As far as books go, it's all very dependent on what kind of studier
you are. Dr. Cohan creates some very meticulous notes with nice
diagrams so you may not need to look beyond your course notes as far
as the neuroscience module goes.
If you're one to prefer a more in-depth explanation of
neuro-mechanisms, try the Concise Text of Neuroscience. It's a great
book of detailed descriptions, and time consuming but not excessive.
If you're interested in neuro, this is a good investment. And there is
always Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine. (Speaking of
Harrison's, if you like the detail and fact that this text is THE gold
standard of internal med and great for 3rd year, I recommend saving
money by buying the single, complete textbook instead of the
subject-based individual Harrison textbooks. The subject-book text is
exactly the same (I've compared), but collectively more expensive.)
If you're not looking to be a neuroscience supernova-star, go for High
Yield Neuroanatomy and BRS, check out the neuroscience section of
First Aid, and the Kaplan Medical Essentials neuro. Those are pretty
good and I thought the FA and ME supplemented each other nicely. FA
has good coverage of the important points, and Med Essentials had
better drawings of the pathways. But as with all studying, it's all
pick and choose according to your taste. Invest in some good
books/players for Opening Day (3/30/08) in the spring…and players
who are not shamelessly overpriced…
For Neuro lab, again Dr. Cohan has already enlarged and photocopied
his neuro slides for you in the course lecture notes. These are the
same slides he tests with on his exams, and these are the only things
you will need to identify. Close to exam time he'll come up with a
list of "must learn" structures he wants you to focus on so don't
sweat it. Any extra cross sectional neuroanatomy books to purchase are
(in my opinion) excessive. But again, if neuro is your thing…by all
means go ahead and get that cross sectional neuroanatomy book.
Make sure you use your neuroscience TAs. They are 4th year medical
students, and hand-picked and groomed by Dr. Cohan (no, I am kidding).
They are always walking around lab, hungry to answer questions…even
questions about 3rd and 4th year. And hey, they are ALMOST DOCTORS and
getting ready to interview at residency programs, so they are the best
source of fresh perspective you will meet these days!
Good Luck 2nd Years!
