Surgery Shelf Prep!

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...

In this high-yield episode, Chris and Mars break down the essentials of breast diseases for the Surgery Shelf exam. From benign breast masses to invasive carcinomas, they cover the clinical pearls and rapid-fire facts you need to crush test day. Learn how to differentiate fibrocystic changes from fibroadenomas, when to suspect cancer in postmenopausal patients, and the red flags for inflammatory b...

In this high-yield episode, Chris and Mars break down BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations—essential knowledge for your surgery shelf and Step 2 CK. Learn how these tumor suppressor genes work, the key red flags for suspecting BRCA mutations, and why prophylactic surgery is often the best strategy for ovarian cancer prevention. We’ll also cover high-risk screening protocols, chemoprevention options like Tamo...

In this high-yield episode, Chris and Mars break down Phyllodes Tumors of the Breast —a rare but testable topic you must know for the surgery clerkship and shelf exam. Learn how to distinguish phyllodes tumors from fibroadenomas, why wide excision is key to preventing recurrence, and the unique “leaf-like pattern” that shows up on pathology. Plus, they’ll cover how these tumors spread hematogenous...

In this high-yield episode, Chris and Mars unpack fibroadenoma and fibrocystic disease —two common yet often confused benign breast conditions that every med student needs to know. Learn how to distinguish their clinical presentations, understand key ultrasound findings, and master management strategies that will keep you sharp on test day. Perfect for students prepping for their surgery clerkship...

In this high-yield episode, Chris and Mars unpack Lobular Carcinoma In Situ (LCIS) —a tricky but critical topic for the surgery clerkship and shelf exam. Learn how LCIS differs from DCIS, why it’s a marker of breast cancer risk and not a premalignant lesion, and the management strategies you need to master before test day. Perfect for med students prepping for their surgery clerkship and exams. Gi...

In this high-yield episode of Surgery Shelf Prep, Chris and Mars break down everything you need to know about Invasive Breast Cancer for your shelf exam and clinical rotations. From key risk factors (like prolonged estrogen exposure and BRCA mutations) to diagnostic pearls (triple test, core-needle biopsy) and treatment strategies (lumpectomy vs. mastectomy, SLNB vs. ALND), we’ve got you covered....

In this high-yield episode, Chris and Mars break down two must-know topics for the surgery shelf: Inflammatory Breast Cancer and Breast Cancer in Pregnancy . Learn how to recognize the classic “peau d’orange” appearance, understand why inflammatory breast cancer is always staged as T4, and master the key management strategies for treating breast cancer in expecting moms. Packed with shelf tips, cl...

Chris and Mars break down everything you need to know about Ductal Carcinoma In Situ (DCIS) for the surgery shelf exam. From recognizing microcalcifications on mammography to understanding why DCIS doesn’t metastasize, they cover high-yield facts, management strategies, and tricky exceptions for sentinel lymph node biopsy. Tune in for a fast, focused, and fun review to level up your breast surgery...