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 scanning, and master the high-risk scenarios like acalculous and emphysematous cholecystitis.

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 medical students prepping for their surgery clerkship and shelf exam!

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 breast cancer. They’ll also hit key surgical considerations, including breast cancer management options, BRCA mutation counseling, and nerve injuries during axillary dissection. Perfect for med students prepping for their surgery clerkship and shelf exam!

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 Tamoxifen, and critical distinctions between BRCA1 and BRCA2 carriers (including male patients!). Perfect for medical students prepping for their surgery clerkship and exams. Give this a listen before your next clinic!

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 hematogenously (not lymphatically!) and when to skip axillary dissection. Perfect for med students prepping for their surgery rotation and exams.

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 and shelf exams. Check it out on your way to your next 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. Give this a listen before your next breast clinic!

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. Learn about classic presentations, including Peau d’orange and nipple discharge, and reinforce your knowledge on hormonal and HER2-targeted therapies. Perfect for med students prepping for their surgery clerkship and shelf exam.

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, clinical pearls, and a dash of humor, this is your go-to guide for scoring big on breast surgery questions.

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 knowledge.