What are you using it for
great book, just depends on what are you using it for,my specialty is not internal medicine, but taking the USMLE CK and step 3 entails much knowledge for internal medicine , this book is very useful and conclusive for this level of knowledge , perhaps the book might be inadequate for an internist who reads Harrison for breakfast :) LOL , so it all depends on your prospectives
the lay out is the favorite first aid lay out with a lot of tables (may be too much ! ) with the side margins notes
the bad written chapters
1- geriatrics
2- critical care
chapters that could be improved
1- cardiology
2- endocrinology ( a big mess with cushing syndrome )
3- ambulatory care
chapters need to be added
1- sports medicine
overall for a non internist like me , i find it the most useful and least painful for a rapid review ( its a review don't expect an uptodate or MKSAP level of details here )
for the ABIM I'll leave that to the pros in this area.
Sweating the Boards
I got this boards review along with the John Hopkin's one. I looked at several topics in both and found the John Hopkin's to be a little more in depth and easier to get through (better charts, pictures, etc.). I'll probably go over some of the most difficult diseases in both texts. Though Ferri's Practical Guide to the Care of the Medical Patient is really for residents on the wards, it has always been one of my favorite books since I was a medical student/resident and it works as a great refresher for the boards that you can carry anywhere with you. The other books are bulky and heavy.
Great Review Book
I've been using this book for the past few weeks in conjunction with the new MKSAP 14 questions. Thus far just about everything the MKSAP has tested can be found in the book. Its very easy to read, high yield and very well priced. The only complaint is the index. Like all the rest of the First Aid series, its horrible. That aside, this book is a great find.
Excellent quick review
This is an extraordinary board preparation material as it basically includes the core of the requirements posted by ABIM. It is easy to read; with very affordable tables and images. I highly recommend it to be read through residency as it highlights important core concepts that you can go and research further for a deeper insight in other kind of textbooks or resources. Is very complementary to MKSAP and MedStudy as it let you round and define the important core material. This book provides a nice balance in terms of thoroughness, readability and ability to pinpoint to the high yield material.
Very useful
This book contains a lot of excellent tables, algorithms and summaries that I could not find in any other review book. It seems to be a great companion while doing review questions. I also found this book to be an outstanding source when I prepared for work rounds to teach the interns and students. I can highly recommend this book to all residents. I wish I had it when I started my residency.
