Independent Study

Most of what you learn in the neurology clerkship and your entire medical career will involve independent study. Only so much information can be delivered by your preceptors and through didactics. It goes without saying that all reading is optional, but to do well in this clerkship and on the final exam, quite a bit of reading is required. The most effective approach is to read about the patients you have seen each day and also read a little bit of general neurology on a daily basis.

The syllabus (web and pocket) contains a checklist of topics that we consider necessary for a basic understanding of neurology and to do well on the final exam. When good web sites are known, there is a link provided. If you find a good web site that is not on the list, please tell the clerkship director so that future students can benefit.

Click here to link to Pocket Syllabus page

There are many other options to read about the topics. These include: original articles, review papers, general textbooks, lecture handouts, and neurology texts. Below are three recommended sources. The case-based format seems to be the favorite of most students.

Recommended Text Options:

1. Case Files Neurology, Lange:
   Toy E, Simpson E, Pleitez M, Rosenfield D, Tinter R. ISBN 978-0-07-148287-5 Organized by 55 cases. Many students like to study from USMLE style questions.
2. Medscape Neurology, Free:
   http://www.box.net/shared/jwmytr1oo4
   92 USMLE style questions with answers
3. Raven Neurology Review:  Clinical Neurology for the Medical Student Clerkship.  Johnson, PD.  ISBN 1535262931.  Case-based format with pics and pearls.
4. Clinical Neurology, 7th Ed. Lange:
   Simon RP, Greenberg DA, Aminoff MJ, ISBN 0-07-154644-8 Key concepts in every chapter. Many pictures and tables. Very complete text for the course. Should allow you to do well on the final exam.  Free version at:  http://hsl.uw.edu/topics/selected-ebooks-by-subject.  Click Neurology and then Clinical Neurology (Access Medicine).