Pharmacology for the Medical Student

Great book !! Really motivated me to engage and learn Pharmacology but one downside is that it doesn't contain all the information but just the bare minimum, so if you have lectures don't forget to add in the information or make add-on notes. Otherwise 10/10 book

Like most, I didn’t really like or appreciate pharm because it’s like drinking water from a fire hydrant especially because of having to learn the new language of “generic names.”However, Dr. Bourassa wrote this book to be an easy read like he’s speaking to you. It doesn’t read like a clinical journal or dry textbooks.The way he organizes it and breaks it down and explains briefly the physiology, before introducing the new drug class, helps you understand the drug class and helps see the big picture.He also has tons of easy ways to remember things and tricks and mnemonic devices to help it stick!!! That has helped me never forget those.But NOTHING HELPS MORE than the exam questions he has at the end of each section!! It helps you identify what you thought you understood by forcing you to think outside the box just like real-world scenarios when you’re seeing a patient.Even if this isn’t the text for your program, you should get this book even if JUST for the exam questions alone!!! It’s more like step exam questions than the other ones you can find online.I hated pharm 1 and 2 in grad school because I didn’t understand it. NOW because of this book I actually LOVE it!!! That’s saying a lot!! If you don’t understand pharm or if you’ve gotten your acceptance letter and have a few months to spend preparing, BUY THIS BOOK!! It’ll make your life so much easier!!!

Dr. Bourassa writes just like he's having a conversation with you. He tells you exactly what is important for practice and what gets asked on board exams. He puts everything in a no nonsense format that anyone can understand. This book is actually better than the 2nd edition because the practice test have answers in the back that actually explain why each option is right or wrong.

This textbook has been so easy to read. It has really helped me get a better overall picture of what is going on and how to best categorize each drug family which allows me to better understand my lectures and sketchy notes. The practice questions have also been super helpful so far.

Really fascinating information, the writing is engaging and practical. I am surprised at the real dearth of diagrams and zero images but the book is quite readable and uses realistic examples. Still understandable despite my biochem and physiology training from a long time ago. Well worth the price and your time.

really great book for a 2nd year medical student gearing up to study for board exams. very concise. i would advise 1st years reading this review to purchase this book immediately and use it as a reference along with first aid to go through the classes.