Preparation Books

I've used multiple pediatrics book either as a main studying source or reference guide, and this book for both causes is invaluable. It's not Nelson or Rudolph but are you going to read those books anyway during your peds rotation? comparing to Nelson's essential or other concise books out there like Blueprints or NMS I'd go with this book in a heartbeat. It covers such vast topics in Peds that almost every time I was able to find my answers in it. I wish it's going to be second edition or multiple editions of this book after 2004 edition and some more graphs and charts. Combine it with Harriet lane for tables and charts and other reference numbers you need and you're more than equipped to shine in peds.

Best review book to prepare for the subject for USMLE. Comprehensive and detailed. Explained some concepts I couldn't find the explanation for in any other textbook. Lots of useful tables and charts. Much better than Pediatrics by Blueprints Series. Don't miss this book if you want a great score in this subject.

This book is very well-written and flows quite smoothly --- there's not so much of the choppy, outline-ish feeling found in other books of the BRS series. Keep in mind that it's 600 pages long, so you'll need to budget your time accordingly. It took me the full 6 weeks of my pediatrics rotation to get through the book. The questions at the end of each chapter (and in the comprehensive exam) are challenging, but they'll prepare you well for the end-of-rotation exam. Highly recommended!

I'm usually not a big fan of the BRS series, they just tend to give me the impression of long text description for each topic with minimal picture/illustration. However, I got this one because one of the authors wrote the school exam for my peds clerkship, and I heard that the exam was based on this book. Turned out that the book was pretty good, and was very comprehensive in the variety of topics covered. The chapters are organized by organ systems (Renal, pulmonary, etc.) Practice questions follow each chapter and there is also a comprehensive exam at the very end. There do seem to be more details than needed for a 3rd year med student level, and reading the entire book once does take some time.

This is one of the best review book out there, definitively the best for Peds. I only wish more BRS were available for step 2. It is much much better than Blueprints Peds, which is the other one I bought. Great questions at the end of every chapter. Excelent format that helps you retain a lot more than you'd do with other review books.

This is a thourough urology review, meanwhile contains contraversial aspects in your front.

This is indeed the best urological textbook, or better to call it the bible of urology , I can not wait for the next edition

If you need to know urology, then you need this set of book. This edition is set up very well. The 4 books make it easier to look up info. It covers all the major topics in urology and is as up to date as any book can be.

This book is the most extensive single source of urologic information available. It covers all basic aspects of urology in a fairly complete manner. The main drawbacks are:
1)Reference authors quoted directly in text. This makes the book fairly diffcult to read in a fluid manner and adds extra length to the already lengthy text. Gillenwater is a much more readble text.
2)Some chapters need a better overall framework. The best example of this is the chapter on adrenal pathology which does not provide a very good thorough to the asymptomatic adrenal mass, by far the most common adrenal problem.
3)Often excessive discussion regarding all the studies for and against an issue. I feel that it would be better to state that an issue is unresolved and then list some appropriate ways of attacking the problem.
4)Certain chapters are written in the 1st person. The chapter on the technique of radical retropubic prostatectomy is a personal account and not a reference chapter. MAny innovations from other centers are missing making this chapter somewhat biased.

Overall an excellent and authoratative view or urology

Medicine is obviously a rapidly evolving field and most medical texts receive a periodic retooling. All revisions should be as thorough and meaningful as the Seventh edition of Campbell's. The text has been sucessfully expanded where appropriate and each section further honed. Figures are elegant, pertinent, and well rendered. The references are all encompassing and as current as one can expect in a volume such as this. If there are any hesitations about updating from the sixth edition (which was also a vast improvement from the fifth) I hope to assuage them, encourage the reader and congratulate the authors.

High yield for shelf exams. THick, but quick and fast read. Borrow a copy. For step 2, use Pre-test pediatrics.

Case Files for Pediatrics is an easy-to-read high-yield source to study during the pediatric clerkship or review for Boards. It was a great adjunct for shelf exam preparation.

I wish I had found this book earlier in third year. Like others said, it's easy to read and since it's broken up into 60 chapters (which are each about ~10 minute chunks) it's great when you have little bits of free time throughout the day. Occasionally you'll read something that you'll want to look up elsewhere, but you can definitely use this as your primary textbook. I read this book ALONE, no blueprints, no A&L, no pre-test and my shelf score jumped into the 90's compared to the 50's before. Buy this book, it's absolutely money.

Although this is probably not adequate as a primary source when studying for the shelf, this book is excellent! For a study guide, it's actually a pretty enjoyable read. It contains 40 case scenarios that cover some common and not-so-common pediatric illnesses. It has also some useful tables, X-rays, and diagrams. I recommend using it in conjunction with Blueprints.

I started using Case Files halfway through my 3rd year as it was gaining popularity. My shelf grades soared with this light reading. Unfortunately, I had pediatrics before I learned about the Case Files series. So, for Step 2, I needed a good review source. I read this in 2 days and peds was one of my best sections on Step 2. I can't stress enough how the layout of this series lends to a high yield review that doesn't take extreme concentration. This series is almost all you need for third year!

What sets this book apart from other books on Chinese herbal medicine is its philosophy of using "superior tonic herbs" to improve the quality of one's life and health. This book is not about treating disease, but rather about achieving radiant health from a Taoist perspective.

This is Ron Teeguarden's first of several books on the subject of Chinese Medicine and in my opinion is a classic. (Note, I have not read his latest book The Ancient Wisdom of the Chinese Tonic Herbs.)

Having formally studied Traditional Chinese Medicine for two years and Ayurvedic medicine for two years I can unequivocally state this is the book to start learning practical do it yourself Chinese herbalism for increased energy, creativity, spiritual growth and happiness. It contains many useful and effective herbal formulas that would not be otherwise accessible to the non-professional. If you want to learn Chinese medicine for the treatment of disease this is not the book to get, rather the focus is on tonic herbs and their correct application. (While tonic herbs are widely used for deficiency diseases in Chinese Medicine, not enough herbs, formulas and theory are given in this book for treating complex deficiency conditions/diseases.) This book shows one how to gradually work towards radiant health through the application of Superior Tonic Herbalism. All the practical and theoretical knowledge needed is covered.

The cost of the herbs involved ranges from $.50 / ounce to $200 / ounce (retail). To seriously put to use the knowledge contained in this book would require having a selection of about 20-35 herbs. Though one could start out with as few as one to three herbs. The primary emphasis is on learning how to mix and cook the bulk tonic herbs into teas (decoctions). These teas range in taste from sweet, sour, and pungent to bitter. (There is one chapter devoted to the use of commercially prepared tonics, but it is not the major focus of the book.) The companies listed to order herbs from are now out of date, but a search of the Internet will reveal more current sources.

Traditionally the tonic herbs are divided into four categories: 1) chi (qi) tonics, 2) yang tonics, 3) yin tonics and 4) blood tonics. Ron Teeguardian covers three additional categories: 1) chi moving/regulating herbs, 2) blood moving/regulating herbs and 3) organ-meridian tonics. The book covers 35 herbs in detail, including buying tips and a black and white photo of each herb.

The section on ginseng (a chi tonic) is very informative and contains insights and perspectives not readily found elsewhere. Also covered in detail is dang shen (Codonopsis pilosula) a safe and low cost ginseng substitute. The coverage of some the "minor" tonic herbs is unique as the longevity properties of these "minor" tonic herbs are usually overlooked or ignored by most texts on the subject.

The theory section is kept simple, but detailed enough to be practically useful. While Chinese Tonic Herbs discusses modern scientific research on Chinese herbs, the formulas and theory is geared toward building up the three Taoist treasures: shen (spirit), jing (essence, refined reproductive energy) and chi (life-force/energy). When these three treasures are built up a person will have a strong reserve of adaptogenic energy to effectively deal with stress and changing life conditions.

The book has a few flaws. The taxonomy is a little weak as some of the scientific names used are outdated. Perhaps not enough information is given on how to correctly distinguish between yin, yang, chi and blood deficiency conditions. Also, not enough contraindications are given for each of the herbs discussed. While superior tonic herbs are generally very safe and non toxic, it is possible to use them incorrectly and put one's body into a deeper state of imbalance. Dosage information is somewhat weak, but sufficiently covered if one studies the book carefully. Usually only relative proportions for each herb are given for a formula.

Ron Teeguarden was personally trained by a Taoist master visiting from Korea in the 1970s. His book is part of a real living tradition of Superior Tonic Herbalism.

While several volumes would be needed to do Superior Tonic Herbalism justice this book is an excellent beginning.

(A useful adjunct book is "Yoga of Herbs" by Frawley and Lad, which covers Western, Ayurvedic and some Chinese herbs from an Ayurvedic perspective. Yoga of Herbs focuses both on the treatment of disease and tonification and rejuvenation. It covers some of the spiritual aspects of herbs according to the Ayurvedic perspective. Both Yoga of Herbs and Chinese Tonic Herbs embrace the life energy model of herbalism as opposed to the more modern pharmacological model.)

The real secret of tonic herbalism is doing it carefully (e.g., don't over do it) and steadily every day -- this book will definitely help one get started on this path, by both the knowledge contained within, and the truly inspiring stories and passion of the author. Superior Tonic Herbalism is Ron Teeguardian's passion and mission in life and this book follows from this.

I have several good books on Chinese herbs, but Teeguarden's book is the only one with full, complete explanations. He includes:

1. Section on the five elements (water-wood-fire-metal-earth), what "cool" and "warm" and "yin" and "yang" mean.

2. Section describing the most-used and important herbs like Ginseng and Dong Kwai, Ma Huang and many others. This section includes photos of the herb shown as they are sold in herb shops, tips on getting the best herbs, the Chinese name (and Korean, sometimes) The names are both Romanized and in Chinese characters, with the Latin name, and the active chemical components and their effects.

3. Formulae for herb tonics, because Chinese herbs are not used alone but in combination (and the reasoning behind the combination.)

4. Philosophy of Chinese medicine for health (prevention versus cure) and much more.

The book is very readable, too. While I very much like other books I own, this one is such a classic, I consider it a MUST-HAVE if you are interested at all in Chinese medicine and definitely the first one you should own.

I found this gem in a used bookstore around fifteen years ago, and learned
enough about Chinese tonic herbs to change my life, energy levels and how I think about health completely.
This book is written in a comfortable, accessible style, yet is concise and informative as well. It is also perfect as a herbal reference.
For me, the section on prepared tonics has been invaluable.
A previous reviewer is correct about the supplier list being out of date, but a company called East Earth Tradewinds has everything you will require to concoct Mr. Teeguarden's formulas, as well as most of the patent medicines and
prepared tonics listed in the book.If you are interested in looking into the wonderful and amazing herbs of China, buy this book. It is truly excellent, and one you will be referring to for the rest of your life.

I found Ron Teeguarden's new book "Radiant Health" to be the most easily understood and comprehensive book on the subject that I've ever read. Many Westerners, during the last several decades, have become aware of the benefits of Chinese Medicine, specifically acupuncture. This book brings to light the extremely effective system of Chinese Herbal Tonics, which is an ancient tradition of promoting and maintaining a state of radiant health rather than treating disease once it has developed. Considering the cost of health care to both individuals and society at large, this book is a must-read for anyone interested in maintaining their own personal health or providing for the health of society. Not only does Ron Teeguarden explain in detail the properties and uses of each of the tonic herbs but he has a rare talent of making very complex and profound concepts easily understandable to the layman. One suggestion that I would make is not to miss the last chapter called "Six Lessons The Tonic Herbs Have Taught Me." Some readers might get bogged down in the middle of the book where each of the herbs is described. If that happens to you, just skip to the last chapter and then pick up the book, from time to time, to read about an herb or two. The last chapter was my favorite because it beautifully expresses the degree to which the tonic herbs can transform life and raise it to a pinacle that is the birthright of every human being.

Ron has certainly opened the eyes of those of us who wish to avoid the chemicals of modern day medicine. This book will guide you to the Chinese herb that is right for you and your health. While he makes no claims of cures, I can attest to the renewed energy and vitality I have attained from his advice and knowledge

Well written book with good examples. I am recommending this book to many of our residents and fellows !

This is an essential book for any physicians or other medical personnel interested in evidence based medicine and reading of the medical literature. It is extremely well written and presents the materials in a coherent and understandable manner. It uses excellent examples to illustrate its points. We are using this text to introduct our first year medical residents to clinical epidemiology.

Clinical Epidemiology has been considered the new 'Basic Science' to medical students. This book offers a excelent approach to main problems found by beginners in this vast field of knowledge like how to deal with Statistics and with the huge number of papers published. With a easy language this book is good option to get started in this branch of Medicine now called the 'Science of the Art'.

Clinical Epidemiology has become a core element in the understanding and treatment of human illness. Defined as a method of generating valid conclusions from clinical observations, clinical epidemiology arms health practitioners with skills essential for modern health care. As a Physical Therapist (PT) I am often asked to render a diagnosis based on clinical hypotheses with "soft" measurements like pain, distress and function loss; how can I ensure that my diagnosis is correct? Traditional practice encourages the health care student to believe that knowing enough anatomy & physiology will somehow optimise health care outcomes. This book not only challenges that view but it also arms the reader with the knowledge and applicable skills to interpret research and also to ensure that any work you carry out is robust and in keeping with EBM principles. A highly recommended text and great value for money. A must for lecturers, student PT's and anyone who wonders how they can improve their critical analysis of health care practice. Don't treat patients without a copy on your shelf (assuming of course you read it...osmosis is NOT a recognised learning tool).

The authors explain the basic principles and basic concepts of clinical epidemiology in a clear and understandable way. Examples for each subject make reading pleasant and easy, contrary to what one may expect in a book of this kind.
I recommend it for every person who is related to the health sciences and interested in obtaining the best out of medical literature.

As a psychologist working in a college disabled students service, I am always on the lookout for books and materials to use with/recommend to students. "College Confidence" will now be high on our list. The information, the layout and, importantly, the attitude are all on target.

It's rare that a book comes along that touches your heart while helping you relate to specific problems.

College Confidence with ADD is one such book. Written from the heart, Michael Sandler doesn't preach, but instead shares with you the hurdles involved in succeeding with ADHD, or any learning disability for that matter, how he personally overcame his challenges, and ways you too can succeed.

It's really two books in one...the first, a personal account of overcoming challenges, succeeding with a 'disability', and as Michael puts it, and shares through his own story, turning 'challenges into opportunities'. It's a beautiful book written from the heart sharing his touching stories.

The second book is a how-to guide on overcoming almost every challenge imaginable, and succeeding in school or in life today. Others I've shown this book would say it's a how-to guide for anyone in this modern, hectic, crazy-world. But it's definitely a how-to guide for anyone that think's outside the box, doesn't go from point A to point B in a straight line, or is labeled with AD/HD, Asbergers, Dyslexia, or any other 'learning disability'.

Michael helps readers quickly find the information they, or I am looking for, so that you can get back on track quickly. If you're struggling for a test, the info's in there...need to get organized, it's in there, struggling with relationships in school or beyond, it's in there too.

And it's COLOR!!!!!!

The layout is beautiful, it makes it easy to thumb through, skim at a glance (there are these great tabs on the side that let you skim the book like a dictionary) and with little graphics, icons, and text-boxes, helps keep your attention (That's important for this reader!!!)

If you're looking for one book to overcome challenges, see how others have done it, and figure out how to succeed, this book is worth a try!!!

(I just got the audiobook version after falling in love with the paperback. For my short attention span, the audio-version is even better!


(Here's the Link)(College Confidence with ADD - Unabridged Audiobook - The Ultimate Success Manual for ADD Students, from Applying to Academics, Preparation to Social Success and Everything Else You Need to Know

Like the book, it's short-attention-span friendly. Everything's broken up into bite-size pieces, it covers everything from the main book...I think even more in the medication and alternatives sections...at least that's what I've found so far)

The audiobook has chimes help keep your focus, and you can listen while multi-tasking, walking across campus, in your room, or in your car. You might keep the paperback as the quick reference guide and get the audiobook to go through the whole book...or give the paperback to mom and dad and put the audiobook on your Ipod or other Mp3 player)

As a Director of Student Services in Massachusetts, where Michael Sandler grew up, I am always on the lookout for information that informs and inspires. Michael Sandler's book, College Confidence with ADD, offers a wide array of useful tips, solid facts and a broad perspective that will benefit students and parents alike..even if the students aren't going to college.

I can't say enough about how terrific and unique this book is not only for teens going off to college, in college, post grads... but for ANYONE with ADD or ADHD!! This book is explained in a format where the author shares his stories and then details what he has learned from his experiences, in order to help others. He has ADHD himself and is even a life coach for other ADDers now. This book is like having an ADD coach by your side all the time. You can use it as a guide and flip through various sections when necessary or you can read it cover to cover over and over again. The author's writing is captivating, lighthearted and even humorous at times. He even laughs at his own mistakes sometimes, which truly helps readers see life as a bigger picture than just a current struggle they may be going through at the time. He explains the many creative gifts of having ADD and broaches just about every life topic with great knowledge. His sections range from the best foods for an ADDer to eat to stay focused, to sections on how college students with ADD can keep a great schedule for eating, laundry, and cleaning. He also broaches much deeper sections on depression and impulse behaviors of ADDers. This book is captivating and is such an easy read for someone who may have trouble focusing. It is truly an essential educational resource for ANYONE with ADD or ADHD!!

We finally got it!

In the intro, Michael Sandler writes about an episode, an accident, that changed his life, and for the best. In his words:
"I am very thankful for that accident, and for all of the struggles and challenges to follow. And I'm incredibly thankful that the "new" me, the one who whoke up to find someone else's blood being pumped into his veins, had the opportunity to rewrite much of this book.
You see, the book was originally a how-to guide for being the best square peg in a round hole. But when I cam to, I realized that wouldn't do it. I could no longer help students just fit in or get by. Life's too precious, too short, and we have far too much to offer. While good grades are great, I want to help students discover their inner talents, joy, and passion, so they may love, laugh, and achieve their dreams while living life to the fullest. I wanted to help them build castles in the sky."

With this spirit, Michael almost entirely re-wrote this book.

Every challenge is analyzed in a pros vs cons fashion, and strengths are used to face and solve problems. Problems are NOT denied, forgotten, or glossed over. Similarly, strengths aren't idolized but used.

In every chapter, the author offers balanced views (challenges and advantages are both explored), practical how-tos, and even tips on what to try, what not to try, and why!

What I loved about this book is that it's not as negative as many others are, focusing on the negatives only. But it also isn't as delusional as many are, thinking that only strengths should be analyzed, and cultivated for the fun of it, rather than for solving actual challenges.

The book, essentially, answers the question (and the quest): how can I obtain results without selling myself short and while having fun and pride in what I do?

As I said, this book is what we ADHDers have been searching for and hadn't found just yet.

Remember, it's not just for students, because it teaches the reader a new way to frame the ADHD challenges, and this new way can be applied to just about anything under the sun.

Book is very helpful and should be bought early during med school. It will make sure that you know frequently tested topics. Also great along w/ first aid for board prep. There are a few mistakes as this is a 1st edition book, but the book is well worth $20.

This book is not all encompassing however it does bring back into mind high yield facts that you should know. I would recommend using this book in conjuction with the First Aid

Just be careful when you go through this book, because there are quite a few typos. Usually it's nothing important, but once in a while it may confuse phase I and phase II, for example :). But again, it is not intended to be an ultimate resourse, so just be attentive not to confuse yourself.

Otherwise, this is a truly terrific book, and I still give it 5 stars because I certainly prefer to have it now, with the typos, rather then wait till all the little things are cleared. It helps me to structurize my studies so much, that I really cannot imagine what I'd be doing without it.

2Authors: Great job! Thank you very much!

I used this book as a quick review in the final days before my step I exam and scored much higher than I expected. I found it to be a great resource.

Deja Review is an innovative approach for Step 1 recall. I used this book as my primary resource and did outstanding on boards. Buy this book...you won't regret it!

I'm going into EM so I read this even though there isn't an exam at the end of the rotation. It really fills in the detail gaps that you just can't remember when they are listed out in textbooks.

Good questions in USMLE format and a fair number of questions with pictures, EKGs, x-rays, CTs etc. Good explanations of correct and incorrect choices. Overall, very good review of emergency medicine for Step 2 CK.

This book served as an excellent study guide for me! Will definitely recommend to others in need!!

Finally the PreTest Emergency Medicine gap is filled. With the soon-to-arrive EM shelf exam, this book will be an excellent resource.

Just bought this book...glad to see it's in USMLE format. One of the few books that give you explanations for the incorrect choices. Highly recommend!

This book is for my daughter who says it is a great help to prepare her for the Ntl. test.

This book outlines the areas of EMT testing at both State and National Level. It's a sure way to review all the areas that will be covered on the exams. I highly recommend it for anyone just out of school or preparing for certification.

This is an excellent review for the NREMT exam for EMT-B certification. It is well organized, helps you pinpoint areas where you need to study more, and is written very much like the actual test.

The questions in these practice tests are much more difficult than those found in online practice tests, which tend to be over-simplified. Just as important, this book is from an authoritative source; I found some answers in the online sources which were just plain wrong.

The NREMT exam is as much about test-taking ability as it is about subject matter knowledge, and that's where this book really helps. In particular, there are many questions on the actual exam where the choices contain information which looks very simple at first glance, but which in fact contains very subtle differences. The questions in this book give you those types of choices, and train you to read each question carefully looking for those nuances which are the difference between a right answer and a wrong answer.

Your first time through the questions in this book may be a wake-up call if you don't really know your stuff. But it's better to get a wake-up call before the test, rather than during the test. I passed on the first try. Good luck!

Great product that has really helped me out alot in class and preparing to take the national registry exam! It comes with a detailed look at the skills you are required to complete as part of the exam, with common mistakes made on them, and a practice exam with answers.

This is the closest to the NR that I've seen (I haven't seen them all) but despite its small size it had the best content.

I don't remember if I read the reviews for this book but I'm sure that I did and I don't remember seeing anything about only math and reading/english being covered. These topics are covered very well. It tells you exactly what the problems can be and how to do them as well as pretty substantial tests but there is nothing in the book about science or social studies. As a homeschool mom, I need to know what exactly will be on the test as far as what areas in science to make sure that i cover or what timelines in history that she needs to know. The book is comprehensive but it would be awesome if they would include science and social studies/history/geography.

This is an excellent preparation aid for your child.

This book was excellent for my daughter as she was studying for her 4th grade test. It helped her learn some topics that her school didn't cover.

I used this book to help my daughter study for the 4th grade ELA exam few years ago. Having searched through a number of books, I found this to be the most comprehensive and informative as it provided me, as a parent, with much background on what to expect on the exam...and how to prepare... HIGHLY RECOMMENDED FOR 4TH GRADERS!!!

Previewed 2-3 other books but was disappointed with their content. Found this book to have a wide assortment of both math and reading comprehension problems. My daughter is getting ready to take the assessment test in 3 weeks. She loves this book. Feels that it covers what she has been taught and gives her opportunities to practice the needed skills. When we get the results of her tests, we'll see if this book helped improve her results. If for nothing else, however, it is a good work book to support what she is doing in school.