In clinical practice, it is imperative that you have a strong base. Choosing the correct surgery books to read at undergraduate level is imperative. Correct decisions at this time can be the making or breaking of you. Availability of endless amount of surgery text books is confusing and at this point of time, you should know what is the best way forward and which books to read.
I am listing here some of the best surgery books, you will require in your undergraduate time in the medical school.
- Bailey and Love
1st in the list will obviously be the "bible", the must have Bailey & Love's Short Practice of Surgery
It is an essential book to be followed from undergraduate level and to the post graduation. The book has evolved beautifully from the earlier editions and is a nice read. The content is great , easy to understand and tables and diagrams are self explanatory. In the latest edition, summary boxes have been nicely placed which are essential for MCQs.
It gives snippets of great and famous surgeons at the bottom which itself is a great read.
This book has a worldwide following and every time you read it, you feel you gain something new.
How to read and use this book
- Begin with casual reading. Use it as an introductory manuscript. Give your first reading of the chapters and do not worry if it looks difficult at this time.
2.Give special emphasis to tables and photographs. In the latest editions much importance has been given to the tables, boxes etc.
3. General Surgery topics like inflammation, infection , wound healing, sutures are commonly asked in all exams . Important MCQs from bailey are covered here.
4. Its better that you don't try to memorize everything that’s given in it. Just get a basic idea about the etiology, pathogeneses , work up and management.
5. Give all the topics 2-3 reads and back it up with your clinical experience.
2. NMS Surgery
Its a very good book in question and answers format. This book's questions are very hard, but the explanations are thorough and useful. The book has been published recently this year and the sources cited are fairly current. It gives very detailed and precise answers and help you understand the topic well.