Synopsis

This Fourth Edition of Boards and Wards offers an essential review for medical students preparing for clinical rotations and for the USMLE Steps 2 and 3. Written in a succinct, high-yield outline format, the book features new board-formatted questions and answers with detailed explanations, and covers each discipline of medicine appearing on the USMLE Steps 2 and 3, including dermatology, radiology, and ophthalmology. Numerous tables, full-color illustrations, and "buzzwords" aid in retention of facts. This edition also features increased level of content in ophthalmology, dermatology, and otolaryngology, as well as increased illustrations. A companion Website offers over 200 USMLE-style questions and answers: 75 (all new!) from the book and an additional 130 online-only.

Reviewer: Jessica Enns, BA(University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine)
Description: This pocket-sized USMLE Step 2 and 3 review book uses an outline format to cover major topics on board exams and employs many tables to concisely present information.
Purpose: The book is geared towards medical students and residents getting ready for USMLE Steps 2 and 3, and is intended to prepare them in areas outside of their specialty. Having a concise review book is an important part of any USMLE study plan.
Audience: It is intended for upper-level medical students and residents. Some of the material may be more difficult for third-year medical students to master.
Features: Chapters cover major topic areas appearing on the USMLE 2 and 3 (internal medicine, pediatrics, etc.). The outline format creates well-organized chapters that allow for concise presentation of the material and make it easy to find information. The many tables are good for comparison and review, and are listed in their own table of contents. Finally, the book includes 75 USMLE-style questions.
Assessment: This book is unique among USMLE step 2 and 3 reviews in its brevity and its pocket size. Like some other reviews, it uses an outline format supplemented by tables. As medicine is constantly changing, this new edition is necessary to best prepare students and residents for board exams. It also would be useful for medical students studying both before and after clerkships for preview and review of specific topics.