First Aid for the USMLE Step 2 CS
Click on the link or image below to read student reveiews.
First Aid for the USMLE Step 2 CS
March 9, 2010
First Aid for the USMLE Step 2 CK
First Aid for the USMLE Step 2 CK
Click on the link or image below to read student reviews
First Aid for the USMLE Step 2 CK
Kaplan Medical USMLE Master the Boards Step 3
Kaplan Medical USMLE Master the Boards Step 3
Click on the link or image below to read reviews
Kaplan Medical USMLE Master the Boards Step 3
February 18, 2010
The Scalpel and the Soul: Encounters with Surgery, the Supernatural, and the Healing Power of Hope by Allan Hamilton
Click on the link or image below to learn more about this amazing book.
February 17, 2010
AJCC Cancer Staging Manual
Best review:
Highly detailed description of the staging of the neoplasms and especially in the matter of surgical vs non-surgical margins for the determination of the R category for residual tumor. Includes the new TNM system for neuroendocrine tumors (lung, intestine, pancreas etc), modified information about Tumor Deposits in colorectal cancer (changes the “smooth contour” consensus) and new definitions in Melanoma report (ulceration, micro-satellite deposits etc). A truly great effort to make Pathology a true Consensus among Pathologists and less a matter of personal opinions.
An absolutely essential book for surgical pathologists. Clear explanation with summary of the difference between this one and the previous edition.
Indispensible reference for anyone who needs to accurately stage cancer patients. Two nice features are: 1) a box early in each chapter tells how this edition of staging differs from the prior, and 2) the included CD allows you to print the TNM staging for each disease site.
Complications: A Surgeon’s Notes on an Imperfect Science
Complications: A Surgeon’s Notes on an Imperfect Science
Best review by: Stu
Dr. Gawande’s essays are thoughtful and very well written, and it blows my mind that he was able to be such a prolific writer while doing a residency (let alone a surgical residency). I read these essays one at a time originally when they appeared in the New Yorker during my pre-med and med school days, and I enjoyed rereading them recently, now that I’m a resident myself. It is always refreshing to see honesty when it comes to the imperfections of the medical profession. His stories about dealing with his own children’s medical problems are very compelling, struggling with when to relinquish control to other doctors and when to step in and advocate. I also currently find myself much more interested in the cognitive science of decision making, having to make potentially life-altering decisions in a split second, balancing multiple confounding variables along with personal styles, experiences and instincts. Another topic given well deserved scrutiny is the phenomenon of physician burnout and how the profession deals with, and often fails to deal with, “good doctors gone bad.”
Dr. Gawande comes across as the type of person I wouldn’t expect to enjoy working with the typical surgeon colleagues. In fact, I would love to see him address this topic in his future writings. It would take a writer of his skill to explore the stereotypical personalities and cultures of the different specialties. No one wants to over-generalize, but medical students from various schools will have very similar descriptions of the types of O.B. residents versus psychiatrists versus pediatricians versus orthopedists that they worked with. The broad, simplified version of this is along the lines seen on the TV show Scrubs, with surgeons being the jocks and internists being the geeks. That is too generalized but not entirely untrue. It’s an interesting question, what perpetuates these sub-cultures, whether it is the type of person drawn to a specialty or whether people pick their careers based on who they want their colleagues to be.
In the end, even with all the discussions of mistakes, burnout, and imperfections, I found this book to be affirming about the medical profession. Affirming both as a physician and as a sometimes patient or family member of a patient. Medicine doesn’t always work like it should, and doctors should not be placed on pedestals. There are real problems in the system, but there are also plenty of very dedicated, hard-working, medical professionals doing their best to overcome those problems, working to provide the best care possible to their patients, to make the best decisions possible given the limitations of our knowledge. In times of crisis, you just have to take a deep breath and then put your faith in the system.
Complications: A Surgeon’s Notes on an Imperfect Science
February 16, 2010
The Checklist Manifesto: How to Get Things Right
The Checklist Manifesto: How to Get Things Right
READ MORE REVIEWS ON THE CHECKLIST
Best Review — by D. Kanigan
Amazon’s December Book of the Month summary describes the author’s mission of revolutionizing the “to-do list…without programmatic steps or tables to help reshuffle daily tasks.” One may infer from this recap that this is a how-to-self-improvement book for making one more productive, more efficient and less stressed – this couldn’t be farther from the core message of this book.
The author’s key message is that the volume and complexity of knowledge today has exceeded any single individual’s ability to manage it consistently without error despite material advances in technology, boatloads of more training and super-specialization of functions and responsibilities. Yet, despite demonstrating that checklists produce results, there is resistance to their use because of the (1) Master of Universe mentality (Rock Star; Fighter Pilot; Hero), (2) our jobs are too complex to reduce to a checklist, (3) checklists are too rigid and don’t force us to look up and see and think ahead of what’s in front of us. Yet, in a complex environment, he states that experts are up against 2 difficulties – the fallibility of human memory when it comes to mundane, routine matters that are easily overlooked under the strain of more pressing events and secondly, people can lull themselves into skipping steps even when they remember them – after all certain steps don’t always matter…until one day they do. Gawande makes a persuasive case in his book as to why you should develop and implement a process checklist for critical processes/decisions.
* Whether you are from the medical field or not, you will benefit from the inspiring thinking and insights.
* This book is game changing – a call-to-action for generating better results despite the pull to run with intuition or gut instinct. If you are implementing via intuition rather than a systematic process, this book’s message will force you to pause in your tracks to seek a more disciplined approach.
* The author uses a wide range of industries to make his case using an engaging blend of anecdotes, storytelling and research – from healthcare to aviation (US Airways 1549 landing in Hudson River) – - to high-end award winning restaurants – - to building massive office skyscrapers and shopping centers – -to setting up a Van Halen rock concert – - to FEMA’s response to Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans – - to money managers making investment selections.
* Can be read in 1-2 sittings. Page Turner. Fully engaging and riveting until the last page is turned.
* Author’s determination, authenticity, inspired thinking, modesty and willingness to disclose personal mistakes makes this an inspirational book. Both brilliantly written and a pleasure to read.
My favorite excerpts:
“Despite showing (hospital) staff members of the benefits of using the checklist, 20% resisted stating that it was not easy to use, it took too long and felt it had not improved the safety of care. Yet, when asked an additional question – would you want the checklist to be used if you were having an operation – a full 93% said yes.”
“In a world in which success now requires large enterprises, teams of clinicians, high-risk technologies, and knowledge that outstrips any one person’s abilities, individual autonomy hardly seems the ideal we should aim for. ..what is needed, however is discipline…discipline is hard – harder than trustworthiness and skill and perhaps even than selflessness. We are by nature flawed and inconstant creatures. We can’t even keep from snacking between meals. We are built for novelty and excitement, not for careful attention to detail. Discipline is something we have to work at.”
“We don’t study routine failures…when we look closely, we recognize the same balls being dropped over and over, even by those of great ability and determination. We know the patterns. We see the costs. It’s time to try something else. Try a checklist.”
“We’re obsessed in medicine with having great components, the best drugs, the best devices, the best specialists – but pay little attention to how to make them fit together well”"
“It somehow feels beneath us to use a checklist, an embarrassment. It runs counter to deeply held beliefs about how the truly great among us – those we aspire to be – handle situations of high stakes and complexity. The truly great are daring. They improvise. They do not have protocols and checklists. Maybe our idea of heroism needs updating.”
READ MORE REVIEWS ON THE CHECKLIST
The Checklist Manifesto: How to Get Things Right
February 10, 2010
First Aid for the USMLE Step 1 2010
First Aid for the USMLE Step 1 2010
Click on the link or image below to read student reviews or get this book.
First Aid for the USMLE Step 1 2010
January 30, 2010
UCSF Student Book Exchange For Medical Students
Welcome to the UCSF student run book exchange.
You’ve probably collected many books over your years in medical school. This site provides you with the chance to get rid of books that are probably cluttering your room, make some money in the process, and help fellow students.
Or, you’re in need of a book and want to get it for a great deal. Why not get it from a fellow UCSF student and save yourself and them some money as well?
This website brings UCSF student buyers and sellers together to exchange books and other items. We hope you find it helpful.
For now, this site is only for UCSF students and residents and posts are moderated.
DIRECTIONS FOR SELLERS:
1) Scroll down to the bottom of the page
2) Submit your list of books in the comments box in this format:
- Name
- book name, author, edition, price
- comments about the book and its usefulness
- Email address (so they can reach you)
(Either leave your first and last name and note that it is a UCSF email address, or leave your full email address)
DIRECTIONS FOR BUYERS:
To post a book you are interested in buying, just scroll to the bottom of the page, and follow the same directions for posting as above.
Contact the sellers if you wish to buy a book from them. Review the list of books and then send an email to the students you wish you buy a book from. Remember that it is ok to contact persons who posted books even if a few weeks back. Those books might still be available..
PLEASE DON’T FORGET TO INCLUDE YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS AT THE END OF YOUR POST!
GOOD LUCK!
IF YOU’VE POSTED IN THE PAST AND YOUR BOOK IS NO LONGER AVAILABLE, PLEASE REPOST WHICH BOOKS ARE NO LONGER AVAILABLE AND WE WILL UPDATE THE WEBSITE.
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CATEGORIZED POSTS – NEW FEATURE – IN PROGRESS
THE LINKS ARE TO STUDENT REVIEWS!
When did they post?
- vikas.gupta@ucsf.edu - posted on 5/1/2009
GENERAL REVIEW
NMS Review for USMLE Step 1 (National Medical Series for Independent Study) .
- Best offer: Seller: vikas.gupta@ucsf.edu .
Appleton & Lange Review for the USMLE Step 1 .
- Best offer: Seller: vikas.gupta@ucsf.edu .
Deja Review USMLE Step 2 CK .
- Best offer: Seller: vikas.gupta@ucsf.edu .
ANATOMY
USMLE Road Map Gross Anatomy 2nd ed, White
- (like new): $10 ; Seller: Vincent Lam
BEHAVIORAL SCIENCE
BRS Behavioral Science
- Best offer: Seller: vikas.gupta@ucsf.edu .
Underground Clinical Vignettes Step 1: Behavioral Science (Underground Clinical Vignettes: Step 1) .
- Best offer: Seller: vikas.gupta@ucsf.edu .
BIOCHEMISTRY
High Yield Biochemistry 2nd ed, Wilcox
- (new): $20: Seller: Vincent Lam
Lippincott’s Illustrated Reviews: Biochemistry
- Best offer: Seller: vikas.gupta@ucsf.edu
Underground Clinical Vignettes Step 1: Biochemistry
- Best offer: Seller: vikas.gupta@ucsf.edu
MICROBIOLOGY
Underground Clinical Vignettes: Microbiology, Volume 1.
- Best offer: Seller: vikas.gupta@ucsf.edu
Blackwell’s Underground Clinical Vignettes: Microbiology, Volume 2 .
- Best offer: Seller: vikas.gupta@ucsf.edu
NEUROANATOMY
High Yield Neuroanatomy 3rd ed, Fix
- (like new): $10; Seller: Vincent Lam
PATHOLOGY
Rapid Review Pathology 2nd ed, Goljan
- (like new): $25; Seller: Vincent Lam
BRS Pathology 3rd ed, Schneider et al
- (writing/highlighting): $10; Seller: Vincent Lam
- Best offer: Seller: vikas.gupta@ucsf.edu .
Underground Clinical Vignettes Step 1: Pathophysiology I: Pulmonary, Ob/Gyn, ENT, Hem/Onc .
- Best offer: Seller: vikas.gupta@ucsf.edu .
Underground Clinical Vignettes Step 1: Pathophysiology II: GI, Neurology, Rheumatology, Endocrinology .
- Best offer: Seller: vikas.gupta@ucsf.edu .
Underground Clinical Vignettes Step 1: Pathophysiology III: CV, Dermatology, GU, Orthopedics, General Surgery, Peds .
- Best offer: Seller: vikas.gupta@ucsf.edu .
PHARMACOLOGY
Underground Clinical Vignettes Step 1: Pharmacology.
- Best offer: Seller: vikas.gupta@ucsf.edu
PHYSIOLOGY
BRS Physiology Cases and Problems 2nd ed, Costanzo
- (new): $25; Seller: Vincent Lam
- Best offer: Seller: vikas.gupta@ucsf.edu
OTHER BOOKS
How to Choose a Medical Specialty
- Best offer: Seller: vikas.gupta@ucsf.edu
Iserson’s Getting Into a Residency: A Guide for Medical Students, 7th Edition .
- Best offer: Seller: vikas.gupta@ucsf.edu .
First Aid for the Match, Fourth Edition (First Aid Series) .
- Best offer: Seller: vikas.gupta@ucsf.edu .
January 8, 2010
The Johns Hopkins ABSITE Review Manual
The Johns Hopkins ABSITE Review Manual
Click on the link above to read surgery resident reviews
The Johns Hopkins ABSITE Review Manual
Click on the link above to read surgery resident reviews
The Comprehensive ABSITE Review by Steven Fiser
The Comprehensive ABSITE Review by Steven Fiser
Click on the link above to read student reviews.
Some students like to think of this book as a hybrid of the regular ABSITE Review book and the Senior ABSITE review book. It is also significantly more in depth in each of the categories.
This is not a book you can cram at the end of January. It will take you significantly longer to read through it.
Senior surgery residents have found this book extremely useful.
The book is 450 pages, a length that some students find this too long. One student writes: “I re-opened my new comprehensive ABSITE review today, and it just really seems long. I tried to envision myself getting through 450 pages of dense material in the last week of January, and I just don’t see it happening.”
The Comprehensive ABSITE Review by Steven Fiser
Click on the link above to read student reviews.
Source: studentdoctor.net
December 25, 2009
The Merck Manual
The Merck Manual
The Merck Manual is actually an excellent book for medical students. You should really read the reviews.
THE MERK MANUAL FOR MEDICAL STUDENTS, PHYSICIANS, AND HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS
The Merck Manual 18th Edition – excellent reviews.
MERCK VETERINARY BOOKS
The Merck/Merial Manual for Pet Health
MERCK BOOKS FOR PATIENTS
The Merck Manual of Medical Information.
The Merck Manual of Patient Symptoms
The Merck Manual of Health & Aging .
The Merck Manual Home Health Handbook
The Merck Manual of Children’s Health
The Merck Manual of Women’s and Men’s Health
THE BEST MEDICAL TEXTBOOK EVER
The Merck Manual
July 23, 2009
BRS Physiology by Costanzo
Click on the links or images to read student reviews.
The best review:
This book is an excellent resource for persons both entering their first year course in Medical Physiology and for those second-year medical students preparing for USMLE Step 1. A concise, yet detailed text which emphasizes quite clearly the basic principles of Physiology. I am lucky to have had the author, Dr. Costanzo, as a professor and my current advisor. However, having her review text is the next big thing! Detailed pictures and powerful tables and diagrams handsomely supplement her student-oriented presentation style of information. A particularly well written section concerning Renal Acid-Base Physiology, which is Dr. Costanzo’s specialty. Any medical student or person taking a Physiology course will not lose a dime by purchasing this book… It is well worth it, believe me! 