Rating: 
Summary: Not as Helpful as Step 1 Version
Review: While I would swear by the step 1 version of First Aid, the step 2 version didn't seem as helpful in studying for that portion of the medical boards. The step 1 book was packed with cold, hard facts, and in my opinion was by far the best study tool for step 1. I can't count the number of times that I had questions on the boards that came directly from data presented in the step 1 book. This doesn't mean I always remembered what the information was, but just that it was there, in the book, to be studied. After that it's up to my blasted brain to remember reading it. The step two book starts out with several pages of "reminder" facts. These are mainly basic science "pearls" of information that will be helpful in preparing for step 2. The remainder of the book is dedicated to case presentation questions, the kind of questions you will find on step 2. These questions are divided up by topic and presented in a logical format.I think that because of the nature of step 2, it is much more difficult to put together a book that encompasses the majority of the information that will be presented on that portion of the boards without turning it into Harrison's. Due to the nature of the case presentation questions, they take up a great deal of space on the page and can be time consuming to read. This was easily avoided in the step 1 book because many one-line facts can be listed on a single page. I found the book a helpful review, but not a useful study tool. I would suggest to anyone preparing for step 2 to read through the book and judge for yourself. It is well known that if you take 100 medical students, you will find 100 various study methods. Some will love this book, and others will hate everything about First Aid, their books, what they stand for, and how they are destroying society. (Sometimes med students can get a bit wacky). Basically, I would suggest you peruse the pages at your medical bookstore, if it looks like it may help, by all means make the purchase. You may also be able to find it used for a cheaper price. I would suggest that this NOT be your only study/review tool as the step 1 version could have easily been. I would supplement it with as many practice questions that you have time to read. This seemed to be the preferred method for everyone in my class. Whatever you choose to study, I wish you the best of luck. Step 2 is now on computer and only takes 1 day, but 8 hours of sitting at a computer reading "60 year old blah blah blah presents with blah blah blah can get very old no matter how you prepare. Thanks for your time....
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