Surgery Shelf Prep!
Surgery Shelf Prep! is a podcast designed for busy medical students preparing for their surgery shelf exam. It offers quick, high-yield episodes that break down challenging surgical concepts into digestible segments. Each episode focuses on topics frequently tested on the shelf exam, helping listeners reinforce key knowledge and build confidence. The podcast is generated using AI text-to-speech technology to deliver content efficiently.
Episodes
Intra-Abdominal Abscess
Intra-abdominal abscesses can be easy to miss—especially when the skin incision looks completely normal. On the Surgery Shelf, the key is recognizing the postoperative pattern, knowing when to image, and understanding when drainage or surgery is the next best step.In this episode, Chris and Mars break down the classic presentation of intra-abdominal abscess, the role of C T imaging, and the core t
Surgical Site Infection
Surgical site infections are a Surgery Shelf favorite because one postoperative wound can test timing, diagnosis, source control, prevention, and even the need for emergency surgery. In this episode, Chris and Mars break down how to recognize superficial, deep, and organ-space infections—and how management changes with each one.You’ll review the classic postoperative timing of wound infections, da
Wound Dehiscence and Evisceration
A postoperative incision suddenly starts draining pink fluid—or worse, bowel appears through the wound. Knowing the difference between superficial wound separation, fascial dehiscence, and evisceration can turn a tricky shelf question into an easy point.In this episode of Surgery Shelf Prep, Chris and Mars break down wound dehiscence and evisceration, including the classic postoperative timing, ma
Postoperative Hemorrhage
Postoperative HemorrhagePostoperative bleeding can be obvious—or remain hidden until the patient begins to deteriorate. In this episode, Chris and Mars review how to recognize postoperative hemorrhage, why an initially normal hemoglobin can be misleading, and how to distinguish focal surgical bleeding from a systemic coagulopathy.You’ll also learn:The earliest signs of hemorrhagic shockImmediate r
Anastomotic Leak
An anastomotic leak may not announce itself with dramatic peritonitis. Sometimes persistent tachycardia is the only early clue—and missing it can be catastrophic.In this episode, Chris and Mars break down how anastomotic leaks present, why they commonly appear during the first postoperative week, and how to distinguish a dangerous leak from routine postoperative ileus.You’ll learn:Why unexplained
Postoperative Ileus
Postoperative Fever: Timing, Differential, and WorkupPostoperative fever may represent a normal inflammatory response—or the first sign of a life-threatening complication. In this episode of Surgery Shelf Prep, Chris and Mars review how fever timing guides the differential without replacing careful clinical assessment.Learn how to:Apply the classic five W’sDistinguish early inflammatory fever from
Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis
Primary sclerosing cholangitis can look quiet at first, but it carries major shelf-level consequences. If you see a young man with cholestatic labs, pruritus, and ulcerative colitis, this is the diagnosis you need to catch.In this episode of Surgery Shelf Prep, we break down the classic presentation of primary sclerosing cholangitis, why Magnetic Resonance Cholangiopancreatography is the key test,
Liver Abscess
Pyogenic liver abscess can look subtle at first, but on the shelf it is a big-time diagnosis. Fever, right upper quadrant pain, leukocytosis, and a rim-enhancing liver lesion should make you think fast.In this episode of Surgery Shelf Prep, we break down pyogenic liver abscess in a clear, high-yield way. You will learn the classic presentation, the major routes of infection to the liver, the most
Liver Function Tests
Abnormal liver function tests can feel like a mess—until you learn the pattern. In this episode of Surgery Shelf Prep, we break down how to approach elevated liver labs the way the shelf wants: fast, organized, and high-yield.Chris and Mars walk through the three major liver injury patterns: cholestatic, hepatocellular, and mixed. You’ll learn how to use the lab pattern to narrow the differential,
Complications of Cirrhosis
Complications of cirrhosis can show up in a lot of different shelf-style ways, and this episode helps you organize them fast. In this high-yield review, Chris and Mars walk through the major complications every medical student needs to know: ascites, spontaneous bacterial peritonitis, esophageal varices, hepatic encephalopathy, hepatorenal syndrome, and hepatocellular carcinoma.They break down the
Cirrhosis
Cirrhosis can look slow and chronic on the surface, but on shelf questions it shows up with big consequences fast. If you do not recognize the clues behind ascites, varices, encephalopathy, and spontaneous bacterial peritonitis, this topic can absolutely trip you up.In this episode of Surgery Shelf Prep, Chris and Mars break down cirrhosis in a clear, high-yield way for the surgery shelf exam. The
GERD
GERD is one of those shelf topics that seems simple, but the exam loves to test the complications, alarm symptoms, and when surgery becomes the answer.In this episode of Surgery Shelf Prep!, Chris and Mars break down the classic presentation of gastroesophageal reflux disease, including heartburn, regurgitation, and symptoms that get worse at night or when lying down. They walk through the pathoph
Inguinal Hernias
Groin bulge on the shelf? Don’t get trapped by the anatomy. In this episode of Surgery Shelf Prep!, Chris and Mars break down inguinal hernias in a fast, high-yield way that helps you separate indirect from direct, recognize the classic exam clues, and know when a hernia becomes an emergency.You’ll learn how to use the inguinal ligament and inferior epigastric vessels to classify hernias, why indi
Hiatal Hernias
Hiatal hernias are a classic Surgery Shelf topic because the exam loves the distinction between sliding and paraesophageal hernias. In this episode, Chris and Mars break down the anatomy, the classic symptom patterns, and the key test-taking question: who has reflux and who needs surgery.They cover the high-yield differences between sliding hiatal hernias, which are common and usually cause GERD s
Achalasia
Achalasia can be tricky, and it is absolutely fair game for the Surgery Shelf. In this episode of Surgery Shelf Prep!, Chris and Mars break down the classic presentation of progressive dysphagia to both solids and liquids, regurgitation of undigested food, chest pain, and weight loss. They walk through the key pathophysiology of failed lower esophageal sphincter relaxation and loss of distal esoph
Esophageal Perforation
In this episode of Surgery Shelf Prep, Chris and Mars break down esophageal perforation, a rare but life-threatening emergency classically seen after forceful vomiting or esophageal instrumentation. They review the classic presentation of sudden severe chest pain, dyspnea, and subcutaneous emphysema, explain why mediastinal contamination can rapidly lead to sepsis, and walk through the high-yield
Pancreatic Cancer
Pancreatic cancer can look subtle at first, but on the shelf it is a major diagnosis you cannot miss. Painless jaundice, weight loss, dark urine, pale stools, back pain, and Trousseau syndrome should all make you think pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma fast.In this episode of Surgery Shelf Prep, Chris and Mars walk through the classic presentations of pancreatic head versus body and tail tumors, th
Peptic Ulcer Disease
Burning epigastric pain, meal-related symptoms, and sudden complications like bleeding or perforation make peptic ulcer disease a classic Surgery Shelf topic.In this episode, Chris and Mars break down the two major causes, Helicobacter pylori and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, then walk through the key differences between gastric and duodenal ulcers, how to diagnose them, and when to use en
Pancreatitis
Pancreatitis is a classic Surgery Shelf topic because the exam loves the presentation, the diagnosis criteria, and the management steps. In this episode, Chris and Mars break down acute versus chronic pancreatitis, the major causes like gallstones, alcohol, and hypertriglyceridemia, and the key diagnostic rule of needing two of three criteria for acute pancreatitis.They also cover the high-yield t
Gastrointestinal Bleeding
Gastrointestinal bleeding is a must-know Surgery Shelf topic because the first step is always the same: decide if it is an upper bleed or a lower bleed, then determine how sick the patient is. In this episode, Chris and Mars break down the classic presentations of hematemesis, melena, and hematochezia, then walk through the most important causes like peptic ulcer disease, varices, diverticulosis,
Small Bowel Obstruction
Crampy abdominal pain, vomiting, abdominal distension, and obstipation? That is classic Small Bowel Obstruction, and this is one of the most high-yield Surgery Shelf topics because the exam loves to test both recognition and urgency. In this episode, Chris and Mars walk through the textbook presentation, the most common causes like adhesions and hernias, and the key pathophysiology behind bowel di
Rectal Prolapse
Rectal prolapse looks obvious… until the shelf exam tries to trick you with hemorrhoids, mucosal prolapse, and the wrong operation.In this episode of Surgery Shelf Prep, Chris and Mars break down rectal prolapse step-by-step: how to identify it fast using concentric versus radial folds, why adults need colonoscopy to rule out a lead point malignancy, and how to choose the right surgery based on pa
Hemorrhoids
Hemorrhoids are common and easy points—but they’re a high-yield shelf exam trap, especially when the question is really testing anatomy, rectal bleeding workup, and when to escalate treatment.In this episode of Surgery Shelf Prep, Chris and Mars break down internal versus external hemorrhoids using the dentate line, the classic “painless dripper” versus “painful blueberry” presentations, and the s
Anal Cancer
Anal cancer is the classic “hemorrhoids” misdirection—and the shelf loves it. If you miss the risk factors, the lymph node drainage, or the treatment algorithm, you’ll bleed points fast.In this episode of Surgery Shelf Prep, Chris and Mars break down the high-yield presentation, key risk factors like Human Papillomavirus and Human Immunodeficiency Virus, why the dentate line predicts inguinal node
Anorectal Abscess
Anorectal pain with fever is a surgery shelf trap you can’t afford to miss. If the skin looks normal but the digital rectal exam is exquisitely tender, think deep abscess—then move fast.In this episode of Surgery Shelf Prep, Chris and Mars break down perianal versus perirectal abscesses, the cryptoglandular origin at the dentate line, when imaging is actually needed, and the non-negotiable managem
Ogilvie Syndrome
Ogilvie Syndrome can fool you: the colon looks obstructed, the belly is huge, but there’s no mechanical blockage. In this episode of Surgery Shelf Prep, Chris and Mars break down Acute Colonic Pseudo-Obstruction with the exact shelf-style framework you need—classic patient scenarios, key imaging findings, critical cecal diameter cutoffs, and the stepwise treatment algorithm from conservative manag
Colonic Volvulus
Colonic volvulus can go from “constipated and uncomfortable” to “ruptured and crashing” fast. If you cannot instantly tell sigmoid from cecal and know the next best step, the shelf will absolutely punish you.In this episode, Chris and Mars walk through the two big volvulus patterns you must recognize: the elderly, constipated nursing home patient with sigmoid volvulus, and the younger patient with
Rectal Cancer
Rectal cancer is where anatomy, oncology, and surgical decision-making all collide. In this episode, learn when to order pelvic MRI, when to give neoadjuvant chemoradiation, and when to choose Low Anterior Resection versus Abdominoperineal Resection.Listen as Chris and Mars walk you through rectal cancer from first symptom to definitive surgery, with a tight focus on staging, local control, and th
Colon Cancer
Colon cancer is one of the highest-yield topics on the Surgery Shelf and Step 2 Clinical Knowledge – and one of the easiest places to lose points on subtle traps. This episode walks you through exactly how exam writers expect you to think, so you can move faster and more confidently on test day.In this episode, Chris and Mars break down colon cancer from the ground up: how it presents, how to work
Ischemic Colitis
Ischemic colitis is one of the highest-yield gastrointestinal emergencies on the Surgery Shelf — and if you don’t know how to spot it fast, you’ll miss the diagnosis both on exams and in real life.In this episode, Chris and Mars break down everything you need to recognize, diagnose, and manage ischemic colitis with complete confidence. From classic elderly patients with low-flow states to the wate
Diverticulitis
Diverticulitis is one of those “can’t-miss” shelf exam topics that shows up again and again — and this episode breaks it all down so you’ll never confuse uncomplicated inflammation with a life-threatening perforation.Chris and Mars walk through classic patient presentations, imaging pitfalls, and management strategies — from outpatient antibiotics to emergent surgery. You’ll also learn how to mast
FAP and HPNCC
Familial Adenomatous Polyposis and Lynch Syndrome (Hereditary Nonpolyposis Colorectal Cancer) — two hereditary colorectal cancer syndromes that look similar at first glance but couldn’t be more different when it comes to genetics, screening, and surgical management.In this episode, Chris and Mars walk you through how to instantly spot the differences on exam questions and in real-life surgical dec
Ulcerative Colitis
Ulcerative Colitis loves to test your nerves — and your shelf knowledge. Continuous inflammation, rectal involvement, and surgical decision-making make this topic a guaranteed favorite on the Surgery Shelf.In this episode, Chris and Mars walk through everything you need to crush Ulcerative Colitis questions — from recognizing the hallmark presentation to knowing exactly when surgery becomes life-s
Crohn's Disease
Crohn’s Disease doesn’t play fair — it’s chronic, sneaky, and full-thickness. From skip lesions to fistulas, this disease hits every level of the gut, and it’s a shelf favorite.In this episode, Chris and Mars break down everything you need to crush Crohn’s questions on your Surgery Shelf exam. They cover classic presentations, key diagnostic clues, medical and surgical management, and the can’t-mi
Anticoagulation Medications
Peri-operative anticoagulation, simplified. Chris and Mars hit the must-know hold times, monitoring, and reversals for Unfractionated Heparin and Low Molecular Weight Heparin (including partial protamine), warfarin (four factor Prothrombin Complex Concentrate plus intravenous vitamin K), and the direct oral anticoagulants (andexanet for factor ten A inhibitors, idarucizumab for dabigatran). They a
Bleeding - von Willebrand Disease, Hemophilia A, Uremic Bleeding
Bleeding disorders are a classic shelf trap—know how to tell them apart or risk losing easy points.In this episode, Chris and Mars tackle three must-know causes of abnormal bleeding: Von Willebrand Disease, Hemophilia A, and Uremic Platelet Dysfunction. You’ll learn their hallmark presentations, the diagnostic clues that separate them, and the treatments that save patients and score points on test
Electrolytes - Hypophosphatemia and Hyperphosphatemia
Phosphorus doesn’t always get the spotlight—but on test day, it’s a game changer. From energy metabolism to bone health, imbalances can wreck patients and trip you up on the shelf.In this episode, Chris and Mars break down the most high-yield phosphorus scenarios you need to master: Refeeding Syndrome, DKA after insulin therapy, Hungry Bone Syndrome, antacid and binder use, Fanconi syndrome, CKD-r
Electrolytes - Hypomagnesemia and Hypermagnesemia
Magnesium derangements are sneaky but high-yield! In this episode, Chris and Mars break down hypomagnesemia and hypermagnesemia across classic scenarios you’ll see on the wards and on exams. Learn why magnesium is the key to fixing refractory hypokalemia and hypocalcemia, how alcohol, PPIs, and refeeding syndrome trigger dangerous lows, and why CKD patients with laxatives or OB patients on mag dri
Electrolytes - Hypocalcemia and Hypercalemia
Calcium disorders can flip a patient’s physiology upside down — and your shelf score with it. From post-thyroidectomy hypocalcemia to malignancy-induced hypercalcemia, these electrolyte shifts demand quick recognition and targeted management.In this episode, Chris and Mars break down everything you need to know about hypocalcemia and hypercalcemia for your surgery shelf. You’ll learn how to recogn
Electrolytes - Hypokalemia and Hyperkalemia
Potassium disturbances can make or break your shelf exam performance—and your patient’s outcome. Whether it’s a sneaky NG tube–induced hypokalemia or a burn patient at risk for fatal hyperkalemia, knowing the patterns, EKG changes, and pitfalls is non-negotiable.In this high-yield episode, Chris and Mars break down hypokalemia and hyperkalemia from the ground up, covering GI losses, Conn syndrome,
Electrolytes - Hyponatremia and Hypernatremia
Electrolyte imbalances can make or break your management on the wards and in the OR. Sodium, the OG electrolyte, has a way of testing your knowledge under pressure—whether it’s hyponatremia in a trauma patient or hypernatremia in the ICU.In this high-yield episode, Chris and Mars break down everything you need to know about sodium disorders for the surgery shelf exam. From differentiating Cerebral
Trauma - Electrical Injuries and Burns
High-voltage shocks and lightning strikes are devastating—but the hidden muscle damage, lethal arrhythmias, and silent toxins offer a chance to make a difference in a patient's life. In this high-yield episode, Chris and Mars break down the full spectrum of electrical and thermal trauma you need to know cold for test day. From the iceberg effect of high-voltage contact burns to the sneaky labial
Trauma - MSK Injuries 3
Compartment pressure can rise fast—and a missed diagnosis means muscle death. Meanwhile, crushed muscle spills toxins into the bloodstream, and a long-bone fracture can shower fat into the lungs before anyone blinks.In this episode, Chris and Mars unpack three orthopedic trauma syndromes every surgery clerk must spot instantly: Compartment Syndrome, Rhabdomyolysis, and Fat Embolism Syndrome. You’l
Trauma - MSK Injuries 2
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, posterior
Trauma - MSK Injuries 1
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 ner
Trauma - Abdominal Injuries 4
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 Injuries
Trauma - Abdominal Injuries 3
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 f
Trauma - Abdominal Injuries 2
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 crashin
Trauma - Abdominal Injuries 1
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, resusci
Trauma - Thoracic Injuries 4
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 Resusc
Trauma - Thoracic Injuries 3
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-ra
Trauma - Thoracic Injuries 2
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 thoracic
Trauma - Thoracic Injuries 1
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, treat
Trauma - Spinal Cord Injury 2
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!
Trauma - Spinal Cord Injury 1
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.
Trauma - Brain Injury
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 strateg
Trauma - Introduction
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.
Trace Elements
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 perior
Appendicitis - Part 2
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 su
Appendicitis - Part 1
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, cl
Preoperative Care - Part 2
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, aspirin, a
Preoperative Care - Part 1
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 miss” tr
Gallbladder - High Yield Rapid Fire Review
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 expla
Gallbladder - Post Cholecystectomy Complications
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
Gallbladder - Porcelain Gallbladder, Gallbladder Carcinoma, Biliary Dyskinesia
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 students
Gallbladder - Choledocholithiasis, Cholangitis, Mirizzi Syndrome
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 make y
Gallbladder - Cholecystitis
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 scannin
Gallbladder - Introduction to the Basics
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
Breast - High Yield Rapid Fire Review
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
Breast - BRCA1 and BRCA2 Mutations
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
Breast - Phyllodes Tumors
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 hematogenousl
Breast - Fibroadenomas and Fibrocystic Disease
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
Breast - Lobular Carcinoma In Situ
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. Giv
Breast - Invasive Breast Cancer
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.
Breast - Inflammatory Breast Cancer and Breast Cancer in Pregnancy
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, cli
Breast - Ductal Carcinoma In Situ
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
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