The biggest mistake students often make is rushing off to buy every single book recommended by their medical school. This can end up being really expensive considering the seemingly endless list of books for each subject in medicine such as anatomy, physiology, pathology, pharmacology and so on.
It is often better to figure out which textbooks are the most valuable by reading reviews, guides like this one and asking your seniors! Remember, you can always borrow a book from your university library if you only need it for a short period of time. Your colleagues may also have circulating PDF copies also so it's worth asking them or a forum like Reddit.
So anyway here are my recommendations of books I found really useful! Keep in mind most of these books are tough to understand at first, they will also become your reference/go-to after your first year and into your careers even! I have included a great summary book at the end which should be your go-to revision book for 1st and 2nd year medicine.
All-in-one
Marieb, Human Anatomy & Physiology - A great all in one book for all your 1st year content. It includes a in-depth overview of everything from cell and molecular biology to human body systems. Often referenced in various lectures and exams. If you wish to prepare to a higher level then you can look at the books below.
Anatomy
Gray's Anatomy for Students 3rd Edition - not the TV show! This anatomy book is really in-depth and will probably be your reference throughout med school and into your careers. It has great diagrams, comprehensive descriptions, videos online by subscription and clinical cases in the textbook to signify the relevance of the topic.
Snell's Clinical Anatomy by Systems - Takes the systems approach to teaching clinical cases. It offers a more diagnostic and procedural approach for those who are interested beyond the scope of just theory and want to try problem solve/answer tons of clinical questions.
Gray's Anatomy for Students Flash Cards - Flash cards useful for memorising Gray's Anatomy close to exam time or as a revision tool.
Physiology
Guyton and Hall Textbook of Medical Physiology - most 'textbook' textbook there is to learning physiology from the molecular basics all the way to entire body systems. Not complicated and often drawn out to help explain difficult concepts. Helps to keep a summary though because it is a really big book.
Histology and Embryology
Wheater's Functional Histology 6th Edition - Histology involves the study of the microanatomy of cells, tissues, and organs as seen through a microscope. This book gives great explanations which will help you approach lab sessions more informed and you will know what to look for. Will also help when you study the pathology books.
Langman’s Medical Embryology 12th Edition - Covers all the embryology with a strong clinical emphasis. Quite detailed so read only relevant parts.
Pathology
Robbins Basic Pathology - This book is perfect for pathology. Also known as 'baby robbins,' it contains the most up-to-date coverage of all the diseases you will need to know in medical school. The more complex book is called Robbins and Contran Pathological Basis of Disease but is aimed for those interested in pathology as a speciality.
Pharmacology
Rang and Dale's Pharmacology - Great introduction to the pharmacological aspect to medicine. Easy to understand the most important pharm concepts and has info about the pathophysiology of the drugs too. In the later medical years, combine this knowledge with a formulary of your choice (Electronic Therapeutic Guidelines in Australia - free from your university library portal). This will allow you to also learn some dosages and up-to-date guidelines.
Clinical Skills / OSCE's
Clinical Examination Talley and O'Connor - The most frequently used book by medical students and doctors in Australia/New Zealand. It contains a systems approach to history taking and performing a physical examination, along with physical exam findings and red flags sections. Really helpful for the Objectively Structured Clinical Exams (OSCE's) which come up in 2nd year.
Summary Book / High Yield
First Aid for the USMLE Step 1 - Great book going over all the high yield concepts from every system which frequently appear in exams held in 1st year and 2nd year! The mnemonics are really useful when recalling key points from a topic.
Buying a Book?
Like I said before, if you want to try a book out, simply borrow it from the uni library. And if you want a great discount when you do want to purchase a book, consider the following options;
- Other Students - often seniors who are graduating want to sell their books before they start their internship and move interstate so it's pretty cheap to buy second hand.
- Online Stores - Amazon, bookdepository, dymocks etc have great discounts occasionally
- Marketplaces - similar to buying off other students, sites like Gumtree and Facebook Marketplace are flooded with books for sale particularly after end of semester exams.
