Step One/MS II veterans: Advise Please

[vinoyp]

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Hi guys,

I will be starting my second year in a week, and was hoping you guys could give advise as to what books/resources to use during the year for doing well in both classes and on the Step 1. Here's my list so far:

1. Pathology:
-Big Robbins (I know many say it is not worth it, but I already have a copy from my brother)
-Robbins Question Book
-BRS Path
-Board and Wards
-Goljan Audio series and old notes
-WebPath
-Wheater's Histopathology

2. Immunology
-The Immune System by Parnham

3. Microbiology
-Medical Microbiology by Murray
-Schneierson's Atlas of Microbiology (for lab)

4. Pharmacology
-Basic and Clinical Pharmacology by Katzung
-PharmCards (??? I don't know what these are, but everyone mentions them)
-Lippincott's Pharmacology Review

5. Medical Genetics
-No idea

As you can see, I have little idea of what good review sources are out there. Please suggest what has worked for you. Thanks a lot! 🙂

--Vinoy

 

[InductionAgent]

Getting familiar with and used to answering large quantities of case-discussion questions is very important for taking boards. Toward that end, I found the LWW NMS series very helpful. Also, if you haven't yet downloaded and completed the retired (once real) questions featured on the usmle.org site, I would strongly recommend doing so.

In summary, it's hard to run too many practice questions.

 

[superdood]

i think if you enjoy a lot of reading, your list is good, but i think that list is crazy. i like to keep my studying simple.

path: brs path, webpath for pictures

immuno: basic immunology by i forgot

microbio: micro made ridiculously simple

pharm: relied on class notes because a lot of times you just need to know what they want you to know. plus there's too many drugs in a class to know.

genetics: none

i used step up for boards a lot in my second year. mycoursework was organ based which makes things a little different.

if you are worried about your boards, i wouldn't worry so much now. i think it's more important to learn your material well now because that is the best way to study for the boards. i studied hard for my system tests, and it made reviewing that much easier when the boards came around.

 

[bigfrank]

Yea, I think the OP's list is crazy-long. You can buy too many books, become overwhelmed, and eventually become "master of none."

I like superdood's advice, but I would like to add that FA, BRS Path, lots of Question Books/QBank, and the HY series really should become your "best buddies" this year in terms of mastering material for the Step I.

 

[UnderDoc]

This emphasis on this-or-that review book is really not very helpful for doing well on the Step I boards. Just pay attention second year. Try your best to enjoy the material. Don't settle for superficial knowledge. Realize that the material that you acquire second-year will truly lay the basis for the understandings that you then go on to elaborate for the remainder of your career. Be dedicated, try to maintain decent study habits if you (like me) aren't naturally so inclined. Make Robbin's your bible for second-year. But, above all, enjoy yourself, try to strike a modicum of balance between academic life and real life. Best of luck.

 

[mountaindew2006]

hey vinoy

like BF said. keep it simple.

robbins or not, well its your choice. see my thread, i loathed it my second year. however, many loved it. i think NOW, perhaps after knowing more stuff (the superficial if you will), reading robbins may be easier for me. secondly, as BF said keep the stuff simple. its easy to come on this forum and want to get every freakin book that everyone says is good (this is waht i did actually). but dont do it. or, if you do end up doing it like me...then read through all these sources NOW, but when it comes time for the boards concentrate on a few. do not try to know everything of every book that exists. you wont be able to and you will find yourself ravaging through books trying unnecessarily to find info (as i was).

so yes as the old saying goes, Keep it simple .

and in accordance w/ wht the last poster said, have a life outside of school. i had a gf, but even before that i used to out and party on weekends after our exams. you need to relieve stress. this is one thing i can guarantee, cuz i saw it. those of us that went out and relieved stress usually ended up doing better. but of course, when it came to the boards, i was literally locked in a room for 2mo's straight. bottom life bro...enjoy med school, enjoy life. i was never the traditional nerd/bookworm in college so i never could sit and study in one place for more than 1 hour (i suppose some of you would dx w/ ADD). take breaks. drink beers, have fun. BUT, when it comes to study keep yourself in check and get your $hit done.

peace 👍

 

[vinoyp]

Thanks for the advice, everyone.

Yes, I don't plan on reading all those books. I only mention some of them because these are on the "required reading list" at my school.

Again, thanks for the help. 🙂

--Vinoy

 

[Mossjoh]

Medical Microbiology by Murray is terrible!!

Sherris' Medical Microbiology is better...although I must admit that for most things, Clinical Microbiology Made Ridiculously Simple will suffice

Mossjoh

 

[Idiopathic]

I cannot recommend Lange's Medical Micro and Immuno by Levinson and Jawetz enough. Neither of these were especially high yield on my exam, but this books is the best.

 

[vinoyp]

Ah, thanks again for the help.

So, for Microbio and Immuno, I'm going to buy Lange's Review and Microbio Made Ridiculously Simple.

I've heard of this book, Cases in Medical Microbio by Gilligan. I learn best by doing problems or reading cases. Has anyone gone through this book? Is it good for class and for the Step 1?

Thanks.

--Vinoy