Biochemistry : Review for USMLE, Step 1, Second Edition

Rating:
Summary: Clinical vignettes exposed
Review: I ordered this book to help me prepare for the Biochemistry portion of the USMLE Step 1. The majority of questions in this book are based on clinical vignettes (just like the real boards). I enjoyed this format because it strips down the intricacies of various biochemical pathways and stresses only those that are CLINICALLY RELEVANT. I also enjoyed the fact that the book has patient presentation pictures (i.e. Cushing's, Graves, etc.) and detailed explanations about the answers to the questions. While I don't think that you could study Biochem from this book alone, I do think that it is an EXCELLENT way to test yourself (or torture others:)) after you have finished reviewing. Overall, a very good book.

Rating:
Summary: Biochemistry for the Boards
Review: I ordered this book to help me prepare for the Biochemistry portion of the USMLE Step 1. The majority of questions in this book are based on clinical vignettes (just like the real boards). I enjoyed this format because it strips down the intricacies of various biochemical pathways and stresses only those that are CLINICALLY RELEVANT. I also enjoyed the fact that the book has patient presentation pictures (i.e. Cushing's, Graves, etc.) and detailed explanations about the answers to the questions. While I don't think that you could study Biochem from this book alone, I do think that it is an EXCELLENT way to test yourself (or torture others:)) after you have finished reviewing. Overall, a very good book.

Rating:
Summary: Clinical vignettes exposed
Review: This is a perfect question book in the sense that it reflects the current trend in Step I: focusing on clinical vignettes and establishing the relationship between science and practice. All the questions are answered clearly with sufficient explanations. If you believe that solving good questions is the best way to prepare for the boards, you found the right book for biochemistry. This is among the very few books presenting the right balance between the clinical vignettes and the basic sciences!... I also recommend Kaplan's QBank addressing the real-exam like clinical vignettes.