Average Reviews:
(More customer reviews)I think it is the best "first text" on the physical exam out there. The pros to choosing this book over the others are:
1. Targeted specifically to medical students: This book takes nothing for granted and starts with the basics. From principles of a good interview to minutia of the physical exam such as proper draping of a patient, this book covers everything a medical student needs to know for acing Step 2 CS.
2. Organization: Each chapter covers basic anatomy relevant to the physical exam, common signs and symptoms a patient may present with, a step-by-step approach to the physical exam, and clinicopathologic correlations. Each chapter also closes with sample write-ups for that particular part of the exam to give you an idea how to put such information in your note.
3. For the common symptoms, a list of questions are presented that are helpful in gathering more information from the patient's chief complaint. Knowing these is essential for the real-world as well as Step 2 CS. Edit: The Patient History: Evidence-Based Approach (Lange Medical Books) is an outstanding book that goes into much more detail in this area that I would recommend you at least check out from your library.
4. Pictures: each chapter has tons of pictures, most in full color. The pictures illustrate anatomy, follow the step-by-step physical exam, and demonstrate TONS of pathology. There are probably 1000 or more high-quality pictures and they are certainly the highlight of the book. No other book that I am aware of has such great pictures.
5. Videos of Dr. Swartz demonstrating the complete physical exam: Not everything is shown as another reviewer mentioned, but the basics are.
6. Chapters, as well as videos, that deal with specific patient populations such as the elderly, children, and the pregnant patient.
The book, however, is only an introduction and focuses more on the "how" than the "why." After mastering this book, if you are interested in more information on physical diagnosis, you could try DeGowin's Diagnostic Examination, Ninth Edition, Physical Diagnosis Secrets: With STUDENT CONSULT Online Access, or Sapira's Art and Science of Bedside Diagnosis. Each of these have their own strengths and weaknesses but they are all excellent and I would recommend you read the reviews or look at them yourself before you buy them.
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