First Aid for the USMLE Step 2 Ck, Ninth Edition

I used this to study for NPLEX and it got me through the exam (at least the physical clinical dx part) Because NPLEX is such a small test...the study material made for it generally is horrible. You need to use that for some sections, but for clin/physical dx use this. NPLEX is all about DDX's. Knowing what the case disease is is worthless, because you need the DDX's. Use this and compare, compare, compare ddx's, so you know what to absolutely include or exclude in every case.

The book is in good shape, has a good brief review of the basics for step 2

This is THE book for studying for step 2. I used it as an outline and filled in the gaps with BRS and High Yield and Pretest.

This new edition is much improved over the past editions! Although it's still not up to par with First Aid for Step 1, it's a comprehensive review packed with high yield topics. It's a rather thick book (over 600 pages), and due to the nature of the exam it's not too "crammable" - so you'll need some time to read and understand the material. I recommend this along with the Blueprints series and either NMS Step 2 or A & L practice questions in your preparation of the exam.

Excellent conglomeration of high-yield review of diseases and diagnoses relevant to clinical medicine and the USMLE Step II exam. The format of the information is superior with sections describing signs/symptoms, physical exam/lab findings, and treatment strategies. Essential for USMLE Step II preparation.