Crack the Core and Radiologic Physics War Machine

• Author: Prometheus Lionheart, MD

• Publisher: Prometheus is two steps ahead and it seems does this himself

• Length: 4 primary books (Volume 1, Volume 2, Case Companion and Physics, all variable pages). 

·       Date Reviewed: May 2020

 Who this book is best for: Current and future radiology residents, now and into the forseeable future.

What this book is: I’m guessing that you, reader, already know that this is considered by slightly more than 99% of current and recent prior radiology residents to be the de-facto curriculum for ABR core exam preparation despite some scattered offensive content.  Despite a paucity of radiology images contained in these books and some infrequent material that may be incorrect (no book is perfect), residents devour these books because they are effective for board preparation, as I can attest from personal experience as an ABR Core exam victor. 

As a resident, I used these books extensively while studying for the ABR Core exam.  It felt like these books were a gift during a time of great need.  For many residents these books provide a helping hand during a frequently dark period of time (the six months or so prior to taking the ABR core exam) when residents struggle to keep it all together while preparing for a monumental examination. Compared to other “cover everything you need to know” board preparation resources, these are more readable and vastly more entertaining to study because the author rejects the typical formality of radiology education literature and gives it to you straight-up and sometimes inappropriately.  By virtue of the frequent side comments bathed in pure cynicism, Prometheus makes you feel like you’re not alone if you’ve also questioned why you are being ask to memorize things such as quality control processes for film screen mammography.  Prometheus is effective at connecting with the downtrodden resident while giving the impression that somebody finally has the guts to speak out against the absurdity of certain aspects of radiology training (albeit anonymously).  These books also contain some content and language that I find offensive.  Reader beware.  

What this book is not: These books are not the only materials you need for ABR core examination preparation.  These books are certainly useful but you still need to augment your study with other materials unless/until Dr. Lionheart publishes the higher quality images and sometimes more detailed subspecialty content that other resources do offer.  Between your formal radiology education, the Crack the Core and War Machine printed materials, and quality online qbanks you will probably be 80% of the way toward ABR core exam success if you use these well.  The other 20% will need to come from other sources which will include other radiology books, board review materials/lectures available from your residency program, radiology and physics review courses, and so forth.  As a disclaimer I have not subscribed to Titan Radiology and I have not seen the videos or other materials produced by Dr. Lionheart, so I can’t comment on whether these provide the extra content that is necessary for ABR core exam preparation.  These books are not the only useful ABR core preparation books that exist and I will do my best to highlight other books that are worth your time.  See my growing list of other book reviews.  

Additional thoughts: I have never met Dr. Lionheart. But I know people I trust who do know him and they confirm he is an actual human and not a demi-god.  If I could ask Prometheus one question it would be whether he thought his books would make it in a world which was theretofore driven by academics and large publishers.  Regardless, he created a phenomenon among residents that may not be matched in the near-future for radiology.  The lore about his identity from residents that I have occasionally heard strikes a chord reminiscent of the oppressed discussing the existence of a Robin Hood.  Fortunately for you, dear residents, Prometheus is there to help you on your journey to ABR core exam success. 

By discussing these books, please know that I recommend the good contained therein (which is abundant) and I do not recommend that which is not as good (some offensive language, various scattered offensive statements…if you have read the books you know exactly what I am talking about).  If there were versions that didn’t offend I would recommend those. Residents, if you get a copy of these books, laugh at the humor and outlandishness of his tone, try to overlook those scattered statements that offend, and “prepare for war”.  

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