Surgical Recall

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Summary: Surgical recall review
Review: The one thing that other reviews fail to mention - don't buy the 3rd edition (2002) unless someone else is paying for it - like the military. The 2nd edition (1998) can be found at places like half.com and used through Amazon at less than $10 including shipping. The differences between the 2 editions is minimal - so many of these medical books are only updated to ensure higher sales - students are always worried that they are buying out of date information and so will pay the extra.

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Summary: The best single source of info you'll find on any clerkship
Review: They'll tell you that you need to read a surgery textbook in addition to Recall, but I (who am generally a reader) found that to be flat out untrue. I was skeptical of Recall, but I am a convert. I checked out Lawrence, Sabiston, and NMS, and found them all to be too 'wordy'. When you only have a few minutes to spare here and there, you don't want to waste precious reading time on pretty prose, you need the facts, unadorned. That's what Recall will give you. I really meant to be good and read an actual text, but ran out of time. So I can tell you from experience that if you know Surgical Recall well, it will be enough (with a little sleep the night before) to kick butt on the NBME shelf exam, or whatever exam y'all use. Reduce the pain (and expense) of your surgery rotation -- buy this book. It's all you really need.

Rating:
Summary: Must Have Book!
Review: This book distils the information necessary for you to know in a surgery rotation. The Question and Answer format keeps your attention focused and enables you to do it anywhere where you have a few minutes. It's actually fun to do, and a great revision aid. However you do need to refer to a formal surgery text to get an all-rounded view of the subject

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Summary: Essential for Surgical Clerkship
Review: This book is awesome. It is clear and concise and covers about every need to know tidbit for a student doing surgery. I can all but assure you that you will be asked some of the very same questions worded the EXACT same way by your attendings and residents. Everyone gets it and everyone carries it like a bible for the 6-12+weeks you are on surgery. Covers all subspecialties as well. Perfect for the clerkship. However, do not use it as your only source for the Shelf exam as there is quite a bit of general medicine and management not covered in recall.

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Summary: Best in its series!
Review: This book is GREAT! It reviews the terminology, SOAP pre-op and post-op notes, instruments, and the most important info you should know. The questions in this book are the questions you will be asked on rounds and in the OR. GREAT! Well worth the price, and it will fit in the pocket of your lab coat. :)

Rating:
Summary: Great for third year surgery clerkship
Review: This book is light enough to carry with you in your white coat, and not too burdensome in terms of details. As with all Recall books this is written in question and answer format which works better for some people than for others. If you are interested in going into surgery, or feel that you like to have massive quantities of relevant knowledge at hand at all times during your rotations I would recommend instead the Mount Reid handbook which is packed with much more information and has a better index all for about the same weight. But for those students who wish to just learn the basics necessary to do well in surgery this book works well and highlights all of the essential information needed on the wards and in the shelf exam.

Rating:
Summary: Great for third year surgery clerkship
Review: This book is light enough to carry with you in your white coat, and not too burdensome in terms of details. As with all Recall books this is written in question and answer format which works better for some people than for others. If you are interested in going into surgery, or feel that you like to have massive quantities of relevant knowledge at hand at all times during your rotations I would recommend instead the Mount Reid handbook which is packed with much more information and has a better index all for about the same weight. But for those students who wish to just learn the basics necessary to do well in surgery this book works well and highlights all of the essential information needed on the wards and in the shelf exam.

Rating:
Summary: A GREAT LITTLE REVIEW BOOK ON CLERKSHIPS
Review: This book was a great resource for 3rd year medical school clerkships. Every single pimp question I received from my attending came right out of this book. I was amazed! A lot of times I would only find out about a case I was scrubbing into 5 minutes before going in, so this book came in handy for cramming in last minute questions relevant to the case. I probably wouldn't use it for the shelf by itself, but keep it handy during your surgery rotation and you will shine!

Rating:
Summary: Don't start your surgery rotation without it!
Review: This is *the* book to have during your surgery rotation. It is surprisingly thorough for its size. It covers all the questions you will get on rounds, in the OR, and in your exams. It even has some pictures and diagrams.

Rating:
Summary: High yield information in Q/A format for medical students
Review: This is an excellent book for medical students in their surgical rotation. The author focuses on the most common diseases in basic surgery and focuses on the most important facts on each one. Plus, the mnemonic devices and question and answer format make reviewing easier and faster. Surgical specialities are also included. This is definitely a 5 star book!