BRS Physiology (Board Review Series)

Medical School professors often get lost in the details when they try to teach basic physiology. This book is essentail to for surviving and finding the important details. the questions in the back of each chapter are very good.

This is one of the best medical physiology review books that I've seen. Others people on Amazon have extensively reviewed this book, so I'll use the following format for review:

Clarity: 5/5- It was easy to read and understand.
Brevity: 5/5- Used few words without sacrificing clarity.
Depth: 3/5- If you need more depth read her other book published by Saunders.
Breadth: 4/5- Not as comprehensive as could be, but good for a review.
Illustration quality: 4/5- I would have preferred a little more illustrations, however, again, can't ask too much from a review book.

Great book to review physiology once you've taken the course and read a physiology textbook. Not enough detail to rely on for passing a medical school physiology course (so don't skip the textbook and just buy the BRS!!).

This book is the best review for physiology on Step 1. That does not mean it is the most detailed, or that it has everything, but in terms of high-yield information that is managable in limited time, it takes the cake. It follows the format of Costanzo's larger text "Physiology" which is more intended for coursework, and which is also excellent. It is loaded with high-yield information and great diagrams. If you know it well, you will be well prepared for Step 1 (and physiology is a pretty big part of that exam.)
Most physio topics are coverede very well. Some pathophysiology topics (e.g. cardiac arrhythmia) are not. In those cases, "Pathophysiology for the Boards and Wards" can be used as a supplement. It wil not be enough by itself for coursework. Suggestions for a course textbook are Costanzo's "Physiology" or "NMS Physiology", both of which are excellent. NMS has more detail, Costanzo is somewhat easier to read. But for Step 1 physiology studying, this book it it.

VERY great book...there were graphs on my step 1 that were straight outta this book....if ur on a systems based coursework use it...read it twice in prep for the boards...and u'll do great....do the questions on subjects u aren't clear on...

for BOD, i'd read the heart section during the cardiovascular section...and kidney during renal...and so forth...