Surgery Shelf Prep!
Episodes
Cirrhosis
08 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
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 b...
GERD
06 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
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...
Inguinal Hernias
05 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
Hiatal Hernias
04 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Hiatal hernias are a classic Surgery Shelf topic because the exam loves the distinction between sliding and paraesophageal hernias. In this episode, C...
Achalasia
03 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
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 c...
Esophageal Perforation
02 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Surgery Shelf Prep, Chris and Mars break down esophageal perforation, a rare but life-threatening emergency classically seen after ...
Pancreatic Cancer
01 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
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...
Peptic Ulcer Disease
31 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Burning epigastric pain, meal-related symptoms, and sudden complications like bleeding or perforation make peptic ulcer disease a classic Surgery Shel...
Pancreatitis
30 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Pancreatitis is a classic Surgery Shelf topic because the exam loves the presentation, the diagnosis criteria, and the management steps. In this episo...
Gastrointestinal Bleeding
29 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
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 blee...
Small Bowel Obstruction
28 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Crampy abdominal pain, vomiting, abdominal distension, and obstipation? That is classic Small Bowel Obstruction, and this is one of the most high-yiel...
Rectal Prolapse
03 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Rectal prolapse looks obvious… until the shelf exam tries to trick you with hemorrhoids, mucosal prolapse, and the wrong operation.In this episode o...
Hemorrhoids
02 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Hemorrhoids are common and easy points—but they’re a high-yield shelf exam trap, especially when the question is really testing anatomy, rectal bl...
Anal Cancer
01 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Anal cancer is the classic “hemorrhoids” misdirection—and the shelf loves it. If you miss the risk factors, the lymph node drainage, or the trea...
Anorectal Abscess
31 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
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 tend...
Ogilvie Syndrome
31 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
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 P...
Colonic Volvulus
04 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Colonic volvulus can go from “constipated and uncomfortable” to “ruptured and crashing” fast. If you cannot instantly tell sigmoid from cecal ...
Rectal Cancer
22 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Rectal cancer is where anatomy, oncology, and surgical decision-making all collide. In this episode, learn when to order pelvic MRI, when to give neoa...
Colon Cancer
19 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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...
Ischemic Colitis
13 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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’...
Diverticulitis
11 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
FAP and HPNCC
06 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Familial Adenomatous Polyposis and Lynch Syndrome (Hereditary Nonpolyposis Colorectal Cancer) — two hereditary colorectal cancer syndromes that look...
Ulcerative Colitis
05 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Ulcerative Colitis loves to test your nerves — and your shelf knowledge. Continuous inflammation, rectal involvement, and surgical decision-making m...
Crohn's Disease
03 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
Anticoagulation Medications
26 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Peri-operative anticoagulation, simplified. Chris and Mars hit the must-know hold times, monitoring, and reversals for Unfractionated Heparin and Low ...
Bleeding - von Willebrand Disease, Hemophilia A, Uremic Bleeding
18 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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...
Electrolytes - Hypophosphatemia and Hyperphosphatemia
17 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 pa...
Electrolytes - Hypomagnesemia and Hypermagnesemia
16 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Magnesium derangements are sneaky but high-yield! In this episode, Chris and Mars break down hypomagnesemia and hypermagnesemia across classic scenari...
Electrolytes - Hypocalcemia and Hypercalemia
12 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Calcium disorders can flip a patient’s physiology upside down — and your shelf score with it. From post-thyroidectomy hypocalcemia to malignancy-i...
Electrolytes - Hypokalemia and Hyperkalemia
11 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Potassium disturbances can make or break your shelf exam performance—and your patient’s outcome. Whether it’s a sneaky NG tube–induced hypokal...
Electrolytes - Hyponatremia and Hypernatremia
10 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 u...
Trauma - Electrical Injuries and Burns
09 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
High-voltage shocks and lightning strikes are devastating—but the hidden muscle damage, lethal arrhythmias, and silent toxins offer a chance to make...
Trauma - MSK Injuries 3
08 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Compartment pressure can rise fast—and a missed diagnosis means muscle death. Meanwhile, crushed muscle spills toxins into the bloodstream, and a lo...
Trauma - MSK Injuries 2
07 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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...
Trauma - MSK Injuries 1
05 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 num...
Trauma - Abdominal Injuries 4
04 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 hi...
Trauma - Abdominal Injuries 3
03 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
Trauma - Abdominal Injuries 2
02 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Abdominal trauma isn’t just shelf-worthy—it’s life-saving knowledge in the trauma bay. From subtle splenic bleeds to delayed bilomas, this episo...
Trauma - Abdominal Injuries 1
01 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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....
Trauma - Thoracic Injuries 4
31 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 tha...
Trauma - Thoracic Injuries 3
30 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 yo...
Trauma - Thoracic Injuries 2
29 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 i...
Trauma - Thoracic Injuries 1
28 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 response...
Trauma - Spinal Cord Injury 2
27 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Chris and Mars wrap up their spinal-cord-injury episodes with a review of some high-yield spinal cord injury diagnoses including the Jefferson Fractur...
Trauma - Spinal Cord Injury 1
26 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 th...
Trauma - Brain Injury
25 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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...
Trauma - Introduction
24 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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-s...
Trace Elements
23 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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,...
Appendicitis - Part 2
22 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this part 2 episode of Surgery Shelf Prep, Chris and Mars dive into the differential diagnoses, complications, and management of acute appendicitis...
Appendicitis - Part 1
21 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
Preoperative Care - Part 2
20 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Chris and Mars take you through pulmonary, hematology, and endocrine considerations for your shelf exam in Preoperative Care Part 2.This episode dives...
Preoperative Care - Part 1
19 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 per...
Gallbladder - High Yield Rapid Fire Review
18 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 facto...
Gallbladder - Post Cholecystectomy Complications
17 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this biliary episode, Chris and Mars break down the critical complications that can occur after a cholecystectomy—an essential topic for the surg...
Gallbladder - Porcelain Gallbladder, Gallbladder Carcinoma, Biliary Dyskinesia
16 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Chris and Mars break down three crucial gallbladder topics for your surgery shelf: porcelain gallbladder, gallbladder carcinoma, and ...
Gallbladder - Choledocholithiasis, Cholangitis, Mirizzi Syndrome
15 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Ready, Set, Go! Chris and Mars break down three biliary tract heavyweights for your surgery shelf: Choledocholithiasis, Ascending Cholangitis, and Mir...
Gallbladder - Cholecystitis
14 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 o...
Gallbladder - Introduction to the Basics
13 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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. L...
Breast - High Yield Rapid Fire Review
12 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 invas...
Breast - BRCA1 and BRCA2 Mutations
11 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
Breast - Phyllodes Tumors
10 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 clerksh...
Breast - Fibroadenomas and Fibrocystic Disease
09 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this high-yield episode, Chris and Mars unpack fibroadenoma and fibrocystic disease—two common yet often confused benign breast conditions that e...
Breast - Lobular Carcinoma In Situ
08 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 e...
Breast - Invasive Breast Cancer
07 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 ex...
Breast - Inflammatory Breast Cancer and Breast Cancer in Pregnancy
06 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 Preg...
Breast - Ductal Carcinoma In Situ
06 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Chris and Mars break down everything you need to know about Ductal Carcinoma In Situ (DCIS) for the surgery shelf exam. From recognizing microcalcific...