Surgery Shelf Prep!

One yank of a toddler’s arm or a split-second dashboard hit can spell disaster for tiny nerves and big joints. Don’t let routine-looking fractures and dislocations blindside you on exam day—or in the trauma bay. In this episode, Chris and Mars break down four classic musculoskeletal injuries that love to show up on the shelf: mid-shaft clavicle fractures with Erb palsy, Nursemaid’s Elbow, posterio...

Nerve injuries love to hide behind broken bones—and if you miss them, the consequences can be devastating. Make sure a wrist-drop or badge-patch numbness never slips past you again. In this upbeat episode, Chris and Mars dissect three fracture-related nerve injuries that show up again and again on the surgery shelf (and in real life): axillary nerve palsy with proximal humerus fractures, radial ne...

Pelvic trauma can wreck more than bones—it can shred urethras, pop bladders, and crank intra-abdominal pressure past the danger zone. Don’t let hidden hematuria, missed CT cystograms, or a tight fascial closure sink your patient—or your shelf score. In this episode, Chris and Mars break down three abdominal trauma heavy-hitters you absolutely can’t miss on exam day: Pelvic Fracture Urethral Injuri...

Hidden abdominal injuries can fool even the sharpest trauma team. Don’t let seat-belt bruises, subtle CT findings, or delayed enzyme rises trip you up on exam day. In this episode, Chris and Mars unravel three shelf-favorite abdominal trauma patterns that demand a high index of suspicion: Hollow Viscus tears, Duodenal and Pancreatic “handle-bar” injuries, and the Seat-Belt Sign paired with Chance...

Abdominal trauma isn’t just shelf-worthy—it’s life-saving knowledge in the trauma bay. From subtle splenic bleeds to delayed bilomas, this episode breaks down everything you need to master solid organ injuries. Chris and Mars walk you through the classic presentations, imaging pathways, and life-or-death decisions around spleen, liver, and kidney trauma. Whether it’s a FAST-positive patient crashi...

Abdominal trauma isn’t just high-yield—it’s high-stakes. One missed diagnosis, one delayed move, and your patient’s outcome could spiral fast. That’s why mastering this topic is essential for the shelf—and for real-life emergencies. In this episode, Chris and Mars break down abdominal trauma management like pros. From FAST algorithms to trauma laparotomy, you’ll learn how to quickly triage, resusc...

Sternal fractures aren’t just bruises—and a “crunchy” neck might mean a trip to the OR. Don’t miss these deadly thoracic trauma patterns that hide in plain sight. In this high-octane episode of Surgery Shelf Prep, Chris and Mars break down three clutch thoracic trauma topics that are critical for your shelf exam and real-life resuscitations: Sternal Fracture, Traumatic Pneumomediastinum, and Resus...

Blunt chest trauma can be sneaky—and deadly. Don’t let widened mediastinums, bowel sounds in the chest, or new right bundle branch blocks catch you off guard. In this episode, Chris and Mars tackle three critical thoracic trauma topics that are absolute shelf favorites: Blunt Aortic Injury, Traumatic Diaphragmatic Rupture, and Cardiac Contusion. You’ll learn how to recognize key signs on chest X-r...

Chris and Mars are back to bring the heat with Part 2 of Thoracic Trauma on Surgery Shelf Prep ! This episode covers three critical, life-threatening injuries including flail chest, pulmonary contusions, and cardiac tamponade. Understanding these high yield topics will help you ace your surgery shelf exam and shine on your surgery clerkship! Strap in and tune in your brain for this rocking thoraci...

Chris and Mars are back to tackle thoracic trauma—starting with the three that will make or break your shelf exam and your real-life trauma responses. In this jam-packed episode of Surgery Shelf Prep , they break down: ✅ How to clinically recognize and manage Tension Pneumothorax ✅ The do’s and don’ts of treating an Open (Sucking) Pneumothorax . ✅ Identifying a Massive Hemothorax ✅ Shelf traps...

Chris and Mars wrap up their spinal-cord-injury episodes with a review of some high-yield spinal cord injury diagnoses including the Jefferson Fracture, Hangman Fracture, Chance Fracture, and SCIWORA. Nail down these topics to shine on your clerkship rotations, the shelf exam, and in patient care. Rock it!

Chris and Mars tackle one of the most high-stakes topics for the surgery shelf: acute spinal cord injury . From life-threatening neurogenic shock to the classic cord syndromes that are super high-yield, this fast-paced chat arms you with the must-know algorithms, imaging calls, and management targets that will pop up on your surgery clerkship rotation and on your exams.

In this neuro-packed episode, Chris and Mars dive deep into brain trauma—a must-know topic for your surgery clerkship and shelf exam. They break down essential scenarios including epidural hematoma, subdural hematoma, subarachnoid hemorrhage, diffuse axonal injury, and uncal herniation. You'll master recognizing classic clinical presentations, critical imaging findings on CT, key management strate...

In this episode of Surgery Shelf Prep , Chris and Mars break down the initial evaluation and of trauma using the ATLS principles. From ABCDEs to life-saving pearls, this episode is packed with essential knowledge to help you dominate the surgery shelf and crush it in the trauma bay.

In episode, Chris and Mars zoom in on trace elements —those small but mighty players in surgical recovery and nutrition. Whether it’s zinc, copper, selenium, or even manganese, these elements pack a punch for your patients on Total Parenteral Nutrition (TPN) and are guaranteed shelf pearls for your exam. 🎙️ You’ll learn: ✅ Why zinc deficiency can tank wound healing and show up as that classic per...

In this part 2 episode of Surgery Shelf Prep , Chris and Mars dive into the differential diagnoses, complications, and management of acute appendicitis. From key mimics like ovarian torsion and mesenteric lymphadenitis to critical intraoperative decisions and antibiotic strategies, they cover the must-know facts to help you avoid common shelf traps. Perfect for medical students preparing for the s...

In this two-part episode of Surgery Shelf Prep , Chris and Mars break down everything you need to know about acute appendicitis for your surgery shelf and Step 2 CK. In part 1, we go from classic presentations and physical exam pearls to Alvarado scoring and imaging strategies, they cover the essential facts that will keep you from falling into common test traps. Listen in for rapid-fire Q&A,...

Chris and Mars take you through pulmonary, hematology, and endocrine considerations for your shelf exam in Preoperative Care Part 2. This episode dives into: ✅ The most common post-op pulmonary complications like atelectasis and pneumonia—and how to prevent them. ✅ Why smoking cessation timing matters and optimizing asthma/COPD patients pre-op. ✅ Managing anticoagulants : Warfarin, DOACs, aspir...

In this part 1 of 2 episodes, Chris and Mars break down the essentials of optimizing patients for surgery, focusing on cardiac risk assessment and perioperative management . We’ll cover: ✅ The Revised Cardiac Risk Index (RCRI) – your go-to tool for identifying high-risk patients. ✅ How to evaluate functional capacity with METs. ✅ Perioperative management of Pacemakers and ICDs . ✅ The “don’t m...

In this high-yield episode of Surgery Shelf Prep , Chris and Mars break down the most important high yield facts about the gallbladder. From risk factors, anatomy, and complications, they’ll guide you through the key facts, subtle differences, and testable pearls you need to crush on exam day. Listen in for rapid-fire questions and answers, quick tips to avoid common shelf pitfalls, and clear expl...

In this biliary episode, Chris and Mars break down the critical complications that can occur after a cholecystectomy—an essential topic for the surgery clerkship and shelf exam. They explore early post-op issues like bile leaks, bilomas, and common bile duct injuries, plus late complications like postcholecystectomy syndrome and sphincter of Oddi dysfunction. You’ll learn how to recognize key pres...

In this episode, Chris and Mars break down three crucial gallbladder topics for your surgery shelf: porcelain gallbladder , gallbladder carcinoma , and biliary dyskinesia . Learn why porcelain gallbladder is no longer considered an automatic ticket to the OR, how to recognize the subtle early signs of gallbladder cancer, and the key diagnostic test for biliary dyskinesia. Perfect for medical stude...

Ready, Set, Go! Chris and Mars break down three biliary tract heavyweights for your surgery shelf: Choledocholithiasis, Ascending Cholangitis, and Mirizzi Syndrome . These conditions may look similar on the surface but have key differences in presentation, diagnosis, and management that will save you points on exam day—and lives in the hospital. You’ll learn: ✅ Why fluctuating jaundice should mak...

Get WEIRD! Chris and Mars break down acute cholecystitis , one of the most tested topics on the surgery shelf and Step 2 CK. From the pathophysiology of gallstone obstruction to the key physical exam findings and definitive management, this episode will solidify your knowledge for test day. Learn how to distinguish biliary colic from cholecystitis, understand the role of ultrasound and HIDA scanni...

In this episode, Chris and Mars break down the gallbladder—its anatomy, physiology, and why gallstones are such a hot topic for the surgery shelf. Learn the key landmarks of the biliary tree, the types of gallstones, and the patients most at risk for complications. They also cover critical surgical concepts like Calot’s triangle and the “critical view of safety” during cholecystectomy. Perfect for...