First Aid for the Internal Medicine Boards, another book in the First Aid series, is effectively designed to prepare residents for success on the internal medicine boards. In vein with other books in the series, this one primarily serves to provide a concise yet comprehensive review of the material for “high-yield” preparation. However, the book can be utilized for multiple purposes: rapid review for exam preparation, introductory overview to internal medicine, and reference for medical students and residents.
The book includes an introduction section detailing the American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) certification exam. This section, helpful to anyone new to the exam, addresses registration, test structure, content areas, score reporting, recertification, and offers general test taking advice. The book subsequently is organized by subjects ranging from cardiovascular disease, dermatology, ambulatory medicine, geriatrics, hospital medicine, and women’s health. Each chapter represents a subject and includes a table of contents outlining the included topics. The book does an excellent job of focusing on essential topics within a particular area in great detail, such as asthma within the allergy and immunology chapter. Included in each chapter are helpful mnemonics and notable clinical pearls that highlight crucial facts and commonly tested information. Well-constructed and easy-to-read tables and figures also summarize important topics. “Need to know” images are presented throughout the book, and a 20-page, full-color insert of images is included.
The strengths of the book are its clear and well-organized format and its comprehensive yet focused approach to a substantial body of information. The format allows readers to select specific topics or entire subjects for review. Furthermore, the book could be utilized to read up on common presentations and approaches to management. The variety of subjects covered make the book an appealing reference but ideally would be used alongside a standard textbook. As an examination preparation review book, First Aid for the Internal Medicine Boards serves its main purpose, by allowing readers to efficiently review high-yield information. Though the book is specifically geared toward residents preparing for ABIM certification and internal medicine physicians preparing for re-certification, medical students preparing for internal medicine rotations also would benefit tremendously by using the book as a reference or review of important topics.
Overall, First Aid for the Internal Medicine Boards should be a staple review book for any physician preparing for the internal boards but also could serve as an excellent overview text or reference text for anyone studying internal medicine. Its detailed yet focused approach to internal medicine helps readers tackle a vast amount of information.