Synopsis

The essential case companion to First Aid for the® USMLE Step 1

First Aid™ Cases for the USMLE Step 1 features 400 well-illustrated cases to help you relate basic science concepts to clinical situations. Each case includes drawings or clinical images with Q&As that reinforce key concepts. The content is keyed to First Aid for the® USMLE Step 1 to help you create the ultimate study package.

Reviewer: Kimberly Silva, BS(University of Iowa College of Medicine)
Description: In this case-based study guide for the USMLE Step 1, the clinical cases and questions stimulate independent thinking. With its system-based format, it can be used along with First Aid for the USMLE Step 1 2009: A Student-to-Student Guide (McGraw-Hill, 2009). The first edition was published in 2006.
Purpose: The purpose is to provide high-yield cases with relevant questions and explanations for preparation for the USMLE step 1 and a supplement to First Aid.
Audience: It is targeted at students preparing for the USMLE Step 1.
Features: "The book is broken down into two areas: general concepts and organ systems. There are multiple cases per topic. A concise case is presented at the top of the page, followed by questions on the left with explanations to the right; this format makes it easy to quiz oneself. The questions range from thought provoking ("next step questions") to more specific questions relevant to the case. The book includes black-and-white photos and graphs. As it is a companion to First Aid, page number references at the bottom of each case correlating to that book would be helpful. "
Assessment: This is a useful book to reinforce concepts learned in First Aid. The cases are concise and reinforce important concepts for the USMLE Step 1. The explanations are not lengthy and are geared to pertinent testable information on Step 1.

Biography

Tao Le, MD, MHS, is Assistant Clinical Professor of Medicine and Pediatrics and Chief, Section of Allergy and Immunology, Department of Medicine, University of Louisville.