Pharmacology is one of the three biggest topics on all the USMLE Steps. First, students must learn the normal functioning of the body – Physiology. Second, you must learn the abnormal changes to the body – Pathology. Third, but not least, you must master how to fix the abnormal with medications – Pharmacology.
There are three main concepts in Pharmacology students must learn to understand medications. These are the mechanism of action of the drug, clinical use of the medication, and the side effects associated with the drug given.
The first concept is the mechanism of action of the drug. This is how the drug functions in the body. You must understand how the drug works, as well as where the medication functions in the body.
The second concept in Pharmacology students must master is which diseases or disorders in the body each medication is used to treat. One medication can be used to treat multiple illnesses, but there are first-, second-, and third-line medications that can be used to treat diseases better or worse than others.
The third concept is knowing the side effects associated with each medication. Even though drugs are used to help cure or treat sick people, they also can hurt our bodies in other ways. That is why doctors must weigh the benefits versus the risks to determine if a medication is worth giving. Patients must be informed about all the toxicities of their medications because the number one reason for drug non-compliance is not understanding how the medications is affecting them, good or bad.
Pharmacology is best mastered by studying it every day. For useful tips and updates, follow us here. Students should study the drugs affecting whichever organ system or topic they are studying that day. For example, if you are studying Cardiology, you should learn the Anti-hypertensives, Anti-anginal, Anti-Hyperlipidemic, etc., affecting the heart and the blood circulation throughout the body.
If you have any questions or concerns about mastering Pharmacology for your USMLE Steps, please visit www.usmlemastersystem.net.