Customer Reviews

McGraw-Hill Specialty Board Review: Anesthesiology Examination & Board Review, Sixth Edition

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I had a friend who studied for boards the first time by reading the three volumes of Miller. He flunked - too much information. Study Guides such as the Dershwitz book zero in on the things the board has a habit of testing. When I started studying for boards, I first read most of Jensen's "Big Blue" - borrowed from that friend (who passed on his second try). When the Dershwitz arrived, I could hardly wait to put down Big Blue. I'm not being critical of Big Blue - I just wanted something different and in a multiple choice format. For me, the challenge of trying to answer the questions added a dimension that's lacking in a conventional text.

As noted by another reviewer, the answers frequently lack adequate depth but the answer to each question do give clear references. What Dershwitz doesn't lack is volume - there are about 1800 questions. Most of the 200 questions I got on the board exam (July 11, 2009) were in the Dershwitz book in one form or another - but it's pot luck what will be on your test. A former examiner told me they had 4,000 questions 15 years ago when he was on the board - no telling how many they have now - probably a couple thousand more.

The board exam is a test over your knowledge of basic physiology and clinical sciences. The Dershwitz book is a good review whether someone is taking the test or not. In addition to Jensen's Big Blue and Dershwitz, I used Councilman's "Anesthesiology Board Review Questions." It used an approach opposite to Dershwitz - lengthy answers but only 250 questions. All of these sources were excellent. I can't imagine taking the ASA Board Exam without using references of this sort - and starting early. Good luck!

DB

Great question book with concise explanations. I really like that the book is divided into a few more "sections" than some of the other review question books like Anesthesia equipment & Blood & Fluids rather than just the subspecialty divisions. I also like that you can "progress" through the book and then take the final test or take the final test and then go back and see where you need more study. The index is awesome, you can find reference to a specific topic and the index will lead you to multiple questions in both the final test and the individual sections. Very helpful when using keywords and test questions because you can see how the keyword is being used in a real test question by searching for the keyword from the index.

I purchased this to prepare for the MOCA exam and I regret that. I am a cardiac anesthesiologist and thus I feel that I have a frame of reference specific to that section. The cardiac section is loaded with errors. I therefore must suspect that the same is true for other sections, although, due to my lack of expertise in other areas, the errors are not obvious to me. Exactly therein lies the problem: If you have to rely on an author's expertise to prepare for the boards (and we all do), I suspect this book will limit your chance of success.

THe book seems a little outdated and the questions don't all seem relevant to the material that has been on the recent ITE's. THe Hall book is better if you are going to only buy one as the questions are better AND you get the on-line version which is awesome!

Great shipping prompt delivery in good condition. The book is great material for boards and recert. Exam

simply outstanding. After reading test yourself for retention and comprehension. some of these questions were on the moca exam.

book was recieved in a decent amount of time, and shipping was free so i wont complain. the book itself was in perfect condition, as if i bought it brandnew for twice the price. i was very satisfied, and would not hesitate to purchase another book from this website again