Tips for 5 Semesters

by asad (Login asad_raza)

Saba Moderator

Hello!

Tips for 5 Semesters:

here goes,

ANATOMY: For the lecture know your class notes cold, and supplement with a "digestable' book. This big Moore is way yoo much, I used the BRS. Netter Atlas is a must, always have it open while studying. Now, for the Lab, you need to go after hours to the lab (with others) and quiz each other one all the cadavers, don't just know your cadaver, must know all of them.

EMBRYOLOGY: Read the book! There is no shortcut. You may think that there is, but it won't work. The High Yeild book for embyro sucks, way too point form. A lot of poeple dismiss this class, but it IS important because many of the disease you learn in Pathology are embryological.

HISTOLOGY: If you have GUHA, then you want to stick 100% to his class notes, because that is only what the tests are based on. A great book is the Wheaters w/CD ROM. Now for the lab component, like anatomy, you need to go after hours to the lab and learn the slides and chrodochromes.

BIOCHEMISTRY: Lippincott text rules. A lot of stuff in this course, but that book, with your time committment, will help you really get a handle on this course. Dr. Shah bases his final exam on the 30 Biochemistry pages in the Frist Aid book, great idea I think.

PHYSIOLOGY: Great subject man. Saunders physiology by Costanza is the #1 book. A lot of controversy about wether to use Guyton. . .my opinion? You have got to be kidding me, waaaay too much info in that book for a one semester course. 

PSYCHOLOGY: Dr. Gruber rules. I was very impressed with her, when she came in to review psych for us for USMLE. Dr. Kastuk is a great guy. You'll like this course.

ETHICS: Sit back and relax. Just listen to Cornell and his experience in the practice of law and youll be fine.

MICROBIOLOGY: In 5 semesters, my favourite textbook was the "clinical microbiology made ridiculously simple", get it!, for Immunology we all used different sources because it was soo badly organized.

NEUROSCIENCE: Unless the prof changes, you have no choice but to teach yourself. Get the Snell text, and read it.

GENETICS: Class handout (based on Thompson and Thompson) is what we used. Enough said. . .

EPIDEMIOLOGY: The amount of Epi you need to learn would probably take about 2 weeks to learn, so don't sweat this course.

PHARMACOLOGY: I think the Orange Katzung review book is awesome. The green Katzung book, is far too detailed for a one semester course. Also the board simulator series pharmacology questions are very good to do for preparation.

PATHOLOGY: Argueably the most important course. It is held over two semester. Robbins text is used here. Personal opinion? Golgan text is better. Can you read and understand all that is Robbins? If yes, then that's great! If not, get the pocket Robbins.

PHYSICAL DIAGNOSIS: Sorry, I did nothing in this course, can't help ya.

CLINICAL MEDICINE: Geez, what can I say, presentations!

Learn power point? uh. . .get a head start on writing History and Physicals if you have time.

USMLE: well since I havent written it yet, I won't comment too much, but most of us are taking Med Pass with Kaplan, and we have the Organ System books and the Underground Clinical Vignettes

OUTSIDE THE CLASSROOM: Well without laboring this post to death, I'll just say, that your gonna have things upset you and there will be tough times, but stick to your goal, don't stress too much and help each other to make the atmosphere pleasant. . . .you'll be fine.

. . .whew!

best of luck!!!!!!!

Asad Raza, 5th semester

Saba University School of Medicine