I matched in a combined program. What books are good to have? How can I come in do well and make good impressions? What types of things should I have in my pockets as a resident? What kind of pda programs are good to have? Thanks.
1. Core competencies. If you mean "what do I officially need to know," go look at the AAN website:
http://www.aan.com/about/sections/curricula_list.cfm
2. The book issue has been discussed ad nauseum on this forum. Do a forum search. My current favorite is Noseworthy's "Neurological Therapeutics: Principles and Practice." At 3 volumes and $850, it's a hefty investment, but hey, you're probably already $200K in debt . . . But I think most programs still focus on either Bradley, Adams & Victor, or Merritt's textbooks. If you want a little "pocket" book for neuro, I usually recommend either the MGH Black Book or "On Call Neurology." Good general neuro journals to skim regularly for nice review and/or basic science articles are "Neurology" (aka "The Green Journal"), Brain, Annals of Neurology, Archives of Neurology, Neurologic Clinics of North America, The Neurologist, and Seminars in Neurology.
3. Doing well and making impressions: Well, as somebody once said, 90% of success is just showing up. Be on time. Be organized and know where to find information quickly. Be diligent about getting things done on time. Never be afraid to say "I don't know" but make sure you add "But I will find out." Don't be arrogant or obnoxious. Don't be an obvious brown-noser. Don't intentionally try to show up your fellow residents. Always be calm and respectful with your patients, even if they are the biggest, meanest a$$holes you ever met.
4. PDA programs: sorry, but I don't use these too much. Maybe someone more tech savvy could offer some ideas. Probably something covering pharmacology or drug interactions (e-pocrates?) would be most useful. Maybe some kind of patient info tracker for wards -- I looked at a couple of these a few years back but never found one I liked, so I gave up and just use paper or index cards. And of course, a calendar.
