Books for Prep | |
 - A little dry, some bright spellsLike Chairman Mao, Dr John West has terrorized legions of young men and women with his little red book. His original textbook of respiratory physiology has become a classic of its time, being the first (and often last) foray into really difficult physiology equations that many a med student or resident dares to take. For many, it has no doubt been the last straw that drove them into a career in orthopedic surgery. This follow-up offering, with its mixture of science and padding, is easier to follow but, ultimately, less useful. Following on from the foundation of the red book, this one aims to present the science in a more clinical context. However, the reader is left with a sense that, in some chapters, he was struggling to come up with enough good physiology to fill the pages, and instead he delivers whole sections without an equation or scientific principle to be seen. This can be seen either as vice or virtue, since it reads a lot more easily and can give basic insights into conditions without tripping the reader up with arcane equations. But it can fail to deliver quite the same intense burst of brain food that the red book provided. It should be seen more as an introduction to pathophysiology than a useful text, but is a good way to look like you're reading something clever without overly straining the grey matter. Despite all this, I would recommend it as an amuse-bouche before the main course of a three-course respiratory phsiology text book. Rating:  - poorly explained, confusing, and misleadingThis is not a good text. There is too little information and explanation for the concepts. In addition, the back of the book claims that the questions are in USMLE format and that explanations are provided, but that is simply a lie. There are no explanations. Compared to physiology texts such as those by Costanzo or Lilly, this book is very weak. Rating:  - M.UbaghsIn his books Dr West does a great job teaching basic Respiratory Physiology and Respiratory Physiopathology.The easy-to-read texts will be very helpfull to medical studends in their first years and for USLME review. Rating: - Must have for Pulmonary PathophysiologyThis book is very concise and covers all of the necessary information for a Pulmonary Disease course. Also worthy of mention is the fact that is is the top selling book in the field in it's category. I find it perfect for a Respiratory Therapist, Medical Student, or Physician's Assistant due to the easy to learn format and clear writing style of the author. Also, rumor has it that West is coming out with a combined Pathophysiology and Physiology for Pulmonary that should be well done as well. page 1 of 1
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