Classic Presentations and Rapid Review for USMLE, Step 2

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Summary: Want to Pass? By this book!
Review: The authors have really put their finger on what you need to know to pass step II. They've focussed on high yeild topics, with helpful hints throughout, and organized it in a very easy to read format.

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Summary: Additional Review
Review: The following are verbatim excerpts from a recently published review of Classic Presentations and Rapid Review for the USMLE, Step 2 by bTheodore X. O'Connell M.D. et al. The review was written by Tarek Abdelhamid, M.D. and first appeared at www.med-ed-online.org. It is being reprinted here with permission. "This book is an attempt to select the most important facts to pass the USMLE step2. It is designed for rapid revision before sitting the Step 2 examination and the work succeeds in providing a good cross-section of information. The areas I particularly liked were psychiatry, pediatrics, statistics and obstetrics. The selection and quality of information in these areas is better than good. Overall, the book is a useful adjunct to those who want to do rapid revision before undertaking step 2 USMLE examination." Dr. Abdelhamid told me via E-mail that he would give this book 3 stars.

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Summary: A poor excuse for a Step II review book!
Review: This book is an example of poor work. Medical students need to know this before they purchase this book because we are often unaware of the quality of the review book. It seems to me that the authors just wrote down whatever popped into their minds about a certain topic. It didn't matter if they were missing extremely vital imformation, or if the information was completely outdates. It seems to me that J&S just needed a Step II review book and the quality wasn't important. Most of the information in this book is much too basic, and much too outdated. Don't waste your time with this book, unless you really are missing the basics.

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Summary: Truly, a must have for every medical student
Review: This book is an indispensible review for the USMLE Step 2, Step 3, and even just for the wards in general. The authors have boiled it down to what one really needs to know. The bullet format is very easy to read.

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Summary: Waste of paper and ink
Review: This book is the biggest waste of paper and ink I have ever had the chance to witness.

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Summary: Excellent!
Review: This book provides an excellent, quick overview for review before the boards.... Let's face it, almost all of Step II is about classic presentations of disease, and that is EXACTLY what this book focuses on!

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Summary: I would really give it 1/2 star
Review: This book really is as horrible as everyone says it is. The outline format really is just a skeleton outline. You truly have to know your basics well before using this book, and quite honestly, if you know your basics, don't bother buying this one. You will end up being frustrated and disappointed. Save your thirty bucks!

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Summary: Close to Perfection
Review: This review book is quite simply the best Step II review book available. Thorough, concise, easy to read.

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Summary: There are better Step 2 books out there!
Review: This was by far the worst step 2 book ever published! I agree with what the others were saying, it IS a waste of paper and ink, and most of all a waste of TIME and MONEY. The "classic presentations" are lame and generic. They don't give you any special points to help you remember certain diseases, etc.. which was what I thought I was buying when I purchased this book. The format is so bare, it's like an outline, but after reading it, nothing stayed in my head. I wished I had run across these other reviews before plunking down the $30.00. I would suggest the other books that Amazon recommends, first aid for the boards, prescription for the boards are far better.

Rating:
Summary: Decent
Review: This will be a good book to read the week before the test. Fairly comprehensive and detailed, but quick.