Like many first-year medical students, I've done a lot of research into figuring out which books to buy for specific subjects. Most of the time, class notes can be simply supplemented with a well-written USMLE-style review book. However, some very broad and important subjects (such as physiology) need much more than that... you NEED a good grounding in physiology to succeed as a physician or other medical professional.
That being said, I had already purchased a couple physiology books: Costanzo (4th edition) for class and BRS Physiology (also written by Costanzo) to review for the boards next year. However, as the class lectures went on, I found myself realizing how much isn't covered in these books - and with good reason; many class details simply aren't "high yield" material. However, if you really want to learn more about the "how and why" to build a better foundation, you need to buy a comprehensive physiology textbook as a reference.
I narrowed it down to three books, all of which I think are very good for medical students and professionals: Berne and Levy, Guyton and Hall, and Boron and Boulpaep. I was able to borrow a friend's Guyton and Hall... and while I think it's an amazing feat that Guyton himself completely wrote the first few editions of the book, it was clear that some sections were more fluid than others (cardiovascular was very strong). In addition, it felt more like a dictation than a textbook: tons of details and snippets of information, but the text seemed more dry and figures weren't nearly as clear, plentiful, or colorful. I also took a short look at Berne and Levy: a great book with lots of details as well...
...but what really drew me specifically into Boron and Boulpaep were its crystal-clear figures and the way it explained "how things work". Simple example: blood pressure. This book best explained how sphygmomanometers (blood pressure cuffs) and other measurement techniques work, complementing the text with very good diagrams of each "blood-pressure taking phase". Several authors contribute to this book (unlike Guyton), though every chapter I've read so far is equally as clear. True, sometimes the authors go into "too much detail" (such as channels-related work), but it does really serve to reinforce certain principles. Because of this level of detail, however, I would say that this book might be more useful for an actual physiologist... and as a topic reference for medical students.
In conclusion, I think this book is a perfect complement to a "review" or "high-yield" book such as Costanzo. Boron and Boulpaep has BY FAR the best figures and diagrams of any book. I was an engineering student in undergrad, and I DOUBLY recommend this book if you are more of a physical science based learner. If you want a book that actually tells you how things work in a more "logical manner" and gives you some (not too complicated) equations to help you drive the point home, this is it. PERIOD!
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Top reviews from other countries
- Richard TapnioReviewed in the United States on 5 February 2010
Amazing book that really gets at the "how" of "how your body works"!
Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase - kataReviewed in Germany on 15 September 2012
Product is really nice but the wait was too long...
Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase - BrandonReviewed in Canada on 17 January 2018
Great reference
Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase - corinaReviewed in the United States on 15 October 2010
this book makes good doctors
Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase - FredericoReviewed in the United Kingdom on 24 October 2011
A very good book for med students
Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase
