Microcards: Review Cards for Medical Students by Sanjiv Harpavat, Sahar Nissim

Synopsis

These flashcards will help medical students organize and recall medical microbiology information for course exams and USMLE Step 1. The cards are grouped into sections on gram-positive, gram-negative, and other bacteria; RNA and DNA viruses; fungi; protozoa; and helminths. Each section begins with charts summarizing key information on the group of microorganisms, followed by cards for each individual microbe, which include clinical presentation, pathobiology, diagnosis/treatment, quick facts, and a case study. Schematic illustrations show the morphology and pathogenesis of different microorganisms.

A companion Website provides 70 USMLE-style questions and answers.

Annotation

Microcards are a packet of review flashcards in medical microbiology intended primarily for second year medical students taking a microbiology course and preparing for USMLE Step 1. Features include: coverage of clinically relevant viruses, bacteria, fungi, protozoa, and helminths; a clinical case and annotated picture summarizing the laboratory diagnosis on each card; description of pathobiology from start to finish; grouping of a microorganism's pathobiology into conceptual categories; and accessory cards that highlight concepts common to all microorganisms.

Doody Review Services

Reviewer:Meera Narenthiran, B.Sc., D.Ch. (The Michener Institute for Applied Health Sciences)
Description:The set of cards for medical students is a helpful resource for a quick review of microorganisms.
Purpose:The set of cards is a designed to be a review resource. The authors have achieved their objectives using tables and diagrams.
Audience:The authors intentionally designed the microcards for students in their early years of a medical program and they have successfully achieved their goal.
Features:The cards summarize microorganisms, their morphology, pathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment, as well as typical cases. This is a useful tool for students preparing for their exams.
Assessment:The cards are useful, but they could be improved further by using color diagrams and coding. It also would have been beneficial to have some mechanism to keep the cards together, such as a better box or a holder.

Biography

Harpavat, Sanjiv; Nissim, Sahar