I used this book as a primary resource for my 3rd year shelf exam (with Blueprints as a fall-back), and I got a 4.0. I saw a number of questions and scenarios on the test that I recogized from this text.

I used this book as a primary resource for my 3rd year shelf exam (with Blueprints as a fall-back), and I got a 4.0. I saw a number of questions and scenarios on the test that I recogized from this text.

I just finished the shelf exam having studied this book exhaustively, and I honestly think there's simply too much detail. Endless questions on the details of Riley-Day syndrome, McCune-Albright syndrome, and parasites found only in Africa. The test was certainly not easy, but the bulk of it dealt with the more common diseases like Henoch-Schonlein Purpura and Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever. I'd go with blueprints first and foremost, maybe supplement with a question book like this one and don't get too caught up in the details of obscure diseases.

In addition, some of the questions are just plain wrong now, such as questions on vaccination recommendations that are out-of-date.

Overall, I'd still recommend this book, so long as you don't get too depressed over not knowing the hardest questions.

I found the book to be a detailed, yet concise review for the boards. The material covered is excellent, but the questions do not reflect the USMLE format.