Case Files: Gross Anatomy

Organized by body region, the 49 real-life clinical cases in this study guide for the USMLE Step 1 demonstrate the anatomy of actual patients, describe the supporting structures and anatomical relations of the specific joint, artery, or organ, and provide three to four practice questions with answers. The contributors are affiliated with the University of Texas and Christus St. Joseph Medical Center. Annotation ©2005 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR

Doody Review Services

Reviewer:George C. Enders, Ph.D.(University of Kansas Medical Center)
Description:This book contains 49 real-life clinical cases designed to both help teach gross anatomy and help medical students prepare for USMLE Step 1. Each clinical case presents a patient with relevant history and symptoms, and uses the case (typically an injury or pathology) as an educational tool to teach the anatomy related to that case. It also provides USMLE Step 1 type multiple choice questions with answers. Each case ends with and key "Anatomical Pearls" and reference for further explanations if needed. The discussion in almost all cases includes tables and illustrations to clarify the anatomical issues.
Purpose:The purpose is to aid medical students while they learn gross anatomy and prepare them for USMLE Step 1.
Audience:The audience is medical students who are taking gross anatomy and studying for USMLE Step 1. The book is meant to serve as a supplement to traditional books and atlases and solidify clinical relevance of anatomy.
Features:The 49 cases are divided into regions. After the description of the clinical case, there are a series of open-ended questions. The questions are answered by explaining the anatomy behind the case with extensive tables and illustrations of the relevant anatomy. Following are, generally, three USMLE Step 1 style multiple choice questions with explanations and references for further reading. Useful features include the "Anatomical Pearls" of key anatomical points and the cross references of cases by diagnosis.
Assessment:The book does a nice job with the clinical case approach. It covers many of the classic clinical cases that medical students are likely to encounter in their future practice. The bolding of key names and structures as well as the very complete index are also useful features. In the field of anatomy review books, this one is unusual, in that there are relatively few clinical cases, but each one includes an extensive explanation of both the normal and clinically relevant anatomy with lots of illustrations and tables. No other books on gross anatomy take this approach. Many medical students will find it very useful.

Eugene C. Toy, MD is the John S. Dunn Senior Academic Chief and Program Director at The Methodist Hospital-Houston Obstetrics and Gynecology Residency Program, Houston, TX. He is also Clerkship Director and Clinical Associate Professor, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas Medical School at Houston, Houston, TX.

Lawrence M. Ross, MD, PhD is Adjunct Professor in the Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy at The University of Texas Medical School at Houston, Houston, TX

Leonard J. Cleary, PhD is Senior Lecturer and Gross Anatomy Course Director in the Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy at The University of Texas Medical School at Houston, Houston, TX

Cristo Papasakelariou, MD, FACOG, is Clinical Professor in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at The University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston, TX. He is also the Clinical Director of Gynecologic Surgery at St. Joseph Medical Center in Houston, TX.