Best Resources and Tips to Study Surgery

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Surgery is considered as one of the toughest subjects in the MBBS curriculum. Studying Surgery in MBBS can be challenging, but with the right resources and tips, you can succeed.

Here are some of the best resources and tips to help you study surgery:

Use Standard Textbooks: Textbooks are a crucial learning tool for surgery. The SRB’s Manual of Surgery, Sabiston Handbook of Surgery, Schwartz’s Principles of Surgery, Bailey and Love’s Brief Practice of Surgery and Surgery Essence are a few suggested textbooks. You must always refer to the standard recommended books for theory as well as for clinical practice.
Online Surgery Courses: To supplement the college lectures, you can enroll in a good online surgery course by eminent faculty. These courses provide you with the video lectures, notes, practice questions. One of the best parts of a good surgery course is access to clinical cases and case demonstrations in which the surgeons explain every minute details of the case. It helps you to enhance your practical knowledge of the surgical procedures and techniques.
Seminars, webinars and training workshops: They serve as a great resource for learning surgery. Surgery being a clinical subject requires more of practical knowledge than just reading books. Learning from the subject experts and eminent surgeons across globe through webinars and workshops broaden your knowledge and also help in developing surgical skills.
Medico related websites and journals: By regularly visiting and reading content on authentic medical websites and journals helps you remain updated with the recent advancements going on in your subject of interest. Also, joining surgical societies and organizations can provide you with opportunities for networking, learning, and career advancement. Some examples include the American College of Surgeons, the Royal College of Surgeons, and the European Society of Surgical Oncology.
Practice assessments and mock tests: Surgery self-assessment questions and giving mock tests helps in clearing your concepts more effectively. It also helps in evaluating and analysing your level of understanding of the surgery subjects.

Tips for Studying Surgery:

Develop a study schedule: Create a study schedule that allows you to balance your coursework, clinical rotations, and study time for surgery.
Practice surgical skills and never miss out case demonstration sessions: Surgery as a subject involves a lot of techniques, procedures, and instrumentation. Clinical experience is essential for learning surgery. During your clinical rotations, you’ll have the opportunity to observe surgeries, assist in procedures, and learn from experienced surgeons. Hence, you should not miss out your practical sessions and surgical ward & OT postings.
Attend surgical conferences and events: Attend surgical conferences and events to stay up to date with the latest advancements in surgery. Participating in conferences and events broaden your subject knowledge and makes you learn surgical tips from practitioners.
Understand the concepts and get your doubts clear: Don’t just cram the topics, understand it. Surgery is a vast and skill based subject and hence learning and understanding every topic of it is important and interrelated with other subjects. Ask questions during your surgical rotations and when studying, as this can help you better understand the topic. You can even get help from your seniors.
Use mnemonics, flashcards and flowcharts: Make concise notes and use of mnemonics, flashcards and flowcharts help in memorizing and quick revision.
Stay organized: Keep organized notes and study materials to help you better retain the information.

Remember that studying surgery requires dedication, hard work, and a willingness to learn. By using the resources and tips above, you can improve your understanding and skills in surgery.