PODCAST · education
Surgery Shelf Prep!
by Scrub Battle
Surgery Shelf Prep! Get ready to crush your surgery shelf exam with Surgery Shelf Prep! – a podcast designed for busy medical students on the go. These quick, high-yield episodes break down challenging surgical concepts into bite-sized pieces you can listen to on your way to or from the hospital. Each episode focuses on topics that frequently appear on the shelf exam, helping you reinforce key knowledge and build confidence for test day. Whether you’re reviewing for your rotation or cramming on your commute, Surgery Shelf Prep! keeps it simple, efficient, and focused. If there’s a topic you’d like to hear covered, drop a suggestion in the podcast reviews—we’d love to hear from you! Note: Episodes are generated using AI text-to-speech technology to deliver content efficiently.
Episodes
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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...
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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...
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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…
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Postoperative Hemorrhage
Postoperative Hemorrhage Postoperative 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...
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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…
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Postoperative Ileus
Postoperative Fever: Timing, Differential, and Workup Postoperative 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...
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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...
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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,...
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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:...
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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...
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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...
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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....
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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,...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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…
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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…
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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.…
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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...
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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....
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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...
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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,...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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…
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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...
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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...
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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…
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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…
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
Surgery Shelf Prep!
Get ready to crush your surgery shelf exam with Surgery Shelf Prep! – a podcast designed for busy medical students on the go. These quick, high-yield episodes break down challenging surgical concepts into bite-sized pieces you can listen to on your way to or from the hospital.
Each episode focuses on topics that frequently appear on the shelf exam, helping you reinforce key knowledge and build confidence for test day. Whether you’re reviewing for your rotation or cramming on your commute, Surgery Shelf Prep! keeps it simple, efficient, and focused.
If there’s a topic you’d like to hear covered, drop a suggestion in the podcast reviews—we’d love to hear from you!
Note: Episodes are generated using AI text-to-speech technology to deliver content efficiently.
HOSTED BY
Scrub Battle
CATEGORIES
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Surgery Shelf Prep! have?
Surgery Shelf Prep! currently has 76 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Surgery Shelf Prep! about?
Surgery Shelf Prep! Get ready to crush your surgery shelf exam with Surgery Shelf Prep! – a podcast designed for busy medical students on the go. These quick, high-yield episodes break down challenging surgical concepts into bite-sized pieces you can listen to on your way to or from the hospital....
How often does Surgery Shelf Prep! release new episodes?
Surgery Shelf Prep! has 76 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to Surgery Shelf Prep!?
You can listen to Surgery Shelf Prep! on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Surgery Shelf Prep!?
Surgery Shelf Prep! is created and hosted by Scrub Battle.
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