Synopsis

The Board Review Series (BRS) is aimed at providing basic knowledge as it relates to clinical situations and is used primarily by medical students studying for the United States Medical Licensing Examinations (USMLE). BRS Behavioral Science, Fifth Edition covers material on this subject that is addressed on USMLE Step 1, written in outline format to provide an efficient method of studying behavioral science for USMLE. The book includes at least 500 USMLE-style questions with accompanying annotated answers. An exam follows each chapter and a Comprehensive Exam is included at the end of the book.

A companion Website will offer the fully searchable text and an interactive question bank.

Reviewer: William Miles, MD(Rush University Medical Center)
Description: This softcover book offers a review of behavioral science for medical students. The fourth edition was published in 2004.
Purpose: The purpose is to help medical students recall what they learned during the first two years of medical school in regarding behavioral science and psychiatry as they prepare to sit for the United States Medical Licensing Exam (USMLE) Step 1.
Audience: It is specifically written for medical students who have completed the first two years of medical school and who are studying for USMLE Step 1.
Features: The review is divided into 26 chapters, each devoted to a specific topic in behavioral science. Chapters are in outline format, and review the major points about each topic. There are numerous tables and a few black-and-white illustrations. At the end of each chapter is a short review test composed of USMLE-style questions, followed by answers and explanations. At the end of the book is a comprehensive examination of USMLE-style questions, followed again by answers and explanations. There is a thorough index, but there are no references.
Assessment: This edition is an improvement on the fourth edition, which I reviewed in 2004. It offers more tables and illustrations, and a heavier emphasis on biologic therapies. The outline format remains a simple and well organized study tool, and the thorough (132 questions) practice exam at the end is quite good. This edition also features a companion web site, with fully searchable text and images and an interactive question bank. Overall, this is an excellent review of behavioral science.