Thursday, May 7, 2009

BRS pharamcology

BRS pharmacology by Sandra L Kim and Todd Swanson
IMHO: The number two pharm resource behind the Pharmcards. Simple single fact cards that focus only on core features of the drugs. Easier material then will be found on many questions on the actual exam.

How to use it: You should know all of these cards by the end of your studies. Run through them with your organ systems as a quick refresher and again later on to make sure you did not miss any key facts.

Pharmcards by Eric C. Johannsen, Marc S. Sabatine

Pharmcards by Eric C. Johannsen, Marc S. Sabatine
IMHO: Hands down the best of the pharm cards for USMLE Step one. Through and readable. If anything more information than you need. The cards have good visuals especially for anti microbials.

How to use it:
These are packaged as flash cards but must be thought of as a text book. Start early and work them slowly (~10 cards/day). Take on relevant cards with the organ system you are studying at the time. As with any pharm resource for the boards focus on mechanisms and side effects. Later in your review process move on to using resources like the simpler higher yield BRS pharmacology cards and the most relevant information will be found in First Aid.