IADVL multiple choice questions in dermatology, venereology and leprosy

Chief Editor: Lalit K Gupta Associate Editors : Vishalakshi Viswanath, Paschal D’Souza Assistant Editors : Shital Poojary, Ambresh Badad, Sabha Mushtaq ISBN : 978-93-90748-40-2 First Edition : 2022 Pages : 551, Soft Cover Publishers: Knowledge Bridge Private Limited, Mumbai Price : Rs 1995/- Multiple choice questions (MCQ) are a great way to objectively assess the knowledge. Quite a bit of times, we think we remember exact facts till someone is subjected to a testing incorporating questions framed in multiple choice format. On one hand, this can help retrieve answers buried somewhere deep in the brain, but sometimes, this can also confuse one with choices that appear so similar on the surface. For example, cathepsin C vs cathepsin G appearing as two potential answers in a question intending to ask the mutation responsible for Papillon-Lefevre-syndrome can be very daunting to answer, especially during exam stress. This is the power of MCQ format. It has been shown to help retention and reproduction of facts. Many of us have been exposed to examinations composed of this pattern of questions while growing up including pre-medical and postgraduate entrance exams. Interestingly multiple boards across the world employ an exit examination after completion of the residency, which is in MCQ format, for example in the United Kingdom there is an MRCP SCE Examination for Dermatology, and in the United States of America, there are AAD Boards. Though such a system does not exist in India currently, our dermatology residents appear in various exams for the fellowships and senior residency, not to forget multiple quizzes being held in various conferences throughout their residency, almost all of which use this format of questions. Though some resources were previously available, I am glad to review first of its kind endeavor in Indian dermatology. ‘IADVL Multiple Choice Questions in Dermatology, Venereology and Leprosy’ first edition (2022) printed by Knowledge Bridge Pvt Ltd is a detailed book composed of seven sections and eighteen chapters comprising of 551 pages. It covers almost all fields including basic sciences, genodermatoses, infections including STIs, HIV and leprosy; inflammatory and pigmentary disorders, dermatoses of glands, hair and nails; metabolic disorders, systemic diseases and skin, skin and environment; cutaneous malignancies, vascular disorders, pharmacology in dermatology and procedures in dermatology. Each chapter is composed of an average 100-150 MCQs that are separately colour coded with red and blue representing the questions intended for undergraduates and postgraduates, respectively. Intermittently, there are questions printed in green which are meant for OSCE the pattern that has now been incorporated in DNB Dermatology examination. There are few crosswords and questions with multiple answers as well. The pictures are an ideal way of learning things, and there are plenty. Authors have tried to include almost all spheres of a particular topic in one chapter, a difficult task done beautifully, guided by very able assistant, associate and chief editors, and IADVL academy. By the end of each chapter, you feel like you have revised a whole lot of topics, especially those in context of the Indian dermatology and frequently asked by the examiners in an efficient and interesting manner. Imagine reading a chapter from a book, and then being able to revise the most important points in the form of MCQs. This book provides that privilege. I personally like the idea of answer being provided below the question itself rather than being provided in the end. Pricing is appropriate for the glossy page quality, impressive printing and the galore of questions incorporated. Future editions could include separate sections on dermatopathology, dermoscopy, nevi and appendageal tumors; though many of these things have been covered under different headings in the current edition as well. Existing sections of dermatopharmacology, dermatosurgery, lasers and aesthetics could be expanded. It is a sincere and successful attempt by IADVL to create quizzes for those who want to learn, revise and test their dermatology skills; and as someone has rightly said, learning never stops. I congratulate the entire editorial team responsible for bringing out this book and highly recommend it to all the dermatologists, those in training and those who have trained.