Services for students
29 June 2005
As a BMA student member you have access to all of the BMA library's services. Here we highlight those services and internet sources that you may find particularly useful. Firstly you'll need to register as a library user; either telephone or call in to the library or email us with your name and membership number.
Go here for details of how to find us
Send an email to us here
Undergraduate textbooks and examination multiple choice questions (MCQ)s and objective structured clinical examinations (OSCEs)
Once registered with the library then you may search for and request books via the online catalogue. We will soon have a separate section for exam texts. You can opt to have books sent to you or to be phoned when a book is ready for collection. Loans are free; all we ask is that you cover the cost of return postage. Many books are available on three month loan and can be renewed twice, but some popular works have a three week loan period. See our loans services page for more details.
Acceess our online catalogues here
Audio-visual materials
We have an extensive collection of over 2,500 videos available for loan. Search for these on our online catalogue (select 'search' then 'films & videos'); alternatively browse our listings by subject via the catalogue search page. See our loans services page for more details.
Go here to browse our listings by subject
Photocopy services
You may use the self-service copying facilities in the library at a cost of 14p + VAT per A3 sheet. We ask that you complete a copyright declaration form at the end of each visit. If you wish to use our electronic document delivery service charges do apply. Orders can be made via MEDLINE Plus or our web form:
Go here to order an article.
Go here to find out our charges.
Literature searches
We can conduct a literature search on your behalf on MEDLINE Plus for up to 25 references at no charge. We aim to respond within 2 working days and can email or post results to you. Follow the link for more details and an online request form (you need to log in).
Go to our online search request form here
MEDLINE Plus
This service is available as a benefit exclusively to BMA members. By registering for the BMA website you automatically register to use MEDLINE Plus. It's well working taking the time to master this software as you will be able to use it at any time from any internet-enabled computer.
Go to the MEDLINE Plus website here for more details
Internet resources
We aim to build up links to UK resources - particularly online mock examination papers and exam guides - of use to students either at undergraduate or postgraduate level. Please let us know of any sites that you find useful.
Clinicaltutor.com
The best part of this site is that you can build your own MCQ paper based on the type of exam studied for (e.g. PLAB or MRCP Part I) and the subjects within. The paper is answered under timed conditions, and a mark sheet is provided at the end with a commentary on each answer. It also has a MCQ question database, for which you need to register (free) and log in.
Go to the site at http://www.clinicaltutor.com
Flesh and Bones
This lively student site has many features including study tips and an image bank. There is an extensive MCQ database in many subjects, for which you need to log in, however registration is free. You get the correct answer as soon as you answer each question.
Go to the website at http://www.fleshandbones.com/
PasTest
This publisher of examination texts has its own website to sell its products. The site is organised by examination name and offers books and courses. It doesn't appear to have any e-book facility, or options to view chapters online.
Go to the PasTest website at http://www.pastest.co.uk/
Royal College of Physicians of the UK
The RCP sells it's own books of past questions used in the MRCP examinations.
Go to their website at http://www.mrcpuk.org/preparations.html#publications
Royal College of Surgeons of England
Their site gives a bibliography of books useful in revision for the MRCS examinations.
Go to their website at http://www.rcseng.ac.uk/surgical/examinations/preparation/#mcq
Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists
Reading lists for the MRCOG (Parts 1 and 2) and DRCOG are given, along with links to purchase the books.
Go to their website at http://www.rcog.org.uk/index.asp?PageID=4
Surgical tutor
This impressive site is the work of a consultant surgeon at St Georges Hospital. It contains a number of examination, interview and audiovisual resources, and interactive fora such as a journal club and discussion boards. An MCQ bank of over 100 questions and a set of mini MCQ examinations (marked to the MRCS mark scheme) are particularly useful. The author is working with Clinicaltutor.com (above) to produce a MCQ facility aimed at students of all types of undergraduate and postgraduate medical examinations.
Go to the website at http://www.surgical-tutor.org.uk/
Web health centre
This overseas site is free to medical students, although doctors have to pay. It is necessary to register and have a Microsoft Network (MSN) Passport. In the student centre there is a large MCQ question bank in a series of categories. The questions are in sets of 25 and then you are presented with a mark/answer sheet.
Go to the website at http://www.webhealthcentre.com/
Any questions?
Please contact us on 020 7383 6625 or email: bma-library@bma.org.uk.