The Clinical Smart Book

 

 

The Clinical Smart Book

ISBN: 0979407109

This book is a clinical guide to help medical students transition from the basic sciences to clinical medicine. It was initially written as individual sections at the end of each medical school clerkship with the sole purpose of consolidating salient information into smart cards . These cards focus on the clinical aspects of each rotation, which if mastered early in the rotation help the student to shine in the clerkship. This information is not factual information which helps on the final written exam. These smart cards act like checklists, helping to the student to focus on the important points. The main focus of the book is two fold. The first half consists of sections for each clerkship, focusing on the key history and physical points of focus to think about just before entering the patient s room, or the points of focus in a progress note for a patient. The second half of the book focuses on rudimentary skills which need to be mastered such as EKGs, acid-base, intensive care notes (and presenting these patients), ventilators, patient data organization techniques and medical acronyms and abbreviations. These tools, coupled with factual knowledge from the basic sciences, are the basis of the student s clinical grade. These checklists are consolidated into a book format, which fits nicely in your pocket and can be pulled out at a moments notice at bedside. The intent of the book was to exclude all the inconsequential information (from the medical student s perspective). By eliminating the fluff, the smart cards focus on the really important basic concepts. These skills/tools lay the foundation of understanding from which to build clinical knowledge. Thus by understanding the basics early in the rotation, the student will get more out of the clinical rotations by quickly grasping the concepts outlined in the book. Starting a rotation already knowing the key clinical parameters, makes the student stand out and more importantly facilitates learning. While this was written for medical students, physician assistants and nursing students would also benefit from the book’s content. Enjoy!

Source: The Raspberry Publishing Company

Our Review

I borrowed this book from a friend who was using it and swore by it.  I read through it and liked it a lot.  But to be clear this book is a list of things to include in write-ups.  Not that this is a bad thing.  I absolutely learned a lot from the points they made.  It is a worth while book and may save you from a “rookie mistake”.  It is inexpensive and worth your time.

On a scale of 1-10. 10 being best……………………………………………………………………………………………………..9