Dr. Patrick's lectures came out of the Thompson and Thompson genetics book (even though it wasn't the required genetics book) last year--his notes don't seem to have changed one bit. There are a couple of charts in that book that are very worthwhile. It is the charts that talk about the genetic inheritance patterns and what the characteristics are (Autosomal dominant, recessive, etc...). I wouldn't really read anything in the book except for those charts. The Carlson textbook has some awesome diagrams of mitosis and meiosis. I would DEFINATELY take the statements that Dr. Patrick talks about in his notes (where does Meiosis I arrest in female, or where does Meiosis II arrest in Females) and write it in the book on the timeline. These two drawings are in the second chapter, I think.

What Dr. Patrick thinks is unique is really a reflection of him as a person (as is the case with every professor). SO, if there is some reference in the notes to some thing that seems "interesting" (would Dr. Patrick talk about it at a bar), then I would at least clue in on it. I don't really remember test questions, so, don't assume this was an old question (it is an honor code violation for anybody to give out old test questions)--looking at your notes just briefly, I saw RFLPS and O.J. Simpson. That seems kinda odd, almost like something Dr. Patrick would find enjoyable to talk about, so I would keep that tucked in the back of my mind. If I remember properly, RFLPS is a way to do genetic testing (been a while--no laughing). That is just a quick example of a "really cool" fact that Dr. Patrick would talk about for hours outside of class.

I would also know things that are "the exception". This is especially important in the class. Take an example from a conversation that I had over break with a carrier of Fragile X. She wanted to know if it is possible for her daughter's to show any signs of Fragile X. I explained, that, while it is an X linked disorder (so, daughters should be spared), there is still the "lyon hypothesis" which involves x inactivation--this means that her daughter's good x can inactivate, leaving the daughter with only the "fragile" x. This daughter would show signs of Fragile X.

That is an example of a difference that physicians need to remember.

Finally, listen closely--Dr. Patrick always "gives away" test questions. This is more of an art, but it is important to understand for Dr. Patrick. If he repeats himself with a pause at the end of his statement, it might be good to focus a little more on that subject. Also, if he ever "pimps" the class about something (ESPECIALLY if he isn't lecturing), then I would definately remember the answer to his pimp. This always seems to manifest itself in review sessions when he interupts Dr. Rhodes. If he talks about a "unique" disease in class, remember that stuff. His underlined stuff in his notes is pretty much 50% of his test questions. Don't be suprised, however, when he asks a question (maybe one per test) that has less than a fragment sentence associated with it, and was never said in class--this is common on all of his tests.

I hope this stuff makes sense--good luck.

erik