Clinical Pathophysiology Made Ridiculously Simple [With CD-ROM]

I am a nursing student who learns things by understanding them on a deep level (causes, patterns, connections) rather than by memorizing isolated fragments. So this book is excellent for someone like me. Unlike the assigned textbook for pathophysiology, this book begins its survey of the clinical problems that can affect each body system with a "big picture" preview--and always in the simplest, clearest language possible. Here, for instance, is how the pulmonary system chapter begins: "What problems could affect the alveolar sac and/or airways? 1. The sac is already filled with something other than air. 2. The sac does not open adequately. 3. The sac is unable to expire adequately due to either obstruction of the airways or decreased elastic recoil of the sac itself." The rest of the chapter simply fills in the details of these three possibilities. Moreover, the book is filled with extremely useful devices for remembering and organizing the information presented. There are on virtually every page very clear diagrams, pictures, or formulas that capture a central concept in a memorable figure. For instance, a figure depicting the renal system, with blood supply, nephron, and collecting system (ureter, etc) uses little pointing hands to show the classification of kinds of acute renal failure: prerenal, intrinsic, and postrenal. Second, the book has many helpful mnemonics. For instance, "aldosteRoNe causes Reabsorption of Na (sodium)." Finally, the book provides detailed but wonderfully clear and simple explanations of virtually every pathophysiological problem, including many of the major diagnostics for distinguishing them. Moreover, it frequently uses questions in the text to give the reader a chance to think about the problem. For instance, in discussing hyperthryroidism, the author points out the two main mechanisms: "The thyroid over-secretes thyroid hormone (primary) or the pituitary over-stimulates the thyroid to secrete thyroid hormone (secondary). One needs only one lab value to distinguish between primary and secondary hyperthyroidism. Which one? Think about negative feedback. If the thyroid itself secretes lots of hormone 'without being told to,' this would increase negative feedback on the pituitary. So in primary hyperthyroidism TSH will be low." Plainly, one cannot come to this book without an adequate background in basic anatomy and physiology. Nor does the book presume to provide detailed coverage of everything, as Guyton and Hall do. But it is the best short overview of pathophysiology I have ever seen, and it helped me tremendously in understanding and therefore thinking critically about clinical problems.

I wish I had used this book for second year in medical school. Dr. Berkowitz explains concepts better than anyone including the famous Dr. Goljan IMHO. Unlike many pathology and physiology books, this book explains every little concept extremely well as if a tutor was sitting next to you and talking to you. The only drawback to this book is that it's not comprehensive and doesn't explain all the pathological diseases involved in an organ system. However, that isn't the fault of the author since the 'Made Ridiculously Simple' line also produces a pathology and a physiology text so Dr. Berkowitz couldn't write more without infringing upon the other texts. I really hope Dr. Berkowitz writes a separate Pathology book in this same writing style that is more comprehensive for the boards. I would still buy this book and it's ratings are right on. I'm very critical of books and this one is truly a gem and Dr. Berkowitz deserves a lot of recognition for taking the time to explain concepts that other professors ignore and assume are intuitive.

If you have used any of the other 'Ridiculously Simple' books, you'll love this. The conversational writing style, quirky cartoon diagrams and practical clinical examples all combine to make this book uniquely easy to digest - as opposed to say Robbins, which is more definitive but also more stuffy and long-winded (i.e. harder to read). In terms of USMLE prep, I think this makes a nice supplement to a more traditional review book and a healthy dose of practice questions. It definitely fills a nice niche that way and will help in solidifying basic concepts - again, not as a stand-alone, but certainly as an adjunct. Overall, a pretty sweet lil' book.

This book is clear and concise. It highlites the major points which enables rapid review of the core concepts without having the wade through "too many words." The diagrams and pictures represent key material that is tested on board exams year after year. As a resident in diagnostic radiology, this book is a great reference source for the material I have long since forgotten in clinical medicine. I wish this book were around when I was a medical student!

Clinical Pathophysiology Made Ridiculously Simple is the best transitional book out there. The fact of the matter is when you show up to medical school you know nothing. This book is like have a kind friend walk you through the basics in a totally unpretentious way. As my subject line suggests, I would read this then get cracking on Robbins. That will ease the pain and get you moving towards passing step 1. Good luck.