Welcome to Your MBBS Journey! Embarking on a New Journey as a Medico

Dear aspiring medical students, a warm welcome to your exciting new journey in the field of medicine! The first year of your MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery) course will undoubtedly be one of the most crucial and formative periods of your academic career. In West Bengal, the curriculum is meticulously designed to lay a strong foundation in core medical subjects, and the selection of textbooks is a key component of your academic journey.

Core Subjects in the First Year MBBS Curriculum

During the first year of your MBBS course in West Bengal, you will primarily focus on three core subjects: Anatomy, Physiology, and Biochemistry. Each of these subjects has its own set of recommended textbooks, tailored to provide the best educational experience for medical students.

1. Anatomy

Indian Authors:

A Textbook of Human Anatomy by BD Chaurasiya or Vishram Singh

International Authors:

Gray's Anatomy for Students by Richard L. Drake, A. Wayne Vogl, and Adam W. M. Mitchell Netter's Atlas of Human Anatomy

The Netter's Atlas of Human Anatomy serves as a useful reference, while the Gray's Anatomy for Students is a comprehensive guide with a clinically oriented approach.

2. Physiology

Indian Authors:

Textbook of Medical Physiology by Debasis Pramanik

International Authors:

Guyton and Hall Textbook of Medical Physiology by John E. Hall Ganong's Review of Medical Physiology

Both Guyton and Hall and Ganong provide in-depth coverage of the subject and are highly regarded among medical students and professionals.

3. Biochemistry

Indian Authors:

Principles of Biochemistry by Vasudevan

International Authors:

Harpers Illustrated Biochemistry by Robert K. Murray et al. Lippincott Illustrated Reviews: Biochemistry by Pamela C. Champe and Christopher R. Mathews

Both sets of textbooks offer a detailed exploration of biochemical processes and mechanisms, which are essential for a deep understanding of medical sciences.

Additional Resources and Preparation

In addition to the core textbooks, your college may also provide practical manuals and reference books to help you prepare for laboratory sessions and deepen your understanding of the subjects. Regular updates from the West Bengal University of Health Sciences (WBUHS) can also be beneficial for any changes or additions to the curriculum.

It's important to remember that the syllabus and recommended textbooks can be subject to change. Therefore, it's advisable to regularly consult the official notifications from your respective medical college or university for the most up-to-date information.

Insight from Kolkata

While specific recommendations can vary between different medical colleges, in Kolkata and my particular college, the following textbooks are followed:

Anatomy

Indian author: BD Chaurasiya or Vishram Singh International author: Gray's Anatomy for Students Atlas: Netter's Atlas of Human Anatomy

Physiology

Indian author: Debasis Pramanik International author: Gray's Anatomy for Students or Ganong's Review of Medical Physiology

Biochemistry

Indian author: Vasudevan International author: Harpers Illustrated Biochemistry or Lippincott Illustrated Reviews: Biochemistry

These resources are curated to aid students in their preparation and understanding of the core subjects, making your transition to medical studies smoother and more effective.

Best of luck as you embark on this new and challenging journey towards becoming a medic! We are confident that with the right guidance and resources, you will succeed in your academic and professional endeavors.