Which are the best books for MRCP Part 1?

TL;DR If you’re asking which are the best books for MRCP Part 1, the answer is a mix of trusted textbooks and exam-focused question banks. Davidson’s, Kumar & Clark, and OHCM remain gold standards, but focused MRCP prep books like Kalra’s Essential Revision Notes and QBank companions are indispensable. Use core texts for understanding, revision books for condensing, and question banks to simulate the exam. Below is a structured outline with cases, tips, and pitfalls.

Why this matters

MRCP Part 1 is not just about rote recall. It tests your ability to integrate knowledge across medicine, basic sciences, and applied clinical reasoning. Choosing the right study materials early avoids wasted effort and keeps your preparation efficient. Books provide the conceptual foundation, while question banks and mock tests sharpen application.

The best books for MRCP Part 1

Here is a core set of texts used by most candidates:

1. Davidson’s Principles and Practice of Medicine – the gold standard for clinical medicine.

2. Kumar and Clark’s Clinical Medicine – broad and accessible, especially for rapid review.

3. Oxford Handbook of Clinical Medicine (OHCM) – handy for condensed revision.

4. Kalra’s Essential Revision Notes for MRCP – exam-specific summaries across specialties.

5. Oxford Handbook of Clinical Specialties – complements OHCM for less-tested subjects.

6. Pastest MRCP Part 1 Essential Notes – concise, targeted revision guide.

7. Basic Medical Sciences for MRCP Part 1 (Phillip Kalra) – bridges physiology, pathology, and pharmacology.

8. Case Histories in Medicine (for MRCP) – practice in clinical reasoning.

9. Subject-based MCQ companions – often paired with online QBanks such as Free MRCP MCQs.

Tip: One major text (Davidson’s or Kumar & Clark) plus Kalra’s Revision Notes, supported by a QBank, is a practical and balanced approach.

High-yield subject areas and outline

From Crack Medicine’s teaching experience, these areas dominate MRCP Part 1:

• Cardiology – murmurs, arrhythmias, ACS management

• Endocrinology – thyroid, diabetes, adrenal disorders

• Neurology – stroke, epilepsy, movement disorders

• Renal & Electrolytes – AKI, CKD, sodium/potassium disorders

• Haematology – anaemias, leukaemias, clotting disorders

  
  

5 common traps

• Over-relying on OHCM without deeper reading

• Ignoring statistics and epidemiology

• Memorising without practising timed MCQs

• Skipping smaller specialties (Dermatology, Ophthalmology)

• Not integrating physiology/pharmacology basics

  
  

  

Practical example: mini case + MCQ

Case: A 45-year-old man presents with palpitations. ECG shows narrow complex tachycardia at 180 bpm. Carotid massage terminates the episode.

Question: What is the most likely underlying arrhythmia?

• A. Atrial fibrillation

• B. Atrial flutter

• C. AV nodal re-entrant tachycardia

• D. Ventricular tachycardia

Answer: C. AV nodal re-entrant tachycardia.Rationale: A paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia terminated by vagal manoeuvres is typical of AVNRT.

Study-tip checklist (practical use of books)

• ✅ Use Davidson’s/Kumar & Clark for first-pass understanding

• ✅ Condense into Kalra’s Notes during the second pass

• ✅ Revise daily with OHCM/Handbooks for quick facts

• ✅ Pair every topic with 10–15 MCQs from a QBank

• ✅ Schedule weekly mock blocks (Start a mock test)

Suggested weekly approach

Week	Primary focus	Supporting resource
1–2	Cardiology + Renal	Davidson’s + Kalra’s Notes
3–4	Endocrine + Neuro	Kumar & Clark + QBank
5–6	Haematology + Oncology	Kalra’s Notes + OHCM
7	Smaller specialties (Derm, Ophthal, Psychiatry)	Oxford Handbooks
8	Full mixed mocks	Crack Medicine App + Notes

Common pitfalls

• ❌ Reading entire textbooks without prioritisation

• ❌ Ignoring updated guidelines (diabetes, ACS, anticoagulation)

• ❌ Using outdated prep books

• ❌ Neglecting exam technique (time allocation, educated guessing)

• ❌ Not reviewing mistakes systematically

  
  

FAQs

Q1. How many books do I need for MRCP Part 1?

Two to three core resources plus a QBank are sufficient—avoid spreading yourself too thin.

Q2. Is Kalra’s book enough on its own?

No. It’s excellent for focused revision but should be supported by at least one clinical textbook and active question practice.

Q3. Should I read Davidson’s cover-to-cover?

Not necessary. Use it for weak areas and complex explanations; lean on condensed notes for the rest.

Q4. Are free MRCP resources reliable?

They’re useful for supplementary practice, but structured QBanks with explanations are more consistent.

Q5. How should I balance reading vs MCQs?

Roughly 40% reading, 60% active practice is a realistic ratio.

Ready to start?

A carefully chosen set of books provides structure, but success in MRCP Part 1 depends on applying that knowledge through questions and mocks. Start with one clinical textbook, condense with Kalra’s Notes, and reinforce with Free MRCP MCQs. When ready, Start a mock test to simulate exam conditions. Explore our MRCP Part 1 overview for structured guides and revision strategies.

Sources

• MRCP(UK). Examination Information and Syllabi. Official site

• Davidson’s Principles and Practice of Medicine, 24th Edition

• Kalra, E. Essential Revision Notes for MRCP, 5th Edition