winterallsummer Posted July 9, 2014 Share Posted July 9, 2014 During the didactic year you are overwhelmed with notes and recommended reading that are impossible to get through. There is no shortage of material to study and it is easy to know what to focus on. During the clinical year, there is a shift. The recommended reading may or may not be helpful and there are many, sometimes expensive, "study books" that can be either greatly helpful or a total waste of time and money. I am compiling this list to try to help out all students on clinical rotations. It is a list of recommended books for each block. I am basing my choices on three things: 1. How helpful was the book in getting a good score on the PAEA EOR exams. 2. How helpful was the book in actually understanding what to do on your rotation and figuring out what's going on around you. 3. How easy and enjoyable is the book to read. For all rotations, if you enjoy videos, I recommend: http://www.onlinemeded.org/ (better for the test, more concise) https://www.youtube.com/user/tomiwa007 (more entertaining but often too long and not as test useful) With almost no exceptions, an older series of the book (1 prior edition) will completely suffice. Without further adieu, here is my list! 1. OB/GYN First line: Blueprints - OB/GYN: http://www.amazon.com/Blueprints-Obstetrics-Gynecology-Series/dp/1451117027 Not all of the Blueprint series are good - some are totally worthless (IM and FM). This book is concise, covers everything you need, and has a ton of questions after each chapter and one in the end. Don't waste too much time bearing over complicated staging for GYN cancers or interpreting fetal heart monitors. The rest of the book is a great investment. Second line: Case Files - OB/GYN: http://www.amazon.com/Files-Obstetrics-Gynecology-Fourth-Edition/dp/0071761713 Mostly a great and easy read, only sometimes superfluous. This book also has lots of Q&A and is easy to finish fairly quickly. Third line: Obstetrics & Gynecology: http://www.amazon.com/Obstetrics-Gynecology-Charles-Beckmann-MHPE/dp/0781788072/ref=cm_srch_res_rpli_4 You may have this left over from the didactic year. Most of the information here is in blueprints and presented better in blueprints. But if you finish the other two books and must read, this book is actually surprisingly useful for a textbook. 2. Family Medicine First line: Case Files - Family Med: http://www.amazon.com/Files-Family-Medicine-Third-Edition/dp/0071753958 Covers most the common issue and lots of Q&A. Very little unnecessary information, and an interesting read. Second line: Swanson's Family Review: http://www.amazon.com/Swansons-Family-Medicine-Review-Consult/dp/1455707902 A great, great book that is more clinically useful than EOR exam useful, but will work well for both. All Q&A format with lengthy explanations and a very readable format. Third line: Step Up to Medicine: http://www.amazon.com/Step-Up-Medicine-Series-3rd-EDITION/dp/1609133609 Actually an USLME 2 book, this is the only "outline format" book that is really worth a read, IMHO. Detailed enough for the exam but not too much to bog you down. Some mnemonics and very concisely organized. Key Hint: Spend at least 1-2 days towards the end of your test reviewing your OB/GYN notes, and at least 2 hours reviewing your psych notes. 3. Surgery This rotation often allows the least amount of time to read. Do your best and always read on down time or when on call. First line: Case Files - Surgery: http://www.amazon.com/Files-Surgery-Fourth-Edition-LANGE/dp/0071766995 Easy to read, somewhat superfluous but actually covers most everything on the exam. If you have time to finish only one book, this is what I recommend. Second line: Blueprints - Surgery: http://www.amazon.com/Blueprints-Surgery-Series-Seth-Karp/dp/0781788684 A bit too simple and more of a review for some, but it does cover a lot of heavy hitting test questions and is very readable. Be sure to do the practice test in the back. 4. Psych First line: Case Files - Psych: http://www.amazon.com/Files-Psychiatry-Fourth-Edition-LANGE/dp/0071753915 Okay so I really recommend case files. There is no rotation that these books are not a huge help, IMHO. Also First line: Pre-Test - Psych: http://www.amazon.com/Psychiatry-Self-Assessment-Thirteenth-Clinical-Medicine/dp/0071761012 This is equally as good as case files. All test & explanation so less readable, but many questions from the EOR are on this, in different wording, one way or another. In general, I do NOT recommend pre-test because they are not similar to PA questions but more like long paragraphs more in line with USMLE 2/3. Extra credit: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/psychiatry-rounds-nutan-atre-vaidya/1101375275?ean=9780940780675 Admittedly only somewhat useful for the test and somewhat outdated, this is actually an incredibly useful for psych (and medicine) on real life clinical scenarios. Very easy and enjoyable read, as far as studying can go. 5. Internal Medicine To some this is the most daunting exam to take. IMHO, the FM and EM are both more difficult. FM because it also includes ob/gyn, and EM for some reason was a little tricky. So don't be intimidated by this. In this test, you will hit a TON of "heavy hitter" questions - the popular ones you saw during didactic year. First line: Case Files - IM http://www.amazon.com/Files-Internal-Medicine-Fourth-Edition/dp/0071761721 This doesn't cover everything in IM, but most of it will be on the EOR exam in one way or another. Second line: Step Up to Medicine: http://www.amazon.com/Step-Up-Medicine-Series-3rd-EDITION/dp/1609133609 More useful for IM than FM. Actually an USLME 2 book, this is the only "outline format" book that is really worth a read, IMHO. Detailed enough for the exam but not too much to bog you down. Some mnemonics and very concisely organized. Third line: Wikipedia, CMDT. 6. Pediatrics Let me preface by saying I had very, very few vaccination and milestone questions on my exam. I chose not to study them and just guessed when I got them. I ended up being very happy with that decision. If you do study them, then do so while on rotation. Before going in a room, glance at a table to know at least 1 milestone the infant should have, and if they are here for a vaccination, what shots they should get (assume they are on schedule). First line: Blueprints - Peds: http://www.amazon.com/Blueprints-Pediatrics-Series-Bradley-Marino/dp/1451116047 A very great book, this and OB/GYN of blueprints are both A++ and include questions after each chapter and a practice test at the end. Covers nearly everything for peds and fairly readable to boot. Second line: Case files - Peds: http://www.amazon.com/Files-Pediatrics-Fourth-Edition-LANGE/dp/0071766987 Half good, half bad. The common conditions are great and well explained and you will see them on the exam. But you must skip the esoteric questions (kid drinking goat's milk, baby with extremely rare congenital abnormality) and the complicated questions. Still, readable and very useful! Third line: Pre Test - Peds: http://www.amazon.com/Pediatrics-Self-Assessment-Thirteenth-Clinical-Medicine/dp/0071761233 7. Emergency Medicine This was my first rotation and I didn't know what to read. In retrospect, I recommend blueprints (read it - good but a little too simple) and case files (didn't read it but wish I did). 8. In general A week or two before your test, start taking practice tests. Lange's PA review (http://www.amazon.com/Lange-Physician-Assistant-Examination-Edition/dp/0071628282), the "official" guide's online version (http://www.amazon.com/Comprehensive-Certification-Recertification-Examinations-Assistants/dp/1605477265), and PAEasy are all solid choices. If you have ExamMaster, do not waste your time. Always balance your time between clinically useful and test-useful reading. Do read about your patients and their conditions, but don't neglect preparing for the test. Extra Credit If you have time, I highly recommend http://www.amazon.com/Problem-Solving-Clinical-Medicine-Diagnosis/dp/0683301675 and http://www.amazon.com/Clinical-Pathophysiology-Made-Ridiculously-Simple/dp/0940780801 Good luck and happy reading! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PYRITE Posted July 9, 2014 Share Posted July 9, 2014 Thanks for putting this together. Great tips! I just finished my 1st rotation (family medicine) and would also highly recommend case files. That and doing lots of questions (PanceMaster, Lange, JB Review) served me well. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MisterIndubitably Posted July 10, 2014 Share Posted July 10, 2014 Huge thanks for gathering and pooling all of these resources. We are in our last quarter before clinicals and this will be my holy grail. Could you tell me why you don't like Exam Master? Our school just gave us the login for that program but I am willing to pay for a better one if it means a better outcome in testing. Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
winterallsummer Posted July 10, 2014 Author Share Posted July 10, 2014 I do not recommend exam master because it is packed with esoteric questions that are not relavent to real life or your test. Actually I used it some and the explanations to some questions are useful. But the majority of questions are not helpful. I recommend going through all other resources first then use it if you want if time allows. Simply but there are a lot of better resources out there to use first. The test books are as I recommended above. Also ask the library as you may have paeasy or other resources and not even know it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cinntsp Posted July 11, 2014 Share Posted July 11, 2014 The only books I actually made a concerted effort to read were Step Up to Medicine and the psych Blueprints. I referred to Tintinalli's in EM. Disclaimer: I'm more of a lecture person and didn't do the PAEA EORs. If I had a chance to go back, I would have bought Hippo PA at the beginning of my clinical year and continually watched the vids throughout. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jesij1212 Posted August 7, 2014 Share Posted August 7, 2014 The only books I actually made a concerted effort to read were Step Up to Medicine and the psych Blueprints. I referred to Tintinalli's in EM. Disclaimer: I'm more of a lecture person and didn't do the PAEA EORs. If I had a chance to go back, I would have bought Hippo PA at the beginning of my clinical year and continually watched the vids throughout. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jesij1212 Posted August 7, 2014 Share Posted August 7, 2014 Sorry. I meant to ask you more about Hippo PA. I'm about to start didactic year (anatomy is done and out of the way) and I'm intrigued. The price is pretty steep, but have you used it? In what ways would it have been helpful during clinical year, and could it be used as a resource for didactic year as well? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gbrothers98 Posted August 7, 2014 Share Posted August 7, 2014 Sorry. I meant to ask you more about Hippo PA. I'm about to start didactic year (anatomy is done and out of the way) and I'm intrigued. The price is pretty steep, but have you used it? In what ways would it have been helpful during clinical year, and could it be used as a resource for didactic year as well? http://www.amazon.com/Comprehensive-Certification-Recertification-Examinations-Assistants/dp/145119109X/ref=dp_ob_title_bk new version of this review with online test http://www.onlinemeded.org/index link above was 404 Hippo is great for several reasons: 1. Mel Hebert and his crew are entertaining and funny and do a great job. They are all top notch lecturers and in demand around the country. 2. Most lectures are on the shorter side and Mel does a quick review to hit the high points at the end. 3. Can immediately take a test after the section to reinforce knowledge. 4. You can email them and they will answer your questions. 5. $495 is cheap compared to flying/driving to a review, hotel and dining costs plus you can use it all year long. 6. There is usually a discount bouncing around for about $25 or so, google it. 7. I lecture at a local PA program and have reviewed Hippo lectures in preparing mine on certain topics so I think yes you could use it during didactic year to prepare for lectures or use to review after a lecture. I have no relationship to Hippo PA but I have used it, have attended conferences they hold for EM and am a subscriber to EM RAP. So I drink the kool aid. G Brothers PA-C Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
winterallsummer Posted January 6, 2016 Author Share Posted January 6, 2016 Bump. Can someone sticky this? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PA2016! Posted January 7, 2016 Share Posted January 7, 2016 Regarding your comments about ExamMaster....I have heard that it is extremely difficult with very long drawn out questions (as you stated), but has also heard if you are able to do well on them then you will have no problem passing the PANCE. Do you still feel this is incorrect? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sunnyn Posted January 7, 2016 Share Posted January 7, 2016 Does anyone have any experience with more usmle resources, their qbanks? to prepare for the pance? Any advice would be greatly appreciated. I have been hearing conflicting things about it.... Many thanks. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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