Psychosomatics 43:343, August 2002
© 2002 The Academy of Psychosomatic Medicine
Psychiatry Update and Board Preparation
Edited by Theodore A. Stern and John B. Herman, New York, McGraw Hill 2000, 679 pages $69.00, ISBN 0–071–35435–2
Thomas N. Wise, M.D.
This textbook is an outgrowth of the Massachusetts General Hospital's Board Preparation course that has been offered for over two decades. The volume is an excellent vehicle to prepare for both Part I and Part II of the Board exams. As recertification is a reality for many, this book will also be a "must have." It is far more than a mere Board preparation text; it is an excellent method of keeping up-to-date on advances in psychiatry. Written in a modified outline form, it is very readable. Careful use of tables and charts makes it even more efficient. The volume is unique in that it is actually fun to read. What really adds to the "fun" are the 400 questions that are included at the end of the book. The questions are clinically relevant, and the answers include a discussion of why the specific answer was designated. All this makes for a book that has multiple uses. First, I think it would be an excellent text to require for medical students. Despite its title, it covers a broad range of areas that medical students must master. Furthermore, many medical students do not buy textbooks, but this is a serious volume at a reasonable price. Second, it is an excellent book to have for the practicing psychiatrist. In an age of information overload, it is difficult to note just how to best manage keeping up with new information. This book could be easily utilized by having its owner read one or two chapters a day and go over the specific questions. It would be remarkable to see how much new information could be gleaned from this exercise. Finally, it is a superb method to prepare for the Boards.
The chapters are written by members of the Massachusetts General Hospital's Department of Psychiatry. The subject matter covers a broad range of clinical issues within both psychiatry and neurology. Thus, after a brief review of test-taking strategies, the textbook offers a comprehensive review of the clinical aspects of psychiatry (e.g., psychiatric conditions, neurologic disorders, treatment approaches, and some special topics in psychiatry). Basic neuroscience is not covered in a formal manner.
I hope the authors plan to update the book every 2 to 3 years. Whether one goes to Boston to take the Update course or not, this text should become a regular addition to clinicians' libraries, even if Boards or recertification exams are not imminent.
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