This is the best single book available to study for the ABR Core Exam. There are simply no other comprehensive study guides in print for the Core Exam, so buying this is a no-brainer. Other people have used Core Radiology by Mandell and Primer of Diagnostic Imaging (which are good), but these predate the ABR Core Exam and do not contain any strategy/gamesmanship for the exam. I think it is remarkable that one individual published the entire book (and under a pen name at that). Bravo!
I read through it slowly once over a 2 month period after going to AIRP in February, and then rapidly over 2 week period before the exam in June. It is likely not possible to read this book as a first or second year resident and get much out of it, because it is by nature a high-level REVIEW book, and is not intended to introduce concepts to you, but rather clarify/review them for the purposes of passing the Core Exam (Core Radiology by Mandell probably serves this purpose better). While reading the book, I had my computer next to me and would frequently look up example images to help things stick.
You can cover a lot of ground in a short period of time. For example, you can read the 60 page PEDS section in 3 hours and probably pass the PEDS section (with some experience). The physics section is quite good, actually, and can replace HUDAs book. I studied for physics using the RSNA modules, going to HUDA's course, and reading the physics section in this book, and that was PLENTY. The highest yield physics resource (besides doing the RSNA modules, which is probably mandatory) is going to HUDA's course - he really understands boards prep.
While I enjoyed the book and it is a relatively fast read, one annoyance I have is that the author overuses the phrase "high-yield". However, it is hard to say what is high-yield when you are testing all of radiology in 600+ questions. I really liked going through his strategy section as a last day comprehensive review.
It is unfortunately not the only resource you will need to study for the test, however. You will have to do practice questions/cases to reinforce material and see images. Keep in mind that 15-30% of any given section will be Physics/Quality and Safety. His Quality and Safety review is not sufficient for the exam, and you really should read the ABR document. Dr. David Stevens from Stanford posted some lectures on Youtube going through the document which I found incredibly helpful.
The other recommended resources I used to supplement (more than necessary, but I had time to study): RadPrimer (I did not do neuro or MSK because the massive amount of questions in those sections, with no consequence), QEVLAR, A Core Review Question books (MSK, GU, Breast), Breast Case Review, a few RadCases books (Nukes, IR, Neuro), Thomas Popes Aunt Minnie book (interesting but likely unnecessary), and the Crack the Core Case book. Near the end of your studying you will be able to blitz through a case book in 1-2 days. I don't list all of those to freak you out, only to give some suggested resources. What you choose to study will depend highly on your own training, interests, and time given to you by your program. Best wishes to all of those entering boards prep!
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Reviews with images
The typos are pretty silly and much too frequent (almost one a page)
The typos are pretty silly and much too frequent (almost one a page). And despite being on its fourth edition are still present....Otherwise the totally bestest ever book out there for studying radsiology.
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Lifesaver for anyone studying for their Part 2 Exams
Reviewed in Australia on July 11, 2019