available online through the library.

as everyone else has said: SAVE YOUR MONEY. put your money away, let it collect interest, and then when you figure out which texts you really need, buy those ones. I totally understand wanting to spread out the purchasing. But, your money will be much better spent if you put it away in savings and spend it on things you really need, rather than things some people on the internet told you to buy.
 
Like everyone else has said, I'd recommend waiting until you know which books you need before you actually purchase them. I have a few shelves full of really expensive books that still have the shrink wrap on them. Seriously, what a waste of $$.

So far I've used the BRS series, Rohan, Netter's (only because we all use it and it is a convenient atlas...), Ganong (don't like Guyton; it's too shallow and fluffy), Moore & Dalley (because I have to read it for the clinical blue boxes), DiGiovanna and FOM (because our OMT practicals and quizzes are based off of these books and our lab time isn't sufficient for me to learn it without reference material), Mosby's (again for the practicals), and Dubin (a good EKG book). I've occasionally used other books, but you can probably find those in your school library.

Wait until you start and know what is absolutely required, what you would benefit from having, and what you absolutely don't need.

My school requires that we buy our eq through them, so I didn't have much of choice on the matter. So far we've used the steth, BP cuff, otoscope, reflex hammer, tuning fork, and opthalm... Unless your school requires it, you don't need the fanciest eq. Nevertheless, I purchased a good steth, one that I actually like using, because the one that came with our kit wasn't working for me.
 
Tex, I know at DCOM they got the students this year a super sweet deal on all the equipment they were supposed to have such as the oto and opthalmoscope, stethoscope, etc (like 50% off), and they told us to just wait because they should probably get the same thing for us next year. I'll probably end up getting a different stethoscope, but only because I want one of the sweet all black ones that Littman has and like Dr. Cox and JD have on scrubs. Nothing other than looks for that preference though. One of the ER docs at work has one, and I think it looks badass.

As for books, I'm in the same boat you are, but I'm gonna wait until early spring and start asking the first year students what was needed and what was a waste and get mine that way. I'm not a very good textbook learner, I am much better at listening in class and reading notes and then referencing the books if I need to. Thats just me though. Plus at DCOM all the lectures come loaded onto the tablet PCs they give to us. And all the lectures are recorded to go back and watch if something didnt make sense.
 
I'll probably end up getting a different stethoscope, but only because I want one of the sweet all black ones that Littman has and like Dr. Cox and JD have on scrubs. Nothing other than looks for that preference though. One of the ER docs at work has one, and I think it looks badass.

I keep thinking it would be funny to get a gold plated one like Dr. Kelso. Imagine what people would think if a med student came walking in with that. :laugh:

Plus at DCOM all the lectures come loaded onto the tablet PCs they give to us. And all the lectures are recorded to go back and watch if something didnt make sense.

They give you tablet PCs ?! Nice!
 
How much does BRS change from year to year?

Other than First Aid, I am somewhat hesitant to buy any board review material until year two. Are the test-makers changing the test every year to try and stay ahead of the review material? Or does this just not matter, and the materials are good for studying for your actual classes anyway?
 
How much does BRS change from year to year?

Other than First Aid, I am somewhat hesitant to buy any board review material until year two. Are the test-makers changing the test every year to try and stay ahead of the review material? Or does this just not matter, and the materials are good for studying for your actual classes anyway?

I don't know how much it changes year to year, but I doubt it is much. I think it's probably worth getting those books for studying for your actually classes anyway. That's what I did. I use them as an outline and for a quick summary, to make sure I've covered everything for my exams. The textbooks have too much garbage in them. Given my relative lack of time, I'd rather flip through a review book that cuts out all the crap than a 2000 page monster. Heck, I've even caught my profs testing from BRS. 🙂
 
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