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Kumar and Clark Clinical Medicine
Author: Parveen Kumar
This is probably one of the most over-rated medical books of all time. No doubt when you get to medical school everyone will be telling you how good it is and saying it is the one book you must have. DON'T BELIEVE THEM! They're only saying that because that's what they were told themselves and they're too lazy to think of a better alternative.
It's not that there's actually anything bad in this book, but it tries to do too much in too little space and you will be forever having to go to other books to supplement what you read here. If you can afford it, skip this book and just buy one of the bigger and better books below.
Cecil Textbook of Medicine
Author: Lee Goldman
This is how a clinical medicine textbook should be and has been one of the worlds most trusted medical references since its original publication in 1927. OK, it's nearly twice as much as Kumar and Clark, but then I'd rather pay for a book that I'm going to use than one I'm not going to use because I realise it's crap after I've bought it.
This is totally comprehensive and has all the missing information you couldn't find in Kumar & Clark. Covers everything, pathophysiology, diagnosis, treatment etc. Also comes with online access. You won't be disappointed with this.
Oxford Textbook of Medicine
Author: David A. Warrell
Want to go one better? Money no object? Then instead of Cecil why not try the 3 volume Oxford Textbook of Medicine. This is a book that will last you not just at med-school but throughout your medical career. There can be no more comprehensive coverage of clinical medicine than this book, which is why this is a standard reference for many doctors. The version here is the paperback version, the hardback version will set you back £300!!
Robbins and Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease
Author: Vinay Kumar
This was the first medical book I bought, and before I bought it I compared all the pathology books in my university library and came to the conclusion that this is the best one. After using it for a year I still think the same. This is a very comprehensive text covering the causes and processes of disease formation. It has lots of excellent colour diagrams and plenty of colour photos, both gross and histological.
It also has a very accessible and student friendly layout. Comes with access to an online version and other online extras such as practice test questions.
Pharmacology
Author: Humphrey P. Rang
My course didn't have much pharmacology in the first year so I didn't really need a pharmacology book, the few times I did I just used the one in the library. However if you do want to buy a pharmacolgy text this has become the standard university text, and with good reason. The information in it is very up to date in this new edition and is in a user friendly format with colour diagrams making this popular with many students.
